Hello UPSC aspirants !!

We’ve been closely monitoring the feedback regarding the unexpectedly low scores on the 2023 Essay Paper, and it’s clear that UPSC is charting a new course. UPSC is penalizing the conventional essay-writing methods and looking for essays that demonstrate not just knowledge, but also originality and creative thinking. This change underscores a crucial message from UPSC: they want aspirants to articulate thoughts clearly and compellingly, showcasing individual understanding and analytical skills.

Additionally, this year’s results highlight another critical aspect: the importance of precision and attention to detail. Small mistakes in interpretation, structure and argumentation can significantly impact your scores. It's a reminder that clarity and correctness are as important as creativity.

As you prepare for UPSC 2024, consider this a call to deepen your engagement with topics, hone your expression, and pay close attention to the finer details of your writing. Embrace this opportunity to think differently, write boldly, and express your unique viewpoint.

Let's view this as a positive challenge—a chance to develop and showcase the very best of your analytical and creative abilities.

Good luck to all of you !!

Is Thinking really like a game? - Yes

Ludwig Wittgenstein's concept of "language games" provides a profound insight into the structured nature of thought, suggesting that our thinking is shaped by the linguistic rules we adhere to, much like the way rules define a game.

This approach is particularly relevant in the context of Natural language processing (NLP) technologies. In these systems, algorithms 'play' within the constraints of human language, learning to interpret and generate text by understanding and applying rules of grammar, syntax, and semantics.

This process mirrors the strategic manipulation of language rules, illustrating how machines, like humans, participate in linguistic 'games' to achieve understanding and communication.

You can use this perspective while writing essay on the topic "Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team."

Yesterday, we have seen how "Thinking is like a Game" through the example of Natural language processing (NLP) technologies.

Now, Let's have a look at an alternative perspective !!

Thinking is more than a game?

Critics like philosopher Michael Oakeshott argue that thinking is less about competition and more about continuous exploration and dialogue, an ongoing conversation without clear winners or set endpoints. Additionally, neuroscientist Antonio Damasio’s research shows that emotions play a critical role in rational thinking, challenging the notion that thinking is purely logical or akin to a structured game.

These critiques suggest that while the game analogy is useful for understanding certain aspects of cognition, it overlooks the emotional, unconscious, and cultural dimensions that are integral to how humans think and make decisions.

"Poverty of Thought versus
Richness of Imagination"

Use this Subheading while writing Essay !!

Weekly Essay Challenge for UPSC 2024 & 2025 Aspirants!

We’ve noticed that the essay paper was a stumbling block for many in the UPSC 2023 Mains Exam. We’re stepping in to help turn that around. Our Weekly Essay Challenge is designed to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence in essay writing.

So, What you can expect from Weekly Essay Challenge !!

Engaging Topics: Every Sunday, gear up for a new challenge with a topic drawn from past UPSC essays. It's a perfect way to build your understanding and stay prepared!

Insightful Guidance: On Mondays, we’ll break down the previous day's topic, offering strategies and insights to help you evaluate your approach and improve your writing.

Supportive Community: Have questions or need a bit more guidance? We’re here for you! Reach out anytime and join a community of fellow aspirants who are just as motivated as you are.

Let’s embark on this journey together and master the art of essay writing. With each essay, you’ll learn, grow, and get one step closer to acing your UPSC mains!

All the Best !!

Week 1 of "Weekly Essay Challenge"

"Science without religion is lame, Religion without science is blind" !!

Try to attempt this Essay, we will share the detailed approach to tackle this Essay Topic tomorrow.

You can use these lines either in Introduction or Conclusion - Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru once applauded these lines of Dinkar in a "Kavi Sammelan" given his firm belief in "Science enlightened by Religion"- (Source: Lokdev Nehru by Ram Dhari Singh Dinkar)

You can read the Value Added Document on the Essay Topic which was posted Yesterday !!

Stay Tuned for detailed approach on this Topic !!

Secrets which will make you score 450+ Marks in GS.


Continuing with our message in the series about how despite good optional Marks, why it is essential to score a decent marks in GS. We dissected the copies of various toppers and found, it was not merely the way they write but how they understood and made the reader understand their answers.

This is essential because
✓ It is ultimately your mains copy through which it is decided whether you are apt for becoming an officer or not
✓ It is those limited words which makes or break the civil services dream.


We have dissected these elements in our session today, where we have carefully evaluated and tried to explain
✓ What are the best practises which toppers follow subject wise ?
✓ How they set the context of the answer?
✓ How they culminate various methodologies of answer drafting and make marks fetching answer ?


The session will start at 12:20. Here is the link to attend. 👇👇👇
https://youtube.com/live/Ir87gpYmBFE?feature=share

Mesmerizing Anecdote for Introduction !!

In the high-stake 2011 Cricket World Cup Final, MS Dhoni, captain of the Indian team, strategically promoted himself above the in-form Yuvraj Singh to bat at a critical juncture despite his subpar performance throughout the tournament. His decision was guided by a logical analysis of the opponent’s weaknesses—particularly against spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, whom Dhoni had confidently faced in past IPL matches.

Coupled with his intuition that his presence could inspire his team and manage the pressure, Dhoni’s move was both bold and calculated. Scoring an unforgettable 91 not out and securing India’s victory with a majestic six, Dhoni exemplified how blending intuition with logic in decision-making can lead to monumental success, capturing the essence of visionary leadership.

You can use this while writing Introduction for the Essay Topic -

"Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic."

For more such content join @essayprepcareer !!

Week 2 of "Weekly Essay Challenge"

Essay Topic: "History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce."

Do give it a try !!

We will share the detailed approach to tackle this Essay Topic tomorrow.

The tragic partition of British India in 1947 stands as a somber testament to the axiom that "History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce."

You can use this example to Introduce this Essay !!

Do you know the meaning of Contextual Introduction?

Let's understand through an example !!

Yesterday, we have posted an Essay topic for you to attempt, as part of Our "Weekly Essay Challenge". We will take that topic to understand how you can write "Contextual Introduction".

Essay Topic:

History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

Contextual Introduction

Karl Marx's famous sentence "History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce", was crafted amid the political upheavals following the French coup d'état of 1851, where Louis Napoleon seized dictatorial power. The “tragedy” refers to the earnest French Revolution of 1789, which aimed to dismantle oppressive structures and establish a society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity.

However, the subsequent rise and fall of leaders, like Napoleon Bonaparte and later his nephew Louis Napoleon, exemplified the "farce." Louis Napoleon’s ascent to power through an 1851 coup led to the Second Empire, which mimicked his uncle's rule but lacked the revolutionary fervor, reducing profound ideals to tools for political gain.

Marx critiqued this dilution of revolutionary zeal into opportunism, highlighting the decay of noble origins into shallow, self-serving enactments, illustrating the cyclical nature of history where profound changes devolve into trivial pursuits.

This is how you are expected to write Contextual Introduction. You need to know under what circumstances and in which context the remark has been made. If you don't have complete information then better try to Introduce in some other ways. We will discuss the different ways to write impactful Introduction in the coming days.

Stay Tuned @essayprepcareer.