#Essay Paper

[vijethaias11]

Mastering the Essay Paper for UPSC CSE 2025/26

Essay Paper

The Essay Paper in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) holds a significant position in determining a candidate's ultimate ranking. With a total of 250 marks, it evaluates not only your knowledge but also your capacity to articulate ideas clearly and convincingly

For those aspiring to excel in the UPSC CSE 2025/26, Vijetha IAS Academy provides a focused and thorough strategy to mastering this essential paper. However, the preparation process can be challenging because it requires both understanding and skill. Although the marks are limited, the impact on one's overall score is substantial. This is why a well-structured plan is essential for success.

Understanding the Essay Paper

Marks and Structure:

Total Marks: 250

Number of Essays: 2 (each worth 125 marks)

Word Limit: 1000-1200 words per essay

Time Duration: 3 hours

Paper Format:

Section A and Section B: Each section offers four topics; candidates choose one topic from each section.

Themes: Topics span philosophical, social, political, and current affairs-related subjects.

UPSC Essay Syllabus Insights

Although UPSC does not release a formal syllabus for the Essay Paper, previous trends highlight the following common themes:

Philosophical & Ethical Themes

Abstract topics focusing on human values and morality

Quotes by thinkers like Gandhi and Confucius

Social Issues

Education and healthcare challenges

Poverty, social justice, and gender equality

Political & Governance Issues

Federalism and cooperative governance

Electoral reforms and the role of democratic institutions

Economic Development

Inclusive and sustainable growth

Employment and entrepreneurship challenges

Science & Technology

Artificial intelligence and biotechnology

Cybersecurity and digital literacy

International Relations

India’s global role and multilateral diplomacy

Geopolitical challenges

Environment & Sustainability

Climate change and biodiversity conservation

Renewable energy solutions

Current Affairs

Topics reflecting recent events, such as pandemic response and global economic trends

How Vijetha IAS Academy Prepares You

Tailored Curriculum

Comprehensive coverage of recurring themes

Insights from previous years' questions

Expert Mentorship

Renowned mentors guiding students on structuring impactful essays

Personalized feedback for improvement

Practice-Focused Approach

Weekly Essay Writing Sessions: Covering diverse topics for regular practice

Detailed Evaluations: Constructive feedback on each essay

Resource Support

Curated model essays and notes on key themes

Quotes, statistics, and case studies for enhanced content

Essay Intensive Test Series

Simulated exam-like conditions

Varied topics to broaden analytical perspectives

Tips for Excelling in the Essay Paper

Maintain Clarity and Simplicity

Present ideas in a concise and structured manner.

Follow a Logical Format

Introduction: Set the tone with a thought-provoking quote or anecdote.

Body: Break down the essay into subheadings for clarity, covering multiple perspectives.

Conclusion: Summarize and offer forward-looking insights.

Incorporate Data and Examples

Support arguments with government schemes, case studies, and statistics.

Regular Practice

Write essays on diverse topics to improve speed and articulation.

Analyze Past Papers

Understanding previous patterns can provide valuable insights.

Why Choose Vijetha IAS Academy?

Expert Faculty: Seasoned mentors with a proven track record

Personalized Guidance: Tailored feedback to strengthen writing skills

Comprehensive Coverage: Exhaustive preparation for all essay themes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is essay preparation different from General Studies? Yes, essay writing demands coherence and articulation, whereas General Studies is more factual.

Can I prepare for essays without coaching? Self-study is possible, but expert guidance can significantly improve your chances.

How can I improve my essay-writing skills? Practice regularly, seek feedback, and analyze high-scoring essays.

Conclusion

The Essay Paper offers a unique platform to showcase your analytical skills and articulate viewpoints effectively. At Vijetha IAS Academy, we are dedicated to helping aspirants like you excel in this essential component of the UPSC CSE Mains.

Join our Essay Test Series today and take the first step toward success!

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Vibes based grading system.

(for @epistemologys, who wanted some post-canon, teacher WWX)

[nabongcomms]

✦ need to finish your due modules, homeworks, or projects? send me a message so I can do it for you right on time ★

✸ accepting rush & non-rush comms !!

✸ please read the info (fortes and t&c) provided.

[casieyfran]

I think we can all agree anakin is the most romantic in their relationship lmao

[starstrike]

Mithrun's desire as an SA analogue

TW discussion of SA and detailed breakdown of aesthetics evoking SA. The way I discuss this is vivid in a way that may be triggering, though there is no discussion of actual sexual assault. Just survivor's responses to it.

People relate to Mithrun and see his condition as an analogue for a few different things, like brain injury or depression. And I think all of them are there. But I also see Mithrun's story as an SA analogue, and Ryoko Kui intentionally evokes those aesthetics. I think it's a part of Mithrun's character that a lot of people miss, but I very much consider it text. This is partially inspired by @heird99's post on what makes this scene so disturbing; so check out their post, too :)

So to start off with, the demon invades Mithrun's bed, specifically. There's even a canopy around it, which specifically evokes this idea of personal intrusion; the barrier is being pulled apart without consent or warning. The way the hand reaches towards Mithrun's body from outside of the panel division makes it almost look like the goat stroking over his body. It's an especially creepy visual detail; similarly, the goat's right hand parts into the side of the panel as well. It's literally like it's tearing the page apart; but gently. So gently.

Mithrun is in bed. It is his bed that the demon is intruding on. He's in a position of intimacy. The woman behind him is a facsimile of his "beloved" that he left behind; the woman who, in reality, chose Mithrun's brother. He is in bed with his fantasy lover, who is leaning over him. While this scene isn't explicitly sexual, it is intimate. And it is being invaded. The goat lifts Mithrun gently, who is confused, but not yet struggling.

The erotics of consumption and violence in Ryoko Kui's work(remember that the word 'erotic' can have many different meanings, please) are a... notable part of some of her illustrations. I would say she blurs the lines between all forms of desire: personal, sexual, gustatory and carnal, in her illustrations in order to emphasize the pure desire she wants to work with and evoke to serve her themes. Kui deploys sexual imagery in a lot of places in Dungeon Meshi, and this is one of them.

In this case, horrifically. The goat's assault begins with drooling, licking, and nuzzling. The goat could be enjoying and "playing with" its food. But it can also be interpreted as it "preparing" Mithrun with its tongue as it begins to literally breach Mithrun's body. The goat also invades directly through his clothing; that adds another level of disturbing to me. There's nothing Mithrun can do in this moment of violation. Mithrun is fighting, but he is fighting weakly, trying to grip on and push away when he has no ability or option to. All he can do is beg the goat to stop. And it doesn't care. This all evokes sexual assault.

The sixth panel demonstrates a somewhat sexual position, with Mithrun's thighs spread around the goat's hunched over body. In the next, the goat pulls and holds apart Mithrun's thighs as he nuzzles into him. The way the clothing bunches up looks a bit as if it has been pushed up. It has pinned Mithrun down onto the bed, into Mithrun's soft furs and pillows. It takes a place made to be supernaturally warm and comfortable, and violates it. It's utterly and intimately horrifying. To me, this sequence of positions directly evokes a rape scene. I think Kui did this very explicitly. These references to sexual invasion are part of what makes this scene so disturbing; albeit, to many viewers, subconsciously.

This is also the moment the goat takes Mithrun's eye. Other than this, the goat seems exceptionally strong, but also... gentle. It holds Mithrun's body tightly, but moves it around slowly. It doesn't need to hurt Mithrun physically. But in that moment, it takes Mithrun's eye. Blood seeps from a wound while an orifice that should not be pierced is penetrated. This moment, the ooze of blood in one place specifically, also evokes rape. That single bit of physical gore is a very powerful bit of imagery to me.

Finally; it is Mithrun's desire that is eaten. After his assault, Mithrun can find no pleasure in things that he once did. He is fully disassociated from his emotions. This is a common response to trauma, especially in the case of SA. It's not uncommon for people to never, or take a long time to, enjoy sex in the same way again; or at all. They might feel like their rapist has robbed them of a desire and pleasure they once had. I think this makes Mithrun's lack of desire a partial analogue for the trauma of sexual assault.

Mithrun's desire for revenge was, supposedly, all that remained. Anger at his assaulter, anger at every being that was like it; though, perhaps not anger. Devotion, in a way. To his cause. I don't know. But the immediate desire to seek revenge is another response to SA. But on to Mithrun's true feelings on the matter.

This is... So incredibly tragic. Mithrun feels used up. Like his best parts have been taken away. Like he's being... tossed aside. This certainly parallels the way assault victims can feel after being left by an abuser. Or the way assault victims feel they might be "ruined" forever for other partners. These are common sentiments for survivors to carry, and need to overcome. In the text, it's almost like Mithrun feels the only being who can desire him is a demon who might "finish devouring" him. That that's his only use. It's worth noting that Mithrun trusted the demon. Mithrun's world was built by the demon, and Mithrun, in that way, was cared for by the demon. I think this reinforces Mithrun's place as a victim.

There's also something to be said about Mithrun as a victim of his own possessive romantic and sexual desire. The mirror shows him his beloved just dining with his brother, and it infuriates him. He doesn't know if the vision is real, nor if she has really chosen his brother as a romantic partner. The goat then creates a whole fantasy world where she loves him. As Mithrun's dungeon deteriorates, she is the only person that continues to exist. Mithrun continues to have control over her. And that is the strongest desire the demon is eating, isn't it? There's something interesting there, but I don't know what to say about it.

In conclusion, I think Mithrun's story is an explicit analogue for sexual assault-- though, certainly, among other things! The way the scene plays out and is composed explicitly references sexual violation and invasion of the body. His condition mirrors common trauma responses to sexual violence. And, at the end, he finally realizes he can recover.

Let's end on a happy Mithrun, after taking the first step on his journey to recovery :) You aren't vegetable scraps Mithrun. But even if you were-- every single thing in this world has value. Even vegetable scraps.

[annabelle--cane]

[walks out of the dracula essay covered in blood] now I can go write toxic jonmina in a more scholarly and critically considered way

[mammoth-clangen]

So, first off, as a paleontologist… thank you for that rant. It’s been driving me up the wall that people are going “oh look we revived the dire wolf using gray wolves!!” Even if you ignore the whole issue of de-extinction wolves aren’t even the closest living relative! Jackals and African wild dogs are more closely related to it, and they aren’t anywhere close to being in the same genus.

And of course, de-extinction is a whole other issue. Why are they so focused on the mammoth? At least the thylacine went extinct about a hundred years ago so the niche could still be there. But still, why focus on them? If you want to de-extinct something, why not focus on, oh I don’t know, the northern white rhino which still has two living members for sequencing and who have a living subspecies.

And further more, it’s genuinely cruel to bring most of these back. You think a wooly mammoth that lived in the last glacial maximum would be happy in todays climate that is consistently getting hotter? You think the dodo would appreciate the fact that it’s one habitat has been mostly destroyed? You think the thylacine would enjoy trying to outcompete the dingos that have moved into its niche? No. They wouldn’t.

For the mammoths, it’s especially cruel since they are herd animals and you’d need to clone a lot of them at one time for them to be happy.

And I mean, look. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see these creatures alive. As unlikely as it is, I keep a sliver of hope that the thylacine might still be out there. But that doesn’t mean de-extinction is good. Like it or not, they went extinct for a reason. Yes, that reason may be because of humans, but it is still a reason. You bring them back and they’ll go extinct again unless they are given extreme protection.

They need to focus on living creatures or, if they are desperate to bring something that’s completely extinct back, focus on creatures that have gone extinct within the last two decades.

Ugh, sorry for the mini rant but as someone who understands extinction (including the current Anthropocene mass extinction), bringing things back is not the way to go. I can point to multiple genuses that went extinct for a good reason.

Hello fellow palaeontologist! 🤝 My area of study was actually Dromornithid ichnotaxonomy but carnivorans are holding me hostage nowadays, it seems...

Unfortunately, you have fallen prey to another (thankfully, less insidious) piece of misinformation! Dire wolves aren't wolves, but they are no more closely related to Jackals or African Wild Dogs!

Aenocyon is an outgroup to all wolf-like canids, jackals included!

I've seen the Aenocyon/Lupulella/Lycaon relatedness touted often, and am guilty of repeating it myself before I re-read the paper.

A possible reason for this confusion that African jackals are considered the most basal of the extant, wolf-like canids; as seen on the cladogram above.

Therefore, the ~5.7million year old common ancestor of Aenocyon and the wolf/jackal/dhole lineage would likely have looked more like a jackal. Then Aenocyon convergently evolved a very wolfish skeleton because of their similar lifestyles!

This is also why I chose to reconstructed my Aenocyon with a shoulder patch, seeing many canids seem to have some sort of cape marking.

The 2021 paper that concluded the dire wolf isn't a wolf at all, is unfortunately paywalled :/ Without full access to the paper it's hard to be sure exactly where Aenocyon fits within the larger Canidae family tree (if they discussed it at all), but the abstract describes them as having "an early New World origin".

It seems they were a true outgroup to modern wolf-like canids, being the earliest branching member of Canina! They're not too different from sabercats, in that way.

Also if anyone is following the ongoing edit war on the Dire Wolf Wikipedia page, I beg you to ignore the "taxonomy based on morphology" section. It is only useful as a historical reference for how we used to view Aenocyon dirus as Canis dirus for a long time. Current science supports these morphological similarities being convergent, contrary to what Colossal Lies are being told...

---

I already partially addressed Mammoths (and the issues with their herds inbreeding) in this other ask, but I do agree completely with your points.

Having the GMO wolves raised without another older wolf or dog parental figures is frankly, just cruel. Any vet will tell you hand-reared and imprinted animals are significantly more prone to behavioural issues down the line. Mammoths would be worse again, because unlike Romulus and Remus, there is no chance of even having a twin to keep them company.

And yes; What could possibly go wrong with bringing back a polar-adapted, woolly proboscidean, into a world where even winters are getting progressively warmer?

I too, would love to see extinct animals in the wild. I'd be lying if I said I don't secretly hope for many of them to pull a coelacanth on us. But sadly, I don't think that's likely, and nor do I think we should be trying to make it happen.

---

Hank Green brought up something poignant about this dire wolf debacle, which is that extinction is not as simplistic as we imagine it to be. It's not just the death of a species.

"It's the destruction of a space in the natural environment for a species."

And that is really it, you can't just "bring back" an extinct species, because you aren't bringing their niche back with them.

Successful reintroductions of species that were locally extirpated or made entirely extinct in the wild have only worked because effort was put into securing a niche and ecosystem that had been lost.

And even well-planned, well-funded reintroductions struggle, but at least they understood the assignment.

Colossal, on the other hand, seems to think that adding back their very-roughly-wolf-shaped 'jenga block' to the ecosystem 'tower' will completely stop the collapse. But the real 'collapse' is caused by habitat destruction, and no amount of GMO wolves, mammoths or thylacines can stop that.

Bringing the species in to save the ecosystem is climbing ass-first up a tree. We need to save the ecosystem for the species. And all this is still ignoring the sad truth for a lot of extinct animals:

For many of them, there is no 'tower' to save.

[courtrecord]

honestly i hate how that “maybe the curtains are just blue” post has become shorthand for anti-intellectualism and shit bc as someone who has an utter passion for media analysis now, I WAS THAT PERSON IN HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH CLASS.

english class never taught me how to analyze stories, it taught me how to remember what things the teacher said were “symbolism” and how to take quizzes where we had to match a quote to the character who said it. i didn’t give a shit about any of it, bc literally why should i. it was bullshit.

there’s this idea online that people are forgetting or rejecting what they learned in english class when they’re bad at media analysis, and maybe that’s a little bit true, but i think the much bigger problem is they never learned it in the first place. cinemasins & “maybe the curtains are just blue” aren’t convincing people to abandon an intellectualism they already had, they’re filling a void.

when all you learn in high school is to write on the test “blue = depression”, why is it surprising that so many people don’t give a shit about the curtains.

[laurynjc-art]

what do you think about michaels mothers? did you draw them? \i remember one of them in your comic about boyf's problems in their relationship, but what about other?\, or you see his family in different way?. i have sooooo many thoughts about them \even write some kind of their past and the story about their meeting, their habits and tastes etc\, want to know what do you think about it!

grips you by the shoulders and shakes you violently because yes yes oh please yes I have many so many thoughts about Michael's mothers (this is gonna be long lol)

here they are! (rough sketches but eh whatever)

Rosanne is Michael's biological mother. She had him kind of young, just out of college. And the father, who was a long-term boyfriend, didn't exactly bother to stick around.

Eloise is legally Michael's step-mother but is more importantly the mother who stepped up; Eloise and Rosanne met in high school and were instant BFFs. And when Eloise heard the news about Rosanne's baby and a recently revealed-to-be deadbeat father, holy shit did she feel bad since she'd basically introduced the two.

But eventually Eloise said "yeah fuck that guy, your kid needs a dad? I'll be his dad." Which started as just a joke between friends who then moved in together figuring it'd be easier to juggle work and a baby and Eloise's recent acceptance into med school.

Obviously things weren't easy easy, but having your best friend to lean on and have your back is pretty cool. Until one day you start realizing that you might actually have feelings for her but that's horrendously inconvenient right now so you try to ignore it but soon you're making jokes like "what if we got married for tax reasons lol? Wouldn't it be funny if we were legally unionized so that if something happened to one of us the state and our families wouldn't be fighting over our assets and Michael lmao?"

Well the jokes stopped being jokes, and they got married at a courthouse witnessed by a handful of friends and photographed by a four year old Michael with a disposable camera.

Everything was obviously not perfect; both Eloise and Rosanne were now running with some very demanding jobs, leaving less attention for Michael, which sucked for everyone involved.

And remember that birthday of Michael's everyone but Jeremy forgot? Yeah his moms weren't exempt from that. It was an honest mistake and they both felt horrible, but it severed their relationship with him for quite a few years. Even after Rosanne was able to quit her job so she could be home more, Michael was in high school before things started improving at all.

By the time the events of Be More Chill roll around, their relationship is definitely better. (Minus the fights about this new marijuana habit and you are sixteen why the hell do you think you want a tattoo) He still doesn't tell them everything. (His fight with Jeremy was mostly his burden up until Jeremy was hospitalized.)

But at the end of the end of the day, Rosanne and Eloise love each other, they love their son Michael and his friend Jeremy that they think of as a second son. They're always going to be in Michael's life. And despite everyone's shortcomings and all the things that could have been different, Michael still thinks they're the best moms he could have asked for.

Eloise is a neurobiologist. Rosanne prefers tea to coffee. She also likes medical dramas but doesn't watch them with Eloise because she won't shut up about inaccurate practices. Rosanne likes gardening. Both of their cars are 90% maintained by Michael (at his insistence.) Everyone in that house is trilingual to some degree. All the Mells are smarter than you. Just accept it.

idk Michael and his moms having a good relationship is so important to me. I have enough characters with crappy familial situations I didn't want to do that to him too

[sleepyblr-heart]

friendship, or something like it

[nartothelar]

ugh

[dejwrld]

the topic of colorism within the black community will never be understood until people understand that it's deeper than being bullied in high school and dating preferences.

[megaderping]

In this video, I discuss the sneaky ways several video games use leitmotifs in more hidden or subtle ways rather, using examples from Undertale and Deltarune, the Persona series, the Mario RPGs, and a few examples from Pokemon! This video was a massive undertaking, and while it's by no means a comprehensive list, I hope that it's still an enjoyable watch!

[mcr0wave]

it is still february so i have a right to post this!!! took inspo from obanai giving mitsuri her socks 😻😻😻😻😻😻

[star-stimz]

HI ITS ME AGAIN!! Can u do a Seildirectory (Roblox arg) stimboard? ^_^

SEILDIRECTORY STIMBOARD

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