UPSC Mains 2026 Essay
Explore the complete UPSC Mains Essay question paper from 2026, 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.
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.
Your Three Hours Are Complete
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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
- 1125marks
Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words - 2125marks
A grateful mind is very beautiful.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words - 3125marks
A thorn is a changed bud.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words - 4125marks
When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words
Section B
- 5125marks
Nature is the symbol of the spirit.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words - 6125marks
A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words - 7125marks
Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words - 8125marks
A good leader is one who follows the followers.
Answer in about 1000-1200 words
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