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UPSC Mains 2025 Essay

Explore the complete UPSC Mains Essay question paper from 2025, 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, 2025Time 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: 125×2=250
  • Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.

Section A

  1. 1

    Truth knows no color.

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

    The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

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

    Thought finds a world and creates one also.

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

    Best lessons are learnt through bitter experiences.

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks

Section B

  1. 5

    Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.

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

    The years teach much which the days never know.

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

    It is best to see life as a journey, not as a destination.

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

    Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.

    Answer in about 1000-1200 words
    125marks

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