Table of Contents
UPSC Mains Essay Paper Analysis 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) held the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025 on 22nd August 2025. Being the first paper of the Civil Services (Main) Examination, the Essay Paper plays a crucial role in the ranking of a candidate. Carrying a weightage of 250 marks, it provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their analytical mind, philosophical insight, and writing skills.
This year’s Essay Paper was the usual UPSC format, but carried on the recent trend of philosophical, ethical, and life-reflective themes, with the candidates having to write two essays of 1000–1200 words each from each section (A and B).
UPSC Mains Essay Paper Analysis 2025
The UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025 is designed to assess candidates’ critical thinking skills, ability to organize arguments, and express ideas in a logical manner. This paper carries considerable importance as it adds 250 marks to the overall merit list. Candidates must write two essays, one from each of two sections, on topics ranging from philosophy and ethics to governance, society, and life experiences.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | 20th September 2025 |
| Total Marks | 250 |
| Sections | Two (A & B) |
| Questions per Section | 4 |
| Questions to Attempt | 1 from each section |
| Marks per Essay | 125 |
| Word Limit | 1000–1200 words |
| Major Themes | Philosophy, Ethics, Life Lessons, Governance, Society |
UPSC Essay Question Paper Solution 2025
| Section | Theme Type | Essay Solution 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | Philosophical–Abstract Themes | 1. Truth knows no color.
2. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. 3. Thought finds a world and creates one also. 4. Best lessons are learnt through bitter experiences. |
| Section B | Practical–Life & Ethical Themes | 1. Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.
2. The years teach much which the days never know. 3. It is best to see life as a journey, not as a destination. 4. Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty. |
UPSC Essay Paper 2025 – Key Observations
-
Philosophical Dominance – Much like recent years, the Essay Paper leaned heavily on abstract and ethical themes. Candidates needed to blend philosophical reasoning with practical relevance.
-
Balance of Theory & Application – Essays like “Truth knows no color” or “Contentment is natural wealth” required multidimensional arguments – linking philosophy, history, governance, economics, and contemporary issues.
-
Ethics & Governance Angle – Topics such as “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting” could be related to statecraft, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and leadership.
-
Life-Philosophy Essays – Section B allowed aspirants to draw from personal experiences, psychology, literature, and Indian philosophy, making it relatively easier to attempt.
-
Challenges for Candidates –
-
Avoiding superficial or moralistic essays.
-
Ensuring depth, structure, and multidimensional analysis.
-
Time management for 2 essays within 3 hours.
-
Strategies for Future Aspirants (2026 & Beyond)
-
Philosophical Reading – Engage with thinkers like Gandhi, Vivekananda, Tagore, Ambedkar, and global philosophers (Kant, Plato, Sun Tzu).
-
Diverse Knowledge Base – Link essays with history, politics, economics, environment, psychology, literature, and current affairs.
-
Structured Approach – Follow the Introduction – Body – Conclusion framework, with subheadings and examples.
-
Practice Abstract Topics – Regular practice of philosophical essays helps develop clarity of thought.
-
Interdisciplinary Thinking – Show connections between philosophy and governance (e.g., non-violence → diplomacy, contentment → sustainable development).
-
Mock Tests – Write under time-bound conditions to master balance between quality and quantity.
WhatsApp
