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Preparing for the UPSC Mains Essay Paper can be one of the most challenging tasks for aspirants. Unlike General Studies, where answers are fact-based, the Essay paper tests clarity of thought, structured argumentation, originality, and balance of perspectives. One of the most effective ways to prepare is by studying UPSC Essay PYQ Solved Answers. These model essays show how previous year questions can be approached and written in a way that fetches high marks.
On this page, we are sharing a high-value PDF of solved UPSC Essay PYQs, designed to help aspirants understand the art of writing impactful essays.
UPSC Essay Previous Year Questions (PYQs) give the clearest idea of the kind of themes and depth UPSC expects from aspirants. By studying UPSC Essay PYQ Solved Answers, you can see exactly how successful candidates structure their thoughts and present arguments in a way that earns high marks.
Solved essays help aspirants:
Understand how to build a clear introduction, multi-dimensional body, and balanced conclusion
Learn how to integrate philosophy, history, society, governance, and current affairs seamlessly
Develop the right tone and language that examiners reward
Recognize and avoid common mistakes such as lack of depth or one-sided arguments
Gain confidence for attempting two essays within three hours during the exam
This complete resource is divided into Part A and Part B, with each part containing model answers to selected UPSC Mains essay previous year questions (PYQs). The essays are written in exam-focused style to guide aspirants in framing structured, high-quality answers.
Truth Knows No Color – explores the universality of truth beyond race, religion, or ideology.
The Supreme Art of War is to Subdue the Enemy Without Fighting – examines Sun Tzu’s philosophy through history, diplomacy, and modern global strategy.
Thought Finds a World and Creates One Also – discusses how ideas shape history, politics, economy, science, and society.
Best Lessons Are Learnt Through Bitter Experiences – highlights how personal, national, and global setbacks become sources of resilience and progress.
Muddy Water is Best Cleared by Leaving it Alone – highlights the value of patience, time, and restraint in resolving conflicts.
The Years Teach Much Which the Days Never Know – reflects on time as the ultimate teacher of wisdom.
It is Best to See Life as a Journey, Not as a Destination – emphasizes the importance of growth, experiences, and process over goals.
Contentment is Natural Wealth; Luxury is Artificial Poverty – contrasts simplicity and satisfaction with excess and materialism.
Each essay demonstrates:
Engaging introductions (anecdotes, quotes, or shlokas)
Multi-dimensional analysis across philosophy, politics, history, governance, economy, science, and society
Counter-arguments and alternative perspectives for balance
Use of relevant thinkers, quotes, and real-world examples
Optimistic, well-rounded conclusions
This makes the PDF not just a set of solved answers, but a comprehensive guide for mastering UPSC essay writing through PYQs.
Studying solved UPSC essay PYQs gives aspirants a clear advantage in preparation. These model answers:
Provide a benchmark for structuring essays into a strong introduction, multi-dimensional body, and balanced conclusion
Demonstrate how to integrate philosophy, history, politics, economics, ethics, and current affairs into one coherent narrative
Offer a repository of quotes, anecdotes, and real-world examples that can be reused in exams
Improve speed and clarity by showing how to organize thoughts under time pressure
Build confidence by presenting high-scoring strategies used by successful candidates
In short, solved essays act as a ready reference for both practice and exam-day performance, helping aspirants aim for 130+ in the Essay paper.
Access the complete set of solved UPSC Mains Essay previous year questions, divided into Part A and Part B. Each part contains four model answers written in a structured, exam-ready style.
Part A – Solved 2025 UPSC Essay PYQs
Includes essays on truth, strategy, thought, and life lessons.
👉 Download Part A PDFPart B – Solved 2025 UPSC Essay PYQs
Includes essays on patience, time, journey vs. destination, and contentment.
👉 Download Part B PDF
These resources are prepared by Kalam IAS Academy to help aspirants practice with authentic essay models, build confidence, and improve their performance in the Mains Essay Paper.
Q1. How many essays are asked in UPSC Mains?
The Essay paper requires aspirants to write two essays, each carrying 125 marks, for a total of 250 marks. These two essays are chosen from two sections (Part A and Part B), where four topics are given in each section. Aspirants must attempt one essay from each section.
Q2. Why are previous year essay questions important?
Most essay themes are linked to recurring patterns from previous UPSC papers. Solving PYQs helps aspirants identify these themes, build a multi-dimensional approach, and write with greater clarity.
Q3. What is the difference between Part A and Part B in the Essay paper?
In UPSC Mains, Part A usually contains topics that are more abstract, philosophical, or reflective in nature (e.g., truth, thought, resilience). Part B typically has themes closer to society, governance, development, or human values expressed in applied contexts (e.g., patience, contentment, journey of life). Together, they test both the depth of thought and the ability to connect philosophy with real-world issues.
Q4. Should I memorize solved essays?
No. The goal is not memorization but learning how to structure, balance perspectives, and present arguments in your own words. Originality is essential for scoring high.
Q5. How do solved UPSC essays improve writing speed?
By practicing with model answers, aspirants learn to quickly organize thoughts into introductions, main body arguments, and conclusions, which helps manage time during the three-hour paper.
Q6. Does this PDF cover both Part A and Part B essays?
Yes. It includes eight solved essays in total — four from Part A and four from Part B — written in UPSC standard format with introductions, multi-dimensional analysis, and balanced conclusions.