The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2023 began with an Essay paper. There were eight essay topics separated into two groups, and aspirants were supposed to write on two of them in three hours, one from each. Candidates were asked to write 1000-1200 words for each essay.

Initial Thoughts

• This year's essay paper followed the predicted pattern, with five of the eight themes being philosophical in nature. Furthermore, the general tone of the paper was thoughtful and philosophical.
• Although the topics were simple to understand, it was challenging to select the right topic and then come up with enough content to complete 1000–1200 words.
• The paper was manageable for aspirants who adhered to the fundamentals of UPSC preparation, such as having a firm understanding of the static syllabus, broad knowledge of current events, and adequate writing practice.

Analysis

Now, let us discuss each topic separately.

Section A:

Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team

• This topic appears to be centered on the notion that critical thinking frequently occurs in the interaction to competing ideas or challenges.
• Candidates may have been asked to investigate how clashes of ideas result in innovation and advancement.

Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic

• Paul O'Brien is the author of this well-known proverb.
• This comment most likely encouraged candidates to explore the importance of balancing intuition and logic when making crucial decisions.
• It promotes thinking on the roles of both aspects in good leadership and problem-solving.

Not all who wander are lost

• This saying belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring.
• The topic expected from candidates to think about how exploring and being spontaneous in life’s journey can be excellent. It’s a deep topic that can be understood in many different ways.

Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane

• This essay topic appears to promote the notion that creativity is not restricted to rare moments of inspiration, but can also be found in ordinary events. It most likely prompted individuals to consider where creativity comes from and how we may exhibit it in our daily lives.

Section B:

Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands- two equally harmful disciplines

• This is the saying of Simone de Beauvoir. Simone de Beauvoir was a prominent French existentialist philosopher and feminist thinker. She made significant contributions to feminist philosophy through her work, including “The Second Sex,” where she discussed the concept of “The Other” and examined the role of societal expectations in shaping women’s lives.
• The quote by Simone de Beauvoir presented the idea that both girls and boys or individuals of different genders, often face distinct but equally harmful forms of societal pressures and constraints.

Mathematics is the music of reasons

• Mathematics is the music of reason, according to James Joseph Sylvester. Isn't music the mathematics of the senses, and mathematics the music of the reason? The musician feels mathematics, while the mathematician thinks music: music is a dream, and mathematics is a job.”
• This remark implies a poetic link between mathematics and music. Candidates would almost certainly be required to address the beauty and rationality inherent in mathematics, as well as its role in molding our understanding of the world.

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity

• This topic appears to touch on the concepts of social justice and charity, which have been studied by philosophers such as John Rawls, as well as the “veil of ignorance.”
• Candidates may have been asked to investigate the relationship in society amongst justice, equality, and generosity.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school

• Albert Einstein once said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
• This essay topic will most likely require candidates to consider the value of education beyond rote memorization. It could have been expected to have a discussion about the practical application of knowledge and lifelong learning.

Conclusion:

• It makes no difference whether aspirants know where the quotes came from. The only thing that matters is how the given quote is elaborated and supplemented by examples and case studies. All of this is dependent on the critical topic selection. All of this depends on the proper selection of the topic.

Takeaways for 2024

• As previously stated, the paper was manageable for those who strictly followed the fundamentals of UPSC preparation.
• The main takeaway from this year's paper is that sufficient writing practise is necessary now.

More about the Art of Essay Writing can be found in Samajho's Corner:

• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 1 | How to Write an Effective Essay?
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 2 | Quotes For Writing an Effective Essay
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 3 | Anecdotes For Writing an Effective Essay
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 4 | Theme-wise Previous Years Essay Papers
• Samajho UPSC Essay Series | Part 5 | How to Tackle Philosophical Essays?