The Essay Paper in UPSC CSE 2024 was easy compared to previous years. Please find the questions in the Essay Paper of the UPSC 2024 Civil Services Mains Examination (written).
UPSC conducted the Essay Paper, as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2024 on 20-09-2024. The question paper was relatively easy.
There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.
Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).
Essay Paper UPSC 2024 Instructions
- Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
- The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
- No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
- Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.
Essay Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2024
Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:
Part A
- Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.
- The Empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.
- There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.
- The doubter is a true man of Science.
Part B
- Social media is Triggering ‘ Fear of Missing Out ‘ amongst the youth , precipitating depression and loneliness.
- Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.
- All ideas having large consequences are always simple.
- The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
Essay Paper UPSC 2024 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis
Section A
1. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.
This statement is saying that civilizations flourish where nature is abundant, but as humans build societies, they often damage the environment, leading to barren lands.
Think of it like this: when people settle in areas full of forests and natural resources, they cut down trees, clear land for agriculture, and use up resources to grow their cities.
Over time, if they’re not careful, that land can turn into a desert—literally or figuratively.
You can use examples from history, like how ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia flourished because of fertile lands, but many of those areas now struggle with desertification due to poor management of resources.
This topic would also fit into discussions around climate change and how modern society has to learn from the past to avoid environmental disasters.
2. The Empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.
Instead of countries or kings conquering land with armies, this topic suggests that future power will come from knowledge and ideas.
Basically, in today’s world, people and nations with advanced technology, innovation, and control over information will be the most powerful.
Think about how big companies like Google, Facebook, or nations leading in artificial intelligence have a huge influence globally.
It’s not about land anymore—it’s about controlling ideas, information, and knowledge.
You could talk about how education, technology, and creativity are becoming the new currency of power in the world.
3. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.
This is a more philosophical topic, saying that happiness isn’t something you “get” after achieving a goal; it’s something you practice every day.
Instead of thinking, “I’ll be happy when I get rich or successful,” the idea is to find happiness in the small things, like enjoying your daily life and being content with what you have.
It’s similar to ideas in Buddhism or mindfulness, where the focus is on being present and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.
You could compare how different cultures and philosophies view happiness, or discuss why chasing material success doesn’t always lead to happiness.
4. The doubter is a true man of Science.
This one is all about the importance of questioning things in science.
Basically, true scientists don’t accept things at face value—they’re always skeptical, asking questions, and trying to prove ideas wrong to find the truth.
Doubt and questioning are what drive scientific discovery.
You could talk about famous scientists like Galileo or Einstein, who challenged existing beliefs and helped move humanity forward. In today’s world, with so much information available, critical thinking and skepticism are more important than ever, whether it’s in science or in everyday life.
Section B
1. Social media is triggering ‘Fear of Missing Out’ amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.
This topic is something a lot of students today can relate to.
It’s saying that social media makes people feel like they’re missing out on all the fun others are having, which can lead to anxiety, loneliness, and even depression.
Think about Instagram or TikTok—people post their best moments, and it often looks like everyone else is living a perfect life, which can make you feel bad about your own life.
This essay could explore how constant comparison on social media impacts mental health, especially for young people.
You can also mention how it’s important to have balance, maybe even trying social media breaks or focusing on real-life connections.
2. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.
This is about how people’s true character comes out when they have power.
It’s easy to be good when you’re struggling or when life is tough, but how do you behave when you’re in charge?
Does power make you kind and fair, or does it corrupt you?
You could use examples of political leaders, celebrities, or even people in everyday life.
Abraham Lincoln is often quoted here because he believed that how someone handles power shows their true nature.
This is a great opportunity to discuss leadership, ethics, and what makes a good leader.
3. All ideas having large consequences are always simple.
Some of the most impactful ideas in history are often quite simple.
Think about democracy, freedom, equality—these ideas are straightforward, but they’ve changed the world.
The essay could explore why simplicity makes ideas more powerful—because they’re easier to understand, spread, and act on.
You could compare this with complex ideas that may not be as effective or show how simple principles have led to big movements or discoveries.
4. The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
This is all about action versus inaction.
It’s saying that it’s better to try something and fail than to do nothing out of fear of being wrong.
Think about how in science, business, or even life, trial and error are necessary for progress.
If you’re too afraid to make mistakes, you’ll never get anywhere.
You could discuss how risk-taking and learning from failures are essential for growth.
This could be applied to entrepreneurship, decision-making in politics, or even personal development.
What Should Aspirants Preparing for UPSC CSE for Next Year do for an essay paper?
Taking the essay paper in the UPSC exam seriously is important. This paper requires you to write 10-12 pages about abstract or philosophical topics, which can be challenging if you’re not well-prepared.
To succeed in this exam and perform well in the essay paper, you should work on improving your comprehension and analytical skills.
To get additional guidance you can join the ClearIAS essay writing program as well.
Don’t miss: ClearIAS Courses
Summary: Essay Paper UPSC 2024 (Mains)
The UPSC 2024 essay questions are a mix of deep philosophical themes, environmental and historical reflections, and modern social challenges.
Some topics, like “Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them,” encourage us to reflect on humanity’s impact on nature, while others, like “Social media is triggering Fear of Missing Out,” are very relevant to the digital age and its effect on youth.
There are also essays that dive into personal growth and leadership, such as “There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path,” which emphasizes finding joy in everyday life, and “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power,” focusing on how power reveals true character.
The key is to connect these topics to real-world examples, whether from history, psychology, science, or personal experiences, and to understand how they apply to both the individual and society today.
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