UPSC Mains 2026 Essay Paper PDF

The UPSC Mains 2026 Essay Paper was conducted as the first paper of the Civil Services Main Examination.

Download the UPSC Mains 2026 Essay Paper PDF and check all the essay topics asked in Section A and Section B.

[Download UPSC Mains 2026 Essay Paper PDF]

UPSC Mains 2026 Essay Topics

Section A

1. Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life.
2. A grateful mind is very beautiful.
3. A thorn is a changed bud.
4. When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.

Section B

1. Nature is the symbol of the spirit.
2. A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.
3. Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.
4. A good leader is one who follows the followers.

UPSC Mains 2026 Essay Paper Pattern

The UPSC Mains Essay Paper carries 250 marks. It tests a candidate's ability to present ideas clearly, logically and from different perspectives.

• Total Marks: 250
• Duration: 3 hours
• Sections: Two — Section A and Section B
• Essays to Write: One essay from each section
• Word Limit: About 1000-1200 words per essay
• Topics: Philosophical, social, political, economic, ethical and contemporary themes.