Essay Paper: 150+ Score Strategy Blueprint

Why Essay? Why Now?

Essay is not just a writing paper—it is the soul of expression in the UPSC Mains. It tests your ability to think, reflect, and write like a civil servant with maturity, structure, and insight.

Key Benefits:

Latest Trends (Essay 2020–2024)

Trend Action
Rise in philosophical/abstract topics Practice metaphors, analogies, real-life illustrations
GS-based topics remain dominant Link GS 1-4 themes like gender, federalism, climate
Evaluative questions are increasing Build multi-dimensional perspectives
Toppers’ copies show diversity of content Interweave quotes, thinkers, Constitution, reports

DHI’s 160+ Essay Strategy Formula

Essay Structuring Mastery

Segment Strategy
Introduction Use anecdotes, metaphors, constitutional quotes
Body 5–7 subthemes: Historical, Ethical, Social, Political, Technological, Environmental, Personal
Conclusion Aspirational + policy-linked + value-based tone
Golden Rule: Balance depth and breadth – be profound, not preachy.

Essay Enrichment Toolkit

  • Quotes Bank – Tag-wise (Democracy, Change, Freedom, Justice, Women, Technology)
  • Reports/Surveys – HDI, SDG Index, Oxfam Inequality Report, NITI Aayog indices
  • Thinkers/Examples – Ambedkar, Kalam, Mandela, Vivekananda, Gandhi, Kalam
  • Interlinking Practice – Practice GS-to-Essay flow (e.g., Ethics → Essay on “Morality in Public Life”)

Examples of Effective Openers:

  • “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi (For essays on transformation, ethics)
  • “Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” – Christian Lous Lange (For essays on AI, data)

Practice Makes Precision

Activity Frequency
Essay Writing 1 essay/week – alternate between abstract and GS-based
Review Sessions Peer + Mentor reviews – focus on originality & flow
Theme Bank Building 50+ themes with intros, conclusions, quote list

Essential Essay Resources

Resource Purpose
DHI Theme Booklet 50 themes + intros + diagrams
Toppers’ Essays Learn structure, flow, innovation
The Hindu + Indian Express For examples, perspectives, quotes
NITI + UN Reports Data-backed enrichment

What We Do Differently at DHI

DHI Mentor’s Final Tip:

“Don’t write to impress. Write to express—clearly, calmly, and completely.”

Contact for Essay Mentorship

Refine your essay skills with personalized reviews, model answers & a 50-theme strategy kit. Get expert feedback on structure, flow & content – tailored for UPSC success.