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UPSC Mains 2018 Essay

Explore the complete UPSC Mains Essay question paper from 2018, with every question clearly presented alongside its marks and word limit. Read online or download either PDF edition free.

The official PDF is UPSC’s own bilingual file. The UPSC Gurus edition is a clean English version formatted for easy reading and printing.

Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2018Time Allowed: Three HoursMaximum Marks: 250

Practise Under the Exam Clock

Set aside three hours, start the clock and write your answers on paper, just as you would in the examination. Nothing needs to be uploaded.

Question Paper Specific Instructions

  • Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each.
  • Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.

Section A

  1. 1

    Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks
  2. 2

    A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks
  3. 3

    Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks
  4. 4

    Management of Indian border disputes—a complex task

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks

Section B

  1. 5

    Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks
  2. 6

    'The past' is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks
  3. 7

    A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks
  4. 8

    Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks

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