DEVELOP THE UPSC PERSPECTIVE FOR ESSAYS

Develop the UPSC perspective for Essays

The perspective expected in essays and subjective answers of GS papers is not shared by UPSC. Although UPSC reports give broad hints about this elusive UPSC perspective, still most senior teachers deconstruct the perspective expected by UPSC by a bit of reverse engineering - Correlating the class responses/ test performance of students to the scores they end up getting in the Main exam.

UPSC essays are not expected to be a variation of Literary Criticism taught in colleges. They need a domain knowledge foundation of history, geography, economy, polity, society, environment, development and ancient philosophy and spirituality that has defined India. The knowledge foundation developed from GS preparation needs updation, enrichment and value addition by Current Affairs.

Above this foundation is the technical expertise of writing an essay with an impeccable sense of erudite English language. The essay has to exhibit the wholesome personality, a sorted mind free of biases and prejudices, a problem-solving orientation, and a focus on future development of the country.

Most importantly, the essay must show the attitude and perception expected of Civil Servants.