What is UPSC looking for in Mains?

Great question for UPSC CSE aspirants! No one can ever for sure know what the examiner is looking for. However, it can be understood to some extent from many topper copies available out there, and the known fact that UPSC invites top professors to evaluate answer sheets. I got over 460 marks in GS and almost 160 in Essay. I feel I had figured out answer writing (both long format — essay and short format — GS) to some extent. Here are my two cents on what UPSC examiner is looking for:

• First, Depth & breadth of Content
  • Content of the answer must address the main points that have been asked in the question. The content must touch upon all the broader aspects as well as go deep enough so as to satisfy the examiner that you are well aware and have presented that awareness on the paper.
  • For example, as you can see in the below answer, substantial points of the Section 124 have been covered, with keywords such as ‘self-censorship’, Article 19, Kedarnath Case etc. to provide significant substance to the answer. Don’t present your personal views!

• • Second, UPSC asks two types of questions: (1) simple straight forward ones where you need to provide points directly (2) convoluted ones with long statements that are often just misleading you in some other direction.
    • Your job is to identify the main keywords and what is actually been asked in the question to answer it comprehensively.
    • I will provide examples of both type of questions here: First is a simple question with straight forward info required (MAINS 2018 question).. Second is a convoluted one.

• This is a more complex question. Note here that the statement provided by UPSC has nothing to do with the actual question. The actual question is simply asking the role of SHGs and measures taken by government to promote SHGs. Just answer these two points! Ignore the rest!

• Third, Presentation of Content
  • Presentation must be done in such a way so as to improve the overall ‘readability of the answer’. As you can see below, I have used a table to answer the question asked in MAINS 2017 question.

• Like the above, use Relevant diagrams/charts etc. to answer the question.
• Fourth, Relevant keywords and data points to support your points
  • These include constitutional articles, points from Economic survey and other reports, data such as GDP/employment/share of various sectors etc., remember name of reports and quote them where necessary, commission report.
• Fifth, Don’t provide personal opinion. Build your argument on solid data points and reports and provide well-accepted views only. You will stand out not because you have written something different but because you have written WHAT IS EXPECTED.
• What gets you those extra 1–3 marks in a question
  • Clarity of language and precision. If you dilly dally around a question, the examiner will understand you don’t know the answer or you don’t know how to express. Therefore, get straight to the point and answer the MAIN QUESTION/questions asked. Note the points provided by me above.
  • You DON’T NEED TO WRITE CATCHY INTROs and CONCLUSIONS. They don’t get marks. What get marks is if it is relevant, to the point and simple. See the above answers for introductions. Again, keep it to the point and what is being asked. My book 110+ in GS 2 also has 2017 and 2018 GS 2 paper solved where you can refer to some questions.
    • Many questions don’t even need an intro and conclusion. For example, a question such as (Mains 2018 question): “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as in the range of powers he can exercise. (10)
    • Here, you don’t need to provide an introduction if you can’t come up with one. Just provide points of his term and appointment method and range of powers. You will get good marks.
• Finally, Re-read the question and make sure you understand it. Read it again while answering the question so that you don’t miss vital parts. Also, use keywords from the question as headings or sub-headings to make it easier for examiner to follow your answer.

Hope this helps!