Mains Answer Writing Components: 

 

How to prepare?

• Time Allocation

• 7-5-3 Rule

• Intro-Body-Conclusion Rule

• Keywords/ Directives 

• Differentiate between UPSC vs OPSC answer

• Optional vs General Studies Answer

• What is a perfect answer

• Suggestions for repeater candidates

 

How to write a good answer  : https://youtu.be/Vat39QkvnXg 

 

Time Allocation: Plan how much time you will allocate to each question based on its marks.

250 marks: 3 hours (180 minutes)

Exam administration: 5 minutes

Review Time: 5 Minutes

180-10: 170 minutes

250 marks / 170 minutes: 1.47 marks per minutes

• 10 marks: 6.66 (around 7 minutes)
• 15 marks: 10-12 minutes
• 20 marks: 12-14 minutes

Practice Writing: Regularly practice writing answers within the time limit. Focus on improving your speed and clarity.

Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.

The 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing: The name of this rule is taken from the code of discipline that many martial artists use. The 7-5-3 rule is as simple as the numbers given, where:

• SEVEN –7 minutes per question.
• FIVE – 5 key points or paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of the question. Use data, examples, and case studies to support your arguments.
• THREE – Elaborate each point in 3 dimensions as per the requirements listed in the question. The following are useful pointers:
  • Social, Economic, Political and Geographical perspective
  • For, against, and conclusion
  • What/Why/How

 

 

Structured Answers: Use the introduction-body-conclusion format to structure your answers. Write concise and relevant points to avoid wasting time on unnecessary details.

Introduction

• Purpose: The introduction sets the stage for your answer. It should be concise and directly address the question.
• How to Write: Begin with a brief definition, context, or background information related to the topic. You can also start with a relevant quote or a fact to grab attention.

Body

• Purpose: The body is where you present your main arguments, analysis, and evidence. It should be well-organized and cover all aspects of the question.
• How to Write:
  • Divide into Paragraphs: Each paragraph should cover a specific point or argument. Use subheadings if necessary.
  • Use Data and Examples: Support your arguments with relevant data, examples, case studies, and references to reports or studies.
  • Balanced View: Present a balanced view by discussing both sides of an argument, if applicable. Highlight the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, or different perspectives.
  • Link to the Question: Ensure that each point you make is directly linked to the question and contributes to answering it.

Conclusion

• Purpose: The conclusion summarizes your answer and provides a final perspective.
• How to Write:
  • Summarize Key Points: Briefly summarize the main points discussed in the body.
  • Provide a Final Thought: Offer a concluding thought, suggestion, or recommendation. You can also mention the way forward or the significance of the topic in a broader context.

Bullet Points and Diagrams: Use bullet points for clarity and to save time. Include diagrams, flowcharts, and tables where applicable to convey information quickly.

Avoid Perfectionism: Aim for completeness rather than perfection. Ensure you attempt all questions rather than spending too much time perfecting a few answers.

Review: Reserve the last 5-10 minutes to review your answers. Check for any missed points, grammatical errors, or incomplete answers.

UPSC/ OPSC mains various keywords and explanation

Descriptive Directives

1. Define:

   • Meaning: Provide the precise meaning of a term or concept.
   • Example: Define ‘democracy’.
   • Approach: Give a clear and concise definition, and if applicable, mention different perspectives or interpretations.
2. Describe:
   • Meaning: Provide a detailed account of a topic.
   • Example: Describe the features of the Indian monsoon.
   • Approach: List the main characteristics and provide thorough insight into the topic.
3. Elaborate:
   • Meaning: Provide detailed information on a topic or argument.
   • Example: Elaborate on the role of the judiciary in India.
   • Approach: Discuss in detail with examples and arguments.
4. Explain:
   • Meaning: Clarify a topic by providing detailed information.
   • Example: Explain the concept of sustainable development.
   • Approach: Provide as much detail as possible and define any key terms.

Analytical Directives

1. Analyse:
   • Meaning: Break down an issue into its component parts and explain how they relate to one another.
   • Example: Analyse the impact of globalization on Indian agriculture.
   • Approach: Discuss the components, their relationships, and their overall impact.
2. Examine:
   • Meaning: Give a detailed account, questioning and exploring the relevant issues.
   • Example: Examine the causes of urbanization in India.
   • Approach: Provide a thorough analysis, including both positive and negative aspects.
3. Evaluate:
   • Meaning: Weigh the importance, success, or value of something with evidence to support your view.
   • Example: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act.
   • Approach: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and provide a balanced judgment.
4. Critically Analyse:
   • Meaning: Provide a detailed analysis, including both positive and negative aspects, and offer a balanced judgment.
   • Example: Critically analyse the impact of digitalization on employment.
   • Approach: Discuss the pros and cons, and provide a well-rounded evaluation.

Comparative Directives

1. Compare:
   • Meaning: Examine the similarities and differences between two or more items.
   • Example: Compare the parliamentary and presidential forms of government.
   • Approach: Highlight both similarities and differences.
2. Contrast:
   • Meaning: Concentrate on the differences between two or more items.
   • Example: Contrast the economic policies of India and China.
   • Approach: Focus on the differences and provide a detailed comparison.

Opinion-Based Directives

1. Comment:
   • Meaning: Give your opinion or interpretation of a topic.
   • Example: Comment on the role of the media in a democracy.
   • Approach: Provide your perspective, supported by evidence and examples.
2. Justify:
   • Meaning: Make a case for a particular perspective or action.
   • Example: Justify the need for environmental conservation.
   • Approach: Provide logical reasoning and evidence to support your argument.

Model Answer Examples : 

“Finance Commission symbolizes Centre-State fiscal relations.” Examine this statement in the light of the constitution of 16th Finance Commission. (150 words)

Note: When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body for the purpose of allocation of certain revenue resources between the Union and the State Governments. It is established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. it is tasked with recommending the division of tax revenues and grants-in-aid.

The 16th Finance Commission, constituted in 2023, continues this tradition by addressing contemporary fiscal challenges.

• Fiscal autonomy: The 16th Finance Commission focuses on enhancing fiscal autonomy for states while addressing disparities in resource allocation.
• Tax devolution: It evaluates the financial needs of states and recommends tax devolution and grants-in-aid, which are vital for state budgets
• Equitable growth: This institutional framework is crucial for fostering equitable growth across diverse regions of India.
• Balanced allocation: It aims to ensure a balanced allocation of resources, considering factors such as population, income levels, and fiscal discipline.
• Fiscal federalism: The Commission’s recommendations are vital for maintaining fiscal federalism, promoting equitable growth, and ensuring that states have adequate resources to meet their developmental needs.

In essence, the Finance Commission acts as a bridge, fostering cooperation and coordination between the Centre and the States, thereby symbolizing the essence of India’s federal structure. Its role is crucial in maintaining the financial equilibrium and addressing the diverse needs of different states.

Q: The NITI Aayog has emerged as an important institution of the Union government in the last one decade. Elucidate. (250 words)

Introduction: The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, established in 2015, replaced the Planning Commission to better align with the contemporary economic landscape and governance needs. Over the past decade, it has become a pivotal institution in shaping India’s policy framework and fostering cooperative federalism.

Body:

Policy Formulation and Implementation:

• Strategic Planning: NITI Aayog has been instrumental in formulating long-term strategies and policies, such as the “Strategy for New India @75” which outlines developmental goals for 2022-23.
• Sectoral Reforms: It has driven reforms in critical sectors like health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, ensuring that policies are data-driven and evidence-based.

Cooperative Federalism:

• State Engagement: NITI Aayog promotes cooperative federalism by involving states in the policy-making process through initiatives like the Governing Council meetings.
• Competitive Federalism: It encourages states to compete in improving their performance through indices like the Health Index and the School Education Quality Index.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the country, supporting startups and establishing Atal Tinkering Labs in schools.
• Digital India: NITI Aayog has been a key player in promoting digital transformation through initiatives like the Digital India campaign and the development of the India Stack.

Sustainable Development:

• SDG Localization: It plays a crucial role in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and monitoring India’s progress through the SDG India Index.
• Environmental Initiatives: NITI Aayog has been involved in various environmental initiatives, including the National Clean Air Programme and the promotion of renewable energy.

Conclusion: NITI Aayog has emerged as a dynamic institution, driving India’s development agenda through strategic planning, fostering cooperative and competitive federalism, promoting innovation, and ensuring sustainable development. Its role in shaping policies and engaging with states has made it a cornerstone of India’s governance framework in the last decade.