IAS Main Exam 2012: Tips and Strategies for Essay Paper

The Essay paper in IAS Main exam carries 200 marks and it is of 3 hours duration. The candidates can write the paper either in English or in any one of the Indian languages included in the eighth schedule of the constitution. The essay paper tests the following traits in the candidates:-

1) Comprehension
2) Originality of thought
3) Clarity of expression and
4) Integrated thinking with assimilation of ideas

Dos and Don’ts for Writing Essay Paper for IAS Main

• Stay focused on the topic which you have chosen for writing essay.
• Be analytical as well as logical while writing.
• There should be clarity and precision in your writing.
• Use sub heads in your writing wherever necessary.
• Divide your essay in small paragraphs.
• Provide facts whenever necessary.
• Avoid spelling and grammatical mistakes.
• Don’t use figurative language and words.
• Avoid writing long sentences. Be precise and direct.
• Express only a single thought in a single paragraph.