UPSC Mains 2026 Essay questions

8 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Essay PYQs

A1
Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks
A2
A grateful mind is very beautiful.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks
A3
A thorn is a changed bud.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks
A4
When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks
B1
Nature is the symbol of the spirit.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks
B2
A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks
B3
Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks
B4
A good leader is one who follows the followers.
1000-1200 words · 125 marks

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