The UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025 is an important part of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. This paper checks a candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly, think critically, and write effectively on a wide range of topics. Aspirants are asked to write two essays in three hours. The essay paper helps UPSC evaluate not just knowledge, but also your understanding of society, governance, ethics, and philosophy.
UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025
The UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025 was conducted on August 22, 2025. Candidates had to write two essays, choosing one topic each from Section A and Section B. Each essay carries 125 marks, making the total 250 marks. The topics usually include themes related to society, ethics, governance, environment, and philosophy. The paper aims to test your thought process, analytical ability, and writing skills.
UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025: Overview
The UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025 was structured into two sections, each offering four essay topics. Candidates had to pick one from each and write essays within the recommended word limit of 1000-1200 words. The exam lasted 3 hours and carried a total of 250 marks. The questions reflected a mix of abstract, philosophical, and current socio-political issues, which required deep thinking and effective articulation. Here’s a quick overview of the UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025:
UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025: Overview | |
Aspect | Description |
Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 |
Paper | Essay (Paper-I) |
Exam Date | August 22, 2025 |
Total Marks | 250 (125 per essay) |
Sections | Section A and Section B |
Number of Topics | 4 in each section (choose 1 from each) |
Word Limit (Recommended) | 1000-1200 words per essay |
Time Duration | 3 Hours |
Candidates preparing for UPSC Mains can download the UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025 PDF from reliable sources. It is available on websites like the official UPSC site, coaching platforms, and UPSC preparation portals. Having access to the actual paper helps aspirants understand the question pattern, themes, and types of essays that appear in the real exam. For the ease of candidates we have provided a direct link to download the UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025 here:
खण्ड – A / SECTION – A (Choose One)
- सत्य कोई रंग नहीं जानता है। — Truth knows no color.
- बिना लड़े हुए शत्रु को वश में करना युद्ध की सर्वोच्च कला है। — The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
- विचार एक दुनिया खोजता भी है और एक बनाता भी है। — Thought finds a world and creates one also.
- सबसे अच्छे सबक कड़वे अनुभवों से सीखे जाते हैं। — Best lessons are learnt through bitter experiences.
खण्ड – B / SECTION – B (Choose One)
- गंदे पानी को अकेला छोड़ देने से ही उसे सबसे अच्छा साफ किया जा सकता है। — Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.
- वर्ष बहुत कुछ सिखाते हैं, जो दिन कभी नहीं जानते। — The years teach much which the days never know.
- जीवन को यात्रा के रूप में देखना सर्वोत्तम है, न कि एक गंतव्य के रूप में। — It is best to see life as a journey, not as a destination.
- संतोष प्राकृतिक सम्पत्ति है; विलासिता कृत्रिम निर्धनता है। — Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.
Follow these simple steps to download the UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025:
- Visit the official website at upsc.gov.in
- Click on “Examinations” in the main menu.
- Select “Previous Year Question Papers” from the dropdown.
- Choose “Civil Services (Main) Examination”.
- Look for the year 2025 and click on “Essay Paper”.
- Download the PDF file and save it for practice.
How to Use UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025 for Preparation?
The UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025 is more than just a previous paper, it’s a great tool for preparation. Solving the UPSC Essay Paper 2025 under timed conditions helps build writing stamina and structure. Reviewing the themes improves your understanding of expected areas. Use it for mock tests, brainstorming exercises, and refining your essay-writing strategy. With regular practice, this paper can guide you in forming impactful, balanced, and high-scoring essays for the UPSC Mains Here’s how you can make the most of it:
- Understand the pattern: Analyze the themes and types of essays (philosophical, ethical, governance-related, etc.).
- Practice writing: Use the actual topics to write full-length essays within 3 hours.
- Improve structure: Practice introduction-body-conclusion format with proper flow and logical arguments.
- Self-review: Evaluate your essays or get feedback from mentors. Focus on clarity, coherence, and depth.
- Content development: Build a repository of examples, quotes, and case studies that match essay themes.
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UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the total mark for the UPSC Essay Paper 2025? +
Q2. How many topics are given in the UPSC Essay Paper? +
Q3. Where can I download the UPSC Essay Question Paper 2025? +
Q4. What type of topics are asked in the UPSC Essay Paper? +
Q5. What is the recommended word limit for each essay? +