The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 Essay Paper was conducted for candidates who qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The Essay paper carries 250 marks and assesses a candidate’s ability to present ideas in a clear, coherent, and well-structured manner.
On this page, you can find the UPSC CSE Mains Essay Question Paper 2025, official essay topics, exam pattern, important instructions, and the official UPSC PDF link.
UPSC CSE Mains Essay Paper 2025: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 |
| Paper | Essay (Paper I) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Exam Stage | Main Examination |
| Maximum Marks | 250 |
| Time Allowed | 3 Hours |
| Essays to Attempt | 2 (One from Section A and One from Section B) |
| Word Limit | 1000–1200 words for each essay |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Medium | Any language authorized by UPSC in the Admission Certificate |
Question Paper Instructions
- The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate.
- The authorized medium should be clearly mentioned on the cover of the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet.
- No marks will be awarded for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Candidates must adhere to the prescribed word limit.
- Any blank page or unused portion of the Question-cum-Answer Booklet should be clearly struck off.
UPSC CSE Mains Essay Question Paper 2025
Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each : 125 * 2 = 250
Section A
- Truth knows no color.
- The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
- Thought finds a world and creates one also.
- Best lessons are learnt through bitter experiences.
Section B
- Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.
- The years teach much which the days never know.
- It is best to see life as a journey, not as a destination.
- Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.
Official UPSC PDF
The official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 Essay Question Paper can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
Download Official UPSC CSE Mains Essay Question Paper 2025 (PDF)