UPPCS Mains: Essay
About this paper
The Essay is the second of the eight compulsory papers of the UPPCS Main (Written) Examination held by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). Candidates write three essays, one from each of three sections.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stage | Main Examination (written) |
| Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Essays | 3: one topic from each of Sections A, B and C |
| Length | 700 words each |
| Status | Counted for merit |
- Three sections, one essay each. The paper has three sections, and the candidate selects one topic from each, so every candidate writes exactly three essays.
- Word limit. Each essay is to be written in 700 words, about 2,100 words in all in three hours.
- Choice within a section. The advertisement does not say how many topics each section offers, or how the 150 marks are divided among the three essays.
- Language. Question papers are set in English and Hindi. Candidates may answer in English (Roman script), Hindi (Devanagari script) or Urdu (Persian script).
- Counted for merit. Its 150 marks are part of the Main Examination's 1,500 marks; the 100-mark Interview is added for the final selection.
- Standard and legibility. The standard is that expected of a university graduate. Marks may be deducted for handwriting that is not easily legible.
Official syllabus
There will be three sections in the question paper of Essay. Candidates will have to select one topic from each section and they are required to write essay in 700 words on each topic. In the three sections, topics of essay will be based on following sphere:
Section A:
- Literature and Culture.
- Social sphere.
- Political sphere.
Section B:
- Science, Environment and Technology.
- Economic Sphere.
- Agriculture, Industry and Trade.
Section C:
- National and International Events.
- Natural Calamities, Land slide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought etc.
- National Development programmes and projects.
Subject-wise breakdown
- Section A: Literature and Culture, Social Sphere, Political Sphere: culture, society and polity.
- Section B: Science, Environment and Technology, Economic Sphere, Agriculture, Industry and Trade: science, environment, economy and the productive sectors.
- Section C: National and International Events, Natural Calamities, Development Programmes: current events, disasters and development schemes.
Writing a 700-word essay
- Time. Three essays in three hours leaves about an hour for each, including a few minutes to plan and a few to revise.
- Plan. Before writing, note the central argument and four to six points in a logical order.
- Introduction. Set out how the topic is understood, perhaps with a short example, fact or quotation.
- Body. One idea per paragraph, each moving the argument forward; cover several dimensions (social, economic, political, environmental, ethical) where they fit.
- Conclusion. Draw the threads together and suggest a balanced way forward.
- Length. Keep close to 700 words: well under it leaves points undeveloped, and far over it costs time for the other two essays.
- Uttar Pradesh. Examples from the state's history, culture, economy and schemes give an essay local relevance.
How this paper connects
- The content comes from the six General Studies papers: General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III, General Studies IV, General Studies V and General Studies VI.
- Clear Hindi expression and summarising, tested in General Hindi, help candidates who write in Hindi.
Source: UPPSC Advertisement No. A-1/E-1/2026 (Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (General/Special Recruitment) Examination-2026), 25 June 2026, Appendices 2 to 4; Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, uppsc.up.nic.in. Last checked 11 November 2026.