The UPSC Mains Essay Paper is an essential part of the Civil Services Examination, carrying 250 marks. Despite having good knowledge, many aspirants score low due to common mistakes in structuring, coherence, and expression. Let’s explore why aspirants struggle and how to improve.

| Mistake | Impact |
| No proper introduction | Weak first impression |
| Unorganized body paragraphs | Confusing flow of ideas |
| Abrupt conclusion | Leaves essay incomplete |
Solution: Use a structured approach like Introduction – Body – Conclusion (IBC) to make essays well-organized.
Tip: Start with an engaging quote, anecdote, or fact. Conclude by linking back to the introduction.
Instead of randomly listing points, divide the essay into structured sections like:
| Historical Background Current Scenario Challenges Solutions & Way Forward |
This helps in maintaining logical flow.
Good: Education is the foundation of a progressive society. However, India still faces challenges in literacy rates, which hinders socio economic growth. To address this, policies like the NEP 2020 have been introduced.
Bad: Education is important. Many people are illiterate. Government is doing work. Literacy is needed for progress.
| Method | Example |
| Using Reports | “According to the NITI Aayog report, India’s literacy rate is 77.7%.” |
| Citing Examples | “The Green Revolution improved food security in India.” |
Graphs can help present facts effectively:
Scoring well in the UPSC Mains Essay Paper requires a mix of structure, coherence, and balance. By avoiding common mistakes and implementing these strategies, aspirants can write compelling essays that stand out.
Final Tip: Practice writing essays regularly, get feedback using AnswerWriting.com, and refine your approach. Good luck!