There is a famous saying in Mukherjee Nagar: “Prelims is about Selection, but Mains is about Election.” Your rank depends entirely on the 1750 marks of the Mains exam. Yet, 90% of students spend all their time reading and zero time writing. UPSC Mains Answer Writing
At Trademark IAS, we see brilliant students fail because they cannot complete the paper. Knowledge is not enough; presentation is everything. Here is our proven guide to mastering UPSC Mains Answer Writing.
![Image: A handwritten UPSC answer sheet with red pen corrections and feedback]
The Biggest Challenge: The “7-Minute Rule” UPSC Mains Answer Writing
In GS Papers 1, 2, and 3, you have to write 20 questions in 3 hours (180 minutes).
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Math: 180 mins ÷ 20 questions = 9 minutes per question.
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Reality: After reading the question and brainstorming, you have exactly 7 minutes to write.
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The Strategy: You cannot “think and write.” You must “think then write.” Our UPSC Mains Answer Writing program trains your brain to structure an answer in the first 30 seconds.
The Perfect Anatomy of an Answer (IBC Model) UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Every good answer must follow the IBC Structure. If you miss one, you lose marks.
1. Introduction (15% Space)
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Define: Start with a definition (e.g., for “Inflation,” define CPI/WPI).
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Data: Start with a shocking statistic (e.g., “According to the World Bank…”).
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Context: Mention why this topic is in the news.
2. Body (70% Space)
This is the heart of UPSC Mains Answer Writing.
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Break it Down: Use subheadings. If the question asks about “Challenges and Solutions,” make two clear sections.
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Points over Paragraphs: Always write in bullet points. Examiners hate long paragraphs.
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Visuals: Draw a small flowchart, map, or hub-and-spoke diagram in every answer. It saves time and looks professional.
3. Conclusion (15% Space) UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Never end on a negative note.
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Way Forward: Suggest a solution.
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Optimism: Connect it to a Constitutional Article (e.g., Article 21) or a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Generic Answers: Writing “Poverty is bad” gets average marks. Writing “Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is 16.4%” gets topper marks.
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Ignoring the Keyword: If the question says “Critically Analyze,” you must write the negatives. If it says “Elucidate,” just explain the facts.
Why Join a Daily Answer Writing Program? UPSC Mains Answer Writing
You cannot judge your own handwriting. You need a third eye. At Trademark IAS, our Daily Answer Writing Challenge offers:
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Same-Day Evaluation: Get feedback while the topic is fresh.
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Model Answers: See exactly what a “perfect” answer looks like.
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Mentor Access: Discuss why you got 4/10 and how to make it 6/10.
Conclusion
Don’t wait to finish the syllabus. Start writing today. Even if you write one bad answer, it is better than writing nothing.
Ready to Upgrade Your Writing? Join our Daily Practice group and get your first answer evaluated for free.
[Submit Your Answer Here] | [Join Telegram Writing Group]
