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Essay – Civil Services Books – Mains Exam

Last updated on March 15, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC Civil Service Mains Paper 1 (popularly known as essay paper) is now of 250 marks.

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics (two topics as of now). They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely.

Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Table of Contents

Recommended Books for Essay Paper – Civil Services Books – Mains Exam

• Essays for Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations by Pulkit Khare .
• Selected Contemporary Essays by Saumitra Mohan (MHE)
• Essay Paper for Civil Services Main Examination by Pavneet Singh and Sonali Bansal
• A Book of Essays by Kalpana Rajaram
• 151 ESSAYS For UPSC Mains Various State Public Service Commissions and Other competitive Examinations
• English-Hindi-Essay Compulsory- UPSC Mains Examination
• ESSAYS(101 Current) for Competitive Exams

How to write a good essay

Here are some tips for writing a good essay:

• Read and understand the essay topic: Ensure that you understand the topic and what is expected of you in the essay.
• Plan and structure: Plan the flow of your essay and create an outline to ensure that your essay has a clear structure.
• Write in a clear and concise manner: Make sure your writing is easy to understand and avoids unnecessary technical terms or jargon.
• Use examples and evidence: Use real-life examples and supporting evidence to reinforce your arguments.
• Address counter-arguments: Consider and address any counter-arguments to strengthen your essay.
• Conclusion: Sum up your key arguments and present a clear conclusion.
• Edit and proofread: Revise your essay several times to ensure that it is error-free and presents your ideas effectively.

Remember to write in a way that is analytical, evaluative and comprehensive. Also, ensure that you stick to the word limit and allocate enough time for each essay.

To get a detailed idea on how to write a good essay, click here

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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

August 8, 2016 at 6:57 am

June 18, 2017 at 11:08 am

I am preparing for 2018. Kindly share essay content .

June 14, 2021 at 2:45 pm

Clear hua kya aapka ?.?

April 17, 2018 at 11:28 am

Should I buy all the books or any one is OK. Please reply……

April 17, 2018 at 2:23 pm

Start with 1 book.

March 9, 2019 at 12:07 pm

plz send essay content

August 25, 2019 at 2:23 pm

Sir , what are the books to read so that i can have a good content for mains examination? I have certain books which are universal for UPSC CS .. For mains i am confused same are enough or not ..if not from where will i get the content ..

November 28, 2019 at 2:28 am

Hello I want to buy kirans upsc English essay solved till date how can I buy

December 22, 2019 at 6:27 am

Sir mughe IAS mains ke liye pahle kon si book Leni chahiye

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Best Essay Books for UPSC: Perfect the Art of IAS Essay Writing

How is your UPSC preparation going on? To crack UPSC you can’t just be good at the subjects and take essay writing lightly. You will have to treat it as equal to the other subjects. This is something that can’t be mastered just by reading. Proper practise is needed to get your thoughts flowing with ideas to write during the time of the exam. That is why in this article we will recommend you some of the best essay books for UPSC. Read the article till the end to know all about the UPSC essay paper.

UPSC Essay Paper

This paper is the very first paper of the UPSC mains. The paper consists of two sections:

Each section has four topics. A candidate has to choose one topic from both the sections for essay writing. Each section carries 125 marks that make a total of 250 marks. The word count for each essay should be in the range of 1000-1200.

Essay Books for UPSC

Here some of the best essay books for UPSC:

Mastering Essay & Answer Writing by Dr Awdhesh Singh

This is from an expert which can be a great help for UPSC aspirants in essay writing as well as in answer writing. The book can be used for any other competitive exam where questions are of descriptive type. As the book is written by a former IRS officer you will be getting tips from his experience. The book also explains why candidates have to give an essay paper in the exam. This opens your mind and you will get a clear idea of what is expected from the candidates in IAS essay writing.

ESSAYS for Civil Services and Other Competitive Examination by Pulkit Khare

This book is from Arihant publication which is considered one of the best publications for educational books. The book contains many essays along with the suggested topics which are very similar to the actual UPSC exam. It also covers the thinking process and approach which is needed to write a perfect essay. If you follow the tips given in the book, you surely will be able to score well in the exam.

101 Essays for IAS/ PCS Exam & Other Competitive Exams by Disha Experts

If you want to look at the bunch of the essay samples that this book is the one for you. The book has divided static and current topics separately. In total it contains 12 sections so that you concentrate on each one of them and get better. The essay on topics like governance, world polity, economics, environment, social justice is covered. If you read this book you will easily understand how to write an essay on the topics mentioned above.

Also Read: How to write an Essay in IAS Exam?

Essay topic for upsc.

Here are topics from the previous year paper for your practice:

• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• Management of Indian border disputes-a complex task
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
• Reality does not conform to the ideal but confirms it

Also Read: 8 Valuable Essay Writing Tips For UPSC That You Should Follow  

IAS essay writing can be a tricky job but if you prepare right then nothing can stop you. Practise writing one to two topics every week. Analyze them, get them checked by your tutor. Make a separate notebook for phrases and make a habit of using them frequently while practising.

Try writing for each topic from the previous year UPSC paper and let us know about your approach in the comment section below.

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Thank you for providing the essay book list, I was really worried and then found this article on the web, that was like a bless, can you also help with some online material which can be used?

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Essay books for UPSC exams: Get better at writing essays in exams

Mastering Essay & Answer Writing by Dr. Awdhesh Singh

Essays for civil services and other competitive examinations by pulkit khare, 151 essays for ias/ pcs & other competitive exams by disha experts, kiran’s upsc essays solved papers of 1993 till date, select essays for civil services examination by drishti publications.

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Top 20 Books to Help You Crack UPSC Civil Service Exam

Preparing for UPSC CSE? Recommended by IAS toppers, this checklist of 20 books (that you can buy on Amazon) will help you get a good hold on subject fundamentals for Prelims and Mains.

P ioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” This also holds in the case of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Service Exam (CSE). Hence – our suggestions for UPSC books!

Among the toughest exams in India, UPSC CSE requires more than just hard work. It requires proper planning and a strategy for study material that makes your preparation more productive with fewer inputs.

So to give you a head start, we have created this checklist of the best books for UPSC (IAS) Prelims and Mains preparation, along with links to where you can buy them on Amazon. Recommended by IAS toppers, these 20 books (apart from NCERTs) will help you get clarity and a good hold on subject fundamentals.

1. Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations by M Laxmikanth (Polity)

Otherwise known as the ‘ Bible of polity ’, this UPSC book gives a comprehensive idea about the subject. Going through the book multiple times helps in attaining good marks for prelims as well as mains. It is one of the bestselling UPSC preparation guides. The author is a political science graduate with years of experience in training UPSC aspirants.

Buy the book here.

2. Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania (Culture)

It is an in-depth guide into the diverse culture and art of the country. It contains all information regarding knowledge on Indian art, paintings, music and architecture for both prelims and mains examinations. The author is a chartered accountant turned civil servant who guides aspirants in this subject.

Buy the book here .

3. International Relations: Pushpesh Pant (International Relations)

From the time of the emergence of sovereign states to the present global issues, this UPSC book covers all major events. It is best-loved by all students appearing for any competitive examinations. The Padma Shri-recipient author is an academician and historian who retired as a professor in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

4. Challenge and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri (International Relations)

This book is compiled from a policy-oriented perspective covering all major challenges in the current foreign policy of the country. It also analyses the latest trends in foreign policy formulation. The author was an officer of the Indian Foreign Service and a career diplomat with 36 years of experience.

5. Indian Economy For Civil Services by Nitin Singhania (Economy)

The book contains a systematic arrangement of fluctuations in economic growth and development in the country. For a better and more comprehensive understanding various flowcharts, tables, graphs and examples are incorporated in it. Economic diplomacy, energy security, interactions between diplomacy, defence and foreign organisations are some of the many topics discussed. The civil servant author is also a post-graduate in economics.

6. Economic Development & Policy in India – Jain & Ohri (Economy)

This book is part of the syllabus of Bachelor of Arts/Commerce graduates. It gives a basic idea of the major economic policies formulated in the country post-independence. It is useful for all competitive examinations including UPSC. T R Jain and V K Ohri are both economists who have jointly authored multiple books which are part of CBSE and UGC syllabi.

7. Oxford School Atlas by Oxford Publishers (Geography)

An atlas is a must-have for a UPSC aspirant and the Oxford Atlas is one among the best available at present. It consists of a wide variety of comprehensive data with quality print. The accuracy and depth are perfect even for researchers. It is most useful for aspirants who choose geography as an optional subject.

8. Geography of India by Majid Husain (Geography)

This UPSC book is a reference for India’s geographical landscape and gives a well-detailed idea about the same. It includes maps, data and statistics of the country’s geographical position. The latest ninth edition is updated with the change in status of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Government schemes and initiatives are also incorporated in the book. The author is a well-known geographer and teacher.

9. Certificate of Physical & Human Geography by GC Leong (Geography)

The major elements of physical geography, world climatic and vegetational regions as well as their relationship with human geography is discussed in detail in this book. It contains many local examples which makes comprehension much easier and faster. The book comes with questions and exercises that prepare aspirants for their respective exams.

10. Environmental Ecology, Bio-Diversity, Climate Change & Disaster Management – Dr Ravi Agrahari (Environment)

Published by McGraw Hill, this book explains all major environmental issues and suggests workable solutions to those. It equips aspirants with answers to disaster management related questions which are significant in CSE. The otherwise complicated syllabus is easily covered by this single book.

11. Challenges to Internal Security of India – Ashok Kumar and Vipul Anekant (General Studies)

Challenges regarding the internal security of the country and other contemporary issues are discussed in this book published by McGraw Hill. The latest fourth edition contains the current status of Jammu & Kashmir, new social media code, internet restriction in India and effects of COVID-19. The book is co-authored by Ashok Kumar IPS and Vipul Anekant DANIPS.

Buy this book here .

12. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chowdhury (Ethics)

This is one of the frequently updated and most comprehensive books available to cover these subjects. It comes with solved papers, writing techniques, confidence-boosting exercises. Co-authored by G Subba Rao and P N Roy Chowdhury, it is a best-seller for UPSC or any similar competitive exam preparation.

13. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee, Aditya Mukherjee, Sucheta Mahajan, K N Panikkar (History)

UPSC preparation is never complete without studying history and the independence struggle. This book is authored by Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee, Aditya Mukherjee, Sucheta Mahajan and K N Panikkar, all of them well-acclaimed historians. The text gives a detailed idea about the period between 1857-1947. It is compiled using primary sources and in-depth research.

14. India after Independence by Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee, Aditya Mukherjee (History)

Sequel of India’s Struggle for Independence, this book is authored by Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee and Aditya Mukherjee. It widely analyses the success and challenges the country came across after gaining independence from British rule. It explains the story of five decades which includes the political and economic agenda as well as the foreign policy during the Nehru government.

15. A History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra (History)

The in-depth history of the Indian subcontinent between the 8th and 18th centuries is reflected in this book. The series of invasions and the major social/economic changes that occurred pertaining to these invitations are explained well. The author is a popular historian and retired professor of JNU.

16. India’s Ancient Past by RS Sharma (History)

It is an NCERT history textbook that was later published as a work called India’s Ancient Past. The text travels through neolithic and chalcolithic times to Harappan civilization, Vedic times, the rise of Mauryas and Guptas. The rise and fall of empires, the varna system, developments in science and technology, commerce and trade are some of the many areas covered. The author was a historian who specialised in the ancient era.

17. A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (History)

Published by Rajiv Spectrum, the book dives into the advent of the Portuguese to the country and related events. It travels to the point where the Europeans establish complete power over the Indian subcontinent. The fall of powerful emperors and their well-built kingdoms also come as subjects.

18. Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe (History)

The book examines major events that happened in the modern world and their end results. The language used makes for an easy read. Other than being a book referred by aspirants it is best-loved by history enthusiasts. The author is a historian and teacher with more than three decades of experience in the field.

19. Important Judgements that Transformed India by Alex Andrews George (Polity)

In this book, the most significant court cases which made an impact in the society, as well as the entire judiciary of the country, are mentioned in detail. These distinguished Supreme Court judgements paved the way for several changes in the constitution too. The author who compiled these judgements is a mentor and civil service exam trainer.

20. ‘Facets of Indian Culture’ by Spectrum (Culture)

Studying the diverse culture and traditions of India can become cumbersome. This UPSC book is a complete guide to the art forms, architecture, literary and intellectual traditions, beliefs and myths about the country. It also consists of various solved and unsolved question papers for practice. It is edited by experts in the field and published by Spectrum.

Edited by Yoshita Rao

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UPSC Book List: Topper Choice & Recommend, Reference & Essential Books

Academic Books for Foundation, Non-Academic for Inspiration. Build Knowledge, Enhance Skills, and Foster a Holistic Approach with our Comprehensive UPSC Book List.

Preparing for the UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission ) examination is a complete manner that calls for diligence, strategic making plans, and a multidimensional method. The UPSC examination includes three stages

Basics of UPSC Preparation: Strategic presentation with UPSC Book List

Understand the exam pattern: know the pattern, master the books.

• Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern, together with the quantity of papers, topics, and the marking scheme for each paper.

Know the Syllabus: Topics with Essential UPSC Book List Recommendations.

• Thoroughly apprehend the prescribed syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main examinations. The syllabus is vast and covers more than a few topics.

Create a Study Schedule: Balanced Schedule with Essential UPSC Book List

• Develop a practical and properly-based examination time table that allocates enough time to cover all subjects. Balance is fundamental.

Current Affairs Awareness: Staying Informed with Essential UPSC Book List

• Stay up to date on Current-affairs, national and international problems, authorities policies, and socio-economic trends.

Practise Mock Tests: Sharpen Skills with Essential UPSC Book List

• Regularly practise mock tests for both the Preliminary and Main examinations to make yourself familiar with the examination environment and enhance time control.

Effective Time Management: Efficient Exam Strategies with Key UPSC Book List

• Efficient time for the duration of the examination, specially within the Main Examination, where answer writing is a critical ability.

Role of Academic Books: Essential Books for Knowledge, Clarity, and Analytical

Foundation of knowledge: key upsc book list for strong knowledge base in history, geography, polity, and more.

• Academic books provide a strong basis of know-how in topics like History, Geography, Polity, etc. 
• This foundational information is vital for comprehending advanced subjects and answering questions correctly.

Conceptual Clarity: UPSC Success with Essential UPSC Book List on Theories, Principles, and Historic Insights.

• Reading academic books fosters conceptual Clarity.
• Aspirants benefit from a deeper understanding of theories, principles, and historic activities, enabling them to articulate their ideas coherently in tests.

Source of Authentic Information: Trusted UPSC book list for Authentic Information and Exam Accuracy

• Authored by professionals, academic books offer real and reliable facts. 
• This aligns with the UPSC’s emphasis on accuracy, making the content material treasured for the exam.

Development of Analytical Skills: UPSC Success Through Critical Thinking with Essential Book Insights

• Academic books often present complex ideas with diverse contexts, necessitating important analysis. 
• Engaging with such content facilitates aspirants to work on their analytical capabilities, important for the UPSC Examination.

Reference for In-Depth Study: Essential Reference Books for Nuanced Knowledge Beyond the Syllabus.

• Beyond covering the UPSC syllabus , educational books function as reference substances for in-depth Knowledge.
• Candidates can delve deeper into precise subjects, gaining a more nuanced knowledge.

Preparation for Optional Subjects: UPSC Preparation with Essential UPSC book list for History, Geography, and More.

• Many educational books shape the basis for non-compulsory subjects. 
• Aspirants selecting topics like History or Geography can use these books to construct a complete information base.

Credible Evidence in Answers: UPSC Success with Credible Facts from Essential Academic Books.

• Quoting facts from academic books provides credibility to answers within the Main Examination. 
• It showcases a candidate’s reliance on authoritative resources, reinforcing the excellence of responses.

Holistic Grasp of Subjects: Essential UPSC book list for Comprehensive Subject Understanding and Interdisciplinary Analysis.

• Academic books cover an extensive variety of topics inside a subject, making sure aspirants have a holistic grasp of the problem matter.  
• This complete understanding aids in interdisciplinary analysis.

Enhancement of Writing Skills: UPSC Success with Essential UPSC book list for Enhanced Writing Skills.

• Regular engagement with educational content contributes to the enhancement of writing Skills. 
• Candidates learn to articulate complex ideas in a based and coherent manner.

Facilitation of Revision: Essential UPSC book list for Effective Review and Understanding Enhancement

• Academic books, with their organised content material, facilitate effective revision. 
• The based presentation of facts allows aspirants to review and enhance their understanding successfully.

Reference books that can be useful for UPSC college students: Mastering Core Subjects for Exam Success

Non-academic books that can be useful for upsc college students: non-academic gems for personal growth, role of non-academic books: upsc success with non-academic wisdom and inspiring reads.

The function of non-Academic books in UPSC preparation is multifaceted, providing candidates a broader attitude, idea, and valuable lifestyles classes. Here are key components highlighting their significance:

Inspiration and Motivation: UPSC Motivation through Inspiring Stories

• Non-UPSC books often comprise inspiring testimonies of people who have overcome challenges and executed success. 
• This can serve as a supply of motivation for UPSC aspirants at some stage in tough times.

Building a Positive Mindset: Nurturing Resilience and Personal Growth

• Many non-academic books increase awareness on resilience, and personal improvement. 
• Developing an effective mind-set is essential for going through the uncertainties and demanding situations of the UPSC journey.

Understanding Diverse Perspectives: UPSC Insights through Varied Perspectives

• Non-academic books regularly discover various issues, cultures, and perspectives. 
• This publicity can decorate an aspirant’s understanding of societal problems, contributing to a well-rounded approach inside the examination.

Cultural and Philosophical Insights: UPSC Wisdom from Literature and Philosophy

• Works of literature, philosophy, and autobiographies offer cultural and philosophical insights. 
• This understanding is precious for answering essay-type questions and enhancing the depth of responses inside the Main Examination.

Stress Management: Stress Relief and Focus Strategies for Success

• Books on mindfulness, strain management, and intellectual well-being provide sensible techniques for coping with the pressures of the UPSC Exam. 
• These assets can make contributions to a balanced and targeted approach.

Developing Analytical Thinking: Non-Academic Gems for UPSC Success

• Certain non-Academic  books stimulate important thinking and analytical abilities. 
• These capabilities are crucial for comprehending complicated troubles, a demand for success in the UPSC examination.

Enhancing Communication Skills: Non-Academic Reads for UPSC Triumph

• Reading properly-crafted narratives and stories with distinctive writing patterns can enhance an aspirant’s communication talents. 
• Effective verbal exchange is essential for conveying ideas sincerely within the Main Examination.

Ethics and Values: Non-Academic Gems for UPSC Excellence

• Autobiographies and philosophical works regularly delve into ethical dilemmas and ethical values. 
• Such insights are beneficial for the ethics paper and the general personal test inside the UPSC examination.

Time Management Lessons: Non-Academic Wisdom in Study Optimization

• Non-academic books on productiveness and time control can offer treasured instructions for optimising study schedules. 
• Efficient time management is important, specifically during the UPSC preparation..

Diverse Cultural Understanding: Non-Academic Insights for UPSC Aspirants

• Novels and memoirs exploring numerous cultures make contributions to a higher understanding of India’s social fabric. 
• This knowledge is beneficial for addressing questions related to social troubles in the exam.

Leadership and Decision-Making: Insights for UPSC Aspirants

• Biographies of leaders and people who have made enormous contributions offer insights into leadership styles and choice-making procedures. 
• This information is applicable for governance-related questions.

Broadening Worldview: UPSC Mastery with Diverse Readings

• Non-UPSC books help understanding  global problems  and histories contribute to a broader worldview. 
• A comprehensive understanding of global affairs is vital for certain sections of the UPSC Exam.

Effective Communication in Interviews: Mastering Communication for UPSC Book List

• Non-Academic books specialising in conversation skills and powerful storytelling may be fantastic at some point of the personal test (interview) level of the UPSC exam.

Creativity and Innovation: Creativity for UPSC Essays

• Works of fiction and creative non-fiction stimulate creativity and innovation. 
• These characteristics are valuable for crafting particular and considerate responses within the essay paper.

Holistic Development: Crafting a Holistic UPSC Book List

• Non-instructional books make contributions to the holistic improvement of aspirants. 
• Beyond academic know-how, they offer insights into human experiences, emotions, and the complexities of society.

Conclusion:

• Books play a pivotal position in UPSC preparation, serving as critical tools for acquiring expertise, developing crucial questioning capabilities, and fostering a complete information of various topics. Academic books shape the inspiration, imparting in-intensity insights into the USA syllabus, while non-academic books provide a broader attitude, notion, and cultural expertise. 
• They make a contribution to the aspirant’s intellectual and emotional boom, enhancing analytical thinking, time control, and verbal exchange abilities. Whether delving into historical occasions, and philosophical principles, or exploring motivational narratives, books act as courses, mentors, and partners on the tough journey in the direction of achievement in the UPSC exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the position of educational books in upsc preparation, how can educational books enhance writing competencies in upsc instruction, can educational books make contributions to time management in upsc preparation, what are a few recommended standard books for upsc preparation, how can non-academic books make contributions to upsc instruction, what non-academic books are recommended for upsc aspirants.

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7 Important Steps to Improve Answer Writing for UPSC Mains

Answer writing is the most critical skill that any UPSC aspirant must acquire in order to maximise their scores in the examination. Most students, through multiple revisions and reading standard books, develop conceptual clarity on critical topics and themes they must cover for the exmination. But unfortunately they lack the ability to concisely express their content and arguments in the most effective manner for securing the highest marks possible. We have identified 7 important steps a student can take to improve their skills of answer writing for UPSC Mains .

Practice with PYQ’s

The first step is to acquaint yourself with questions that reflect the UPSC’s style and topics. The best way is to start practising answer writing using previous year UPSC mains paper as it helps in adapting closely to the exam’s requirements but also aids in building confidence. Utilising past years’ question papers and then relying on mock tests to gauge your strengths and challenges would be an ideal approach to improve your answer writing skills for UPSC Mains.

Analyse Toppers’ Copies

The primary goal of answer writing is to align them with the examiner’s expectations, thereby securing high scores in the UPSC Mains examination. Irrespective of the quality of the content, an answer will not earn high marks if it fails to engage the examiner due to issues like failure to meet the core demand of the question, lack of clarity, irrelevance to the context, or insufficient emphasis on the value addition for the key points.

While the UPSC does not explicitly state these criteria, analysis of top-performing answers from the successful candidates of previous years has highlighted these aspects as crucial for meeting the UPSC mains examiner’s expectations.

Ensure Balanced Arguments

It is important to provide an analytical approach with balanced arguments. Students should abstain from exhibiting strong biases for or against any particular perspective on the topic, while attempting to bring in an analytical approach in answer writing. For example , on a question of federalism in India, it is problematic to adopt an excessively pessimistic view of federalism in India by focusing solely on its challenges without recognizing its distinctiveness and its appropriateness for our country’s governance.

Exhibiting such extreme biases towards any ideology or thought process is discouraged, as examinations value a more balanced approach. Additionally, students should avoid making sweeping generalisations, such as claiming that “Haryana is a patriarchal state that discriminates against women’s rights as equal citizens.” Such broad statements can lead to stereotypical conclusions that merely reflect the student’s own prejudices.

Structure Answers Logically

Learn to structure your answers logically. Mostly, the structure of the question itself will have an inherent logic such that it moves from the broad topic (mostly in the introduction) to the specific issue within the topic and then towards challenges and possible remedial measures. Hence, each answer should have a clear introduction that outlines your understanding of the question.

The body should discuss the key demand of the question in a coherent and logical manner, supported by examples or data when possible. It is desirable to use bullet points for communicating factual points under each subheading, while maintaining a paragraph approach for the introduction and conclusion. Conclude with a summary that reinforces your main points and provides a concise conclusion or a future perspective related to the topic.

Ensure Visibility of Content

An effective strategy to enhance the visibility of important elements in your answers is to use underlining or boxing around keywords or headings. The purpose behind these techniques is similar to highlighting: they subtly draw the examiner’s focus to the critical factual elements that are significant from the subject perspective. Some previous toppers have creatively substituted boxing with other shapes like circles or triangles to encase words, achieving a comparable effect in making answers more visible.

There are various styles of underlining, such as single or double lines, and full-line underlining from one margin to another. It’s beneficial to employ different underlying methods to emphasise various parts of your answer—for instance, a single underline for a crucial keyword, double underlining for headings, and full-length underlining for specific parts of the question. However, using multiple colours is discouraged as it may hinder time management and completion of the exam. Underlining can be done during or after writing an answer. As with boxing, it’s important not to overuse these methods to the point of diminishing their effectiveness.

Validate approach through Mentor Guidance

It is also important to take peer /mentor review and guidance to enhance UPSC Mains Answer Writing Techniques. Include data such as statistics, reports, and case studies to substantiate your answers. Making consolidated notes on different micro-topics of the UPSC syllabus is necessary to ensure good content for the answers.

Diagrams, flowcharts, and maps can also be powerful tools to visually represent information and make your answers stand out. But it is important to integrate these elements effectively without overloading your answers. Hence, it is most advisable to have a mentor or peer-review your answers and provide feedback.

Ensure Proper Time Management

Practise writing answers within a stipulated time to manage the limited time available in the exam effectively. The primary objective for candidates should be to complete all questions within the allotted time. It is only through attempting to write a full paper that students understand the challenge of finishing within the designated timeline. They must evaluate how their adopted strategies affect their time management in answer writing. Does incorporating substantial core content and value addition through maps, tabular columns or timelines to enhance the marks conflict with the ability to finish the paper? Does using diagrams in answers lead to a significant delay, possibly consuming an extra two minutes per answer?

Since the actual exam imposes strict time limits, practising answer writing for UPSC Mains within a specified timeframe is crucial. This helps in enhancing your ability to think and articulate quickly and clearly under pressure. Aim to strike a balance between speed and quality, ensuring that your answers are comprehensive yet concise within the available time.

It is most beneficial to join a mock test series such as Mains Test Series (MTS) of NEXT IAS which enable you to practise your UPSC Mains answer writing skills in simulated conditions with proper evaluation and mentorship support.

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• IAS Preparation
• Best Books For English Paper Of UPSC Main Exam

Best Books for Civil Services Mains Exam- English

Here, we bring a list of best books to refer to prepare for the English Compulsory paper of UPSC Civil Service (Main) Exam.

Compulsory English Book for IAS

Best books for the preparation of English Paper for Civil Services Main Exam:

Book Name: Compulsory English Author:  A P Bhardwaj  

The Compulsory English Book comes handy to IAS Aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Main Exam. It is highly recommended to aspirants who want to learn Compulsory English of the UPSC Mains Exam.

This book will be an asset for UPSC Exams and other competitive exams.  

Key Feature:

This book contains sufficient explanation of concepts with examples that will make the learning process easier for aspirants’.  

Book Name: Contemporary Essays For Civil Services Examinations Author:  Ramesh Singh

This book provides gives an insight on writing excellent essays. This book is highly recommended to IAS Aspirants.  

Key Features:

• It is considered as prerequisites of a good essay.
• The book provides introductory write-up on the art of essay writing
• This book provides a reference to vital government data and documents in most essays
• The topics in the book are meticulously designed to the present situation that will meet the aid the aspirants’ in their preparation.  

Book Name: UPSC Civil Services Main Exam – Indian Society: A General Overview 1st Edition Author Name: B. Ramaswamy

This book will aid the UPSC Aspirants to understand the formation of Indian Society and its cultures and contains all the details of Indian Society.

The book contains in-depth information about Indian Society and topics like

• Salient features of Indian society, diversity of India
• Role of women and women’s organization, effects of globalization on Indian society, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
• Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies  

Book Name: Unique Quintessence of a Compendium of Essays Author Name: J K Chopra

This book is regarded as one of the best essay books for the UPSC Mains Exam Preparation.

• The book consists of 120 essays.
• Covers political, economic, social and other topics
• Gives a decent idea to the students about essay writing
• This book also contains solved previous years civil services question papers

Book Name: The Vault of Essay Author Name:  Yagya Nand Jha

This is all about UPSC Exams and contains topics that cover almost all the sections of the civil services exam. It is highly recommended to IAS Aspirants to go through this book to get a good hold on the essay writing.  

This book covers Essays on topics like-

• Political & Economic Issues
• National & International Issues
• Social Issues
• Science-Tech, Environmental & Ecological Issues
• Philosophical & Quotation Based Issues
• Cultural Issues & Personalities

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There is a newer edition of this item:

• ISBN-10 8194528658
• ISBN-13 978-8194528654
• Edition First Edition
• Publisher Disha Publication
• Publication date 30 June 2020
• Language English
• Dimensions 20.3 x 25.4 x 4.7 cm
• Print length 204 pages
• See all details

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From the Publisher

Mastering Essay & Answer Writing for UPSC Civil Services IAS/ IPS & State PSC Main Exam is authored by a former IRS officer and a bestselling author. The book contains decades of experience of Civil Services with the expertise of the author. It prepares you to write best ANSWERS and ESSAYS in the IAS/PCS Mains examination.

Essay Writing forms a very important part of the UPSC Civil Services IAS Main Exam. There is one complete paper based on Essay Writing in which the student has to attempt 2 out of 8 Essays in 1000-1200 words each. Further in the English Compulsory paper as well the aspirants have to attempt 1 out of 4 Essays in around 600 words. The essays being asked range from contemporary social, political or economic topics to Philosophical topics. Apart from the knowledge the examiner also judges you on the presentation of your Essay. It requires a lot of skills to write a good Essay – Unique Introduction, Assimilation of thoughts, adhering to word/ time limits, perfect conclusion, etc. Also you need to plan meticulously while writing your IAS Main Answer as you have to stick to word/ time limit. Here also you need to develop the skill to write or present your best answers. Dr. Awdhesh, an ex IRS Officer himself, is an authority on IAS Essay/ Answer Writing topic with loads of teaching experience.

Essential features of the book

Why should you buy this book.

About DISHA: In a market that is fragmented, Disha Publication has managed to make its significance felt since its inception. Our books are synonymous with high quality educational publishing and are considered a choice for reference book materials. We consistently try to offer the most progressive, futuristic and aspirant-focused study materials and journals across India. Disha publishes and distributes print and digital learning materials with strengths in school books, competitive exam books, e-books and online test series. We have published a gamut of books that caters to various competitive exams and entrance exams. Disha is a provider of K–12 education content and material for Competitive Exams. Disha caters to not just the academic abilities of the students but also prepares them for the bigger challenges of life.

Dr. Awdhesh K. Singh is a best-selling author, educator and a former IRS officer. He took voluntary retirement in 2016 after serving the Government for over twenty-five years. He is the Founder of Awdhesh Academy, an online learning platform and among the best educators of Civil Services courses of ‘Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude’ and ‘Essay and Answer Writing’ on Unacademy. He has done his B. Tech. from IIT (BHU) Varanasi, M. Tech. from IIT-Delhi and Ph.D. from ABV - Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management (IIITM) Gwalior. He is a prolific writer who has authored five books on the topics of Spiritual Intelligence, Myths, GST and Happiness. He has written over 500 articles and over 5,000 answers on Quora.com. He has been a ‘Top Quora Writer’ and presently the ‘Fifth Most Followed Writers in the World’ on Quora with over 3 lakh followers and over 150 Million views on his answers.

Product description

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Disha Publication; First Edition (30 June 2020); AIETS.COM PVT. LTD. Plot No -6 ,(Ground Floor) Near IPSR Institute, Khasra No-40 Satbari, Chattarpur, New Delhi - 110074
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 204 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8194528658
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8194528654
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 190 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 20.3 x 25.4 x 4.7 cm
• #409 in UPSC Civil Services Mains

About the author

Awdhesh singh.

Dr Awdhesh Singh is a best-selling author and former IRS officer. He did his B Tech from IIT (BHU) Varanasi, M Tech from IIT Delhi and PhD from ABV-Indian Institute of Indian Institute of Technology & Management (IIITM) Gwalior. He is the founding Director of Awdhesh Academy, an online learning platform. He is also a top civil services educator at Unacademy and Prepladder.

He took voluntary retirement in 2016 after serving the Government of India for over twenty-five years. He was awarded ‘Certificate of Merit’ by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in 2011 and “Presidential Award by the Government of India in 2015.

He has written eight books, over 500 articles, and over 5,600 answers on Quora.com. He is the sixth most followed writer on Quora Globally, with over 3.35 lakh followers and over 225 million answer views.

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• Indian Exams /

Arihant Vs RS Agarwal: Which Book is Best for Reasoning ?

• Updated on  
• May 23, 2024

Reasoning ability is a very important skill for scoring well in competitive exams in India. It tests your logical thinking, analytical abilities, and problem-solving techniques. With so many reasoning books available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Two popular options are Arihant and RS Agarwal. This article will analyse both books to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Table of Contents

• 1 Understanding Your Needs
• 2 Arihant Reasoning Ability
• 3 RS Agarwal Reasoning Ability
• 4 Choosing Between Arihant and RS Agarwal
• 5 Other Books to Cover Reasoning Section
• 6 How to Study Reasoning Section?

Understanding Your Needs

Before considering the specifics of each book, it’s important to understand your individual needs. Here are some factors to look for:

• Are you preparing for the CAT, GMAT, UPSC, IBPS, or another competitive exam? The difficulty level and syllabus of the reasoning section will vary depending on the exam.
• Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced test taker? Some books cater to specific levels with practice questions tailored accordingly.
• Do you prefer a more theoretical approach with explanations or a practice-heavy method with numerous solved examples?

Arihant Reasoning Ability

Arihant is a well-known publisher specialising in competitive exam preparation materials. Their reasoning ability book is known for its comprehensiveness and focus on difficult concepts.

• Arihant provides detailed explanations for every concept, helping you understand the reasoning behind each question type.
• The book covers many reasoning topics, including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, critical reasoning, and analytical reasoning.
• Arihant’s practice questions are known to be on the tougher side, preparing you for exams with a high difficulty level.
• The sheer volume of information and the complexity of questions might be intimidating for first-time learners.
• The book also explains advanced concepts without providing a strong foundation in core reasoning principles.

RS Agarwal Reasoning Ability

RS Agarwal is another popular publisher known for its clear and concise approach to learning. Their reasoning ability book is favoured for its beginner-friendly structure and focus on core concepts.

• RS Agarwal starts with the basics of reasoning, building a solid foundation before introducing complex topics.
• The book uses clear and easy-to-understand language, making it suitable for students from all backgrounds.
• The book offers a good number of practice questions with varying difficulty levels, allowing you to gradually improve your skills.
• Compared to Arihant, RS Agarwal might not cover some advanced reasoning concepts tested in highly competitive exams.
• The book primarily focuses on explaining concepts and might not provide as many detailed problem-solving strategies.

Choosing Between Arihant and RS Agarwal

Picking books for SSC exams can be tricky! Here’s a breakdown to help you choose between RS Aggarwal and Arihant: Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Choose Arihant: if you’re a strong student aiming for exams with a high difficulty level and want in-depth explanations for complex concepts.
• Choose RS Agarwal if: You’re a beginner or need a strong foundation in reasoning before tackling advanced topics. You prefer clear explanations and a focus on core concepts.

Other Books to Cover Reasoning Section

Some books are highly suggested for enhancing aptitude and reasoning abilities. Among the well-liked options are:

How to Study Reasoning Section?

Both Arihant and RS Agarwal are valuable resources for improving your reasoning ability. The best choice depends on your individual needs and learning style. Consider the factors mentioned above and don’t hesitate to explore other resources and practice tests available online or from coaching institutes. Here are some tips to maximize your learning from either book:

• Regardless of your chosen book, ensure a strong foundation in core reasoning concepts like syllogisms, logical reasoning, and puzzles.
• Don’t just passively read the material. Actively participate by taking notes, underlining key points, and summarizing concepts in your own words.
• Regularly solve practice questions from the book and other resources. Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement.
• Time yourself while solving practice questions to simulate exam conditions and improve your speed and accuracy.

RELATED POSTS

Both are reputable, but preference depends on subject and personal learning style.

Yes, RS Aggarwal’s books are renowned for logical reasoning practice and strategies.

Depends on math preferences; RD Sharma for in-depth concepts, RS Aggarwal for structured practice.

RS Aggarwal provides solid prep, but supplement with mock tests and additional resources for comprehensive preparation

This was all about “Which Book is Best for Reasoning”. For more such informative blogs, check out our Study Material Section , or you can learn more about us by visiting our   Indian exams page.

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[Mission 2024] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 23 May 2024

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 3:

Economic Capital Framework (ECF) of RBI and its implications

GS Paper 4:

From Kautilya to Immanuel Kant: Lessons for a World at War

Facts for prelims (ffp), 2024 international booker prize, shallow aquifer management (sam), international solar alliance, avian influenza, census to estimate blue sheep and himalayan ibex.

  Syllabus: Indian Economy

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a record transfer of ₹2,10,874 crore to the Union government for 2023-24, more than double the ₹87,416 crore transferred last year. The RBI also increased the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) to 6.50% from 6% . This surplus is based on the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) adopted in 2019 .

What is Economic capital?

Economic capital is the amount of capital that a firm (in this case RBI), usually in financial services, needs to ensure that it stays solvent given its risk profile . It includes both realized and unrealized reserves .

Economic Capital Framework Objective: The framework aims to balance the RBI’s autonomy with the Government’s development goals.

Reserve Bank of India’s Sources of Income:

About Economic Capital Framework (ECF)

The ECF provides a method for determining risk provisions and profit distribution under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934 , requiring the central bank to pay profits to the government after provisions for debts, asset depreciation, and staff contributions . It was recommended by the Expert Committee (headed by Bimal Jalan) to Review the Extant Economic Capital Framework of the RBI.

The Bimal Jalan-led panel recommended:

• The total economic capital should be maintained between  20. 8% to 25.4%  of the RBI’s balance sheet.
• Risk Capital Frameworks : Assess the adequacy of RBI reserves.
• The CRB is the country’s savings for a financial stability crisis, which has been consciously maintained with the RBI in view of its role as Lender of Last Resort.
• Review Frequency: Review ECF every five years, or sooner if risks change significantly.
• Accounting Year Alignment : Sync RBI’s fiscal year (April-March) with the government’s from 2020-21 for better policy cohesiveness.
• Interim Dividend : Remove the interim payout structure, restricting it to extraordinary circumstances.

All recommendations were accepted by the RBI.

Reasons for Higher Dividend Transfers to the Government:

• Increased RBI Revenue : Boosted by variable repo rate (VRR) auctions for bank funding amid tight liquidity.
• Revaluation Gains : Higher revaluation gains on forex reserves.
• Interest Rates : Increased interest rates on domestic and foreign securities.
• Foreign Exchange Sales : Higher gross sales of foreign exchange.
• Rupee Depreciation : Surplus transfer aided by the rupee’s depreciation against the dollar.

Implications of Surplus Transfer:

• Fiscal Relief : Eases government fiscal management and boosts capex expenditure
• Revenue Compensation: Helps offset lower tax buoyancy and other revenue gaps.
• Budget Support : Provides a buffer to meet budget targets.
• Offsetting Losses : Mitigates potential losses from lower disinvestment, telecom payouts, or tax revenues.
• Fiscal Management: Enhances the government’s ability to manage fiscal deficits.

Reasons Against RBI Surplus Transfer to Government:

• Autonomy : Preserves RBI’s independence from government influence.
• Financial Stability : Ensures sufficient reserves for managing financial crises.
• Risk Buffer : Maintains a contingency risk buffer for unforeseen economic shocks.
• Monetary Policy: Supports effective monetary policy implementation without fiscal pressure.
• Long-term Stability : Prioritizes long-term economic stability over short-term fiscal gains.

Conclusion:

Transferring the RBI surplus to the government provides immediate fiscal relief and supports budgetary goals, but maintaining sufficient reserves is crucial for the RBI’s autonomy and long-term financial stability. A balanced approach is essential for sustainable economic health.

Insta links:

RBI Panel on Economic Capital Framework 

Prelims Link:

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? (UPSC 2017)

• It decides the RBI’s benchmark interest rates.
• It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
• It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only

If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? (UPSC 2020)

• Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
• Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate
• Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  Syllabus: Philospher and lessons from them

Context:   Kant’s rationality and ethics remain relevant in today’s world, fraught with geopolitical interests and fake news.

Who was Immanuel Kant ?

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a German philosopher from Königsberg, Prussia . He is best known for his works in epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics, particularly the “ Critique of Pure Reason.” Kant’s philosophy emphasized reason, rationality, and autonomy, and he argued for perpetual peace, open trade, and the idea of a world citizen. His ideas continue to influence contemporary thought in various fields, including ethics, politics, and international relations.

Relevant to his ideas in today’s world:

• Crisis in Multilateral Order : Kant’s ideas are being reassessed due to dysfunctionality in the multilateral order, as seen with the UN’s struggles.
• Global Citizenship : His concept of a “world citizen” resonates in today’s globalized world, advocating for free movement and open trade.
• Ethics and Rationality : Kant’s emphasis on reason, rationality, and morality remains crucial in addressing issues like terrorism and aggression by nations.
• Global Non-Self-Governing Territories : Kant’s rejection of imperialism and colonialism is relevant as 17 territories still seek self-government, reflecting ongoing colonial legacies.
• Modern Challenges : Kant’s vision of “perpetual peace ” contrasts with today’s realities of global terrorism, multinational corporations, and AI-driven warfare.

India’s perspective emphasizes its ancient strategic culture , which draws wisdom from texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and Tirukkural , assessing statecraft through the lens of ethics. During its G20 Presidency, India promoted the motto “ One Earth, One Family, One Future ,” inspired by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , reflecting its commitment to global unity. Rooted in its cultural heritage, India values serving humanity. It aims to blend Kant’s ideas with its own ancient teachings, offering a new moral compass for international relations.

  Context:   Jenny Erpenbeck’s novel “Kairos” wins the 2024 International Booker Prize , depicting a complex love story amidst East Germany’s final years .

Set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall’s fall , it explores personal and national transformations.

About the International Booker Prize (formerly known as the Man Booker International Prize): It is awarded annually to recognize the finest translated work of fiction worldwide . Established in 2005 , it encourages reading diverse fiction and has impacted reading habits in the UK. Eligible works must be long-form fiction originally written in any language but translated into English. The £50,000 prize is equally split between the author and translator, with shortlisted candidates receiving £2,500 each.

  Context: A recent Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe mid-air turbulence, a type called Clear-air turbulence , caused by wind shear.

What is Wind shear?  

It is the change in wind speed or direction over a distance, occurring horizontally or vertically at various altitudes. It’s commonly associated with weather phenomena like jet streams, mountain waves, or thunderstorms.

What is Turbulence?

Turbulence is the irregular motion of air that can occur during flight. It manifests as sudden, unpredictable changes in airflow, causing the aircraft to experience shaking or bouncing movements.

Turbulence occurs in aircraft due to various factors, including:

• Atmospheric Conditions: Turbulence can be caused by disturbances in the atmosphere, such as wind shear, jet streams, thermal convection, or mountain waves.
• Weather Systems: Thunderstorms, frontal boundaries, and other weather systems can create turbulent conditions as aircraft encounter changes in air pressure, temperature, and moisture.
• Terrain Effects : Near mountains or large land masses, aircraft may experience turbulence caused by the interaction of air masses with terrain features.
• Wake Turbulence : Aircraft generate wake turbulence, or vortices, as they move through the air. Following aircraft can encounter these vortices, leading to turbulence.
• Clear-Air Turbulence : This type of turbulence occurs in clear air and is often associated with changes in wind speed and direction at high altitudes, such as jet streams.  

Source: PTI

  Context: India is discussing with Sri Lanka to acquire graphite mines, aiming to meet the rising demand for graphite, crucial for battery anodes, especially lithium-ion batteries.

• China is the  world’s largest producer of natural graphite , accounting for  two-thirds of global supply .
• While  Mozambique, Madagascar, and Brazil are significant non-Chinese producers, China also refines over 90% of the world’s graphite for use in EV battery anodes.
• It is among 30 critical minerals declared by India.

About Graphite :

Graphite is a  naturally occurring crystalline  form of  carbon . It’s made up of  stacked layers of graphene.  Graphite is the most stable form of  carbon under standard conditions. 

Graphite is a  mineral  that’s found in metamorphic   and igneous rocks . It’s extremely  soft, cleaves with very light pressure, and has a very low specific gravity. 

Graphite is a  good conductor of electricity  and heat. It’s also lighter than diamond, smooth and slippery to the touch.

Graphite, a  key component in  electric vehicle  (EV) batteries , has seen a surge in demand due to the  growth of the EV industry . The battery end-use market for graphite  has grown by 250% globally since 2018

  Context: Telangana is implementing Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) pilot models in Habsiguda and Sainikpuri to address groundwater depletion and flooding.

What is an Aquifer? An aquifer is an underground layer of permeable rock, soil, or sand that holds water and allows it to flow freely. It acts as a natural reservoir, storing groundwater that can be accessed through wells for various purposes like drinking water supply, irrigation, and industrial use.

What is SAM?

SAM is a sustainable urban water management technique under the AMRUT scheme . It drills shallow borewells to pump out water, recharging aquifers during rainfall and raising water tables.

Source: TOI

  Context : Spain has become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Spain handed over the ISA Instrument of Ratification during a meeting between Spain’s Ambassador to India

Previous News about ISA :

  Context:   The BIMSTEC Charter, which came into force on May 20, 2024, grants the organization a ‘legal personality,’ enabling it to welcome new members and observers .

This milestone allows BIMSTEC to engage in structured diplomatic dialogue with other countries and groupings. The charter reaffirms India’s dedication to fostering a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable neighbourhood, emphasizing shared history, culture, and mutual respect among member states.

What is Legal Personality?

Legal personality refers to the recognition of an entity , such as an organization or corporation, as having rights and obligations similar to those of a natural person.

  Context : Australia’s first human case of bird flu has been confirmed in a child who contracted the H5N1 virus while in India. The child returned from India in March and fell ill with the flu virus.

Although avian influenza rarely infects humans , it can cause severe illness and has a high mortality rate.

About Avian influenza :  

It is commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds, including wild and domestic poultry. The H5N1 strain , first identified in 1996, has a mortality rate of about 60% in humans. Symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory issues and neurological problems. In India, outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred since 2006, with millions of birds culled to control its spread. India’s strategy involves detecting and culling infected birds. Antiviral treatments are available for human cases.

Global efforts to combat avian influenza include the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), a WHO-led initiative that monitors circulating virus strains and advises on treatment and control measures. Additionally, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) collaborates internationally to enhance animal health. In India, the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza outlines steps to manage outbreaks. India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in certain poultry compartments was approved by WOAH in 2023.

Source: DTE

  Context: The census to estimate blue sheep and Himalayan ibex populations has begun in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti district . Wildlife authorities are using the double observer survey technique to conduct the survey in the challenging terrain

About Blue Sheep :

The Bharal, or blue sheep, is a Himalayan caprine species with the scientific name Pseudois nayaur, the sole member of its genus. Found in the high Himalayas , it inhabits regions across India, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan . Bharal are medium-sized, with males slightly larger than females, and sport a slate grey coat with white underparts and black markings. Their distinctive horns curve upwards and then backwards. Bharal are diurnal and active throughout the day, grazing and resting on mountain slopes. They are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India.

About  Himalayan Ibex:

The Himalayan ibex, a subspecies of the Siberian ibex , is native to the Himalayan region spanning India, Pakistan, Tibet, and Nepal. Scientifically known as Capra sibirica hemalayanus, it thrives in high-altitude areas between 3,000 and 5,800 meters . In India, it’s primarily found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand . These sturdy wild goats weigh about 90 kg , stand 40 inches tall, and sport large curved horns with notches. Their coat ranges from light brown to reddish-brown, with a woolly texture in winter. Typically found in small herds, they can reach speeds of up to 50 km/ h. The Himalayan ibex is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List .

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Table of Content

8 Best Books for the GRE Analytical Writing

The GRE Analytical Writing section is one of the most challenging sections. You need to analyse complex arguments, articulate your ideas clearly, and write persuasively—all under tight time constraints. However, with the right study materials, you can refine your analytical skills and approach test day with confidence.

This blog shares the 8 best books for the GRE Analytical Writing, offering a variety of resources to suit your learning style and budget. Whether you want official practice questions, in-depth analysis strategies, or a comprehensive guide to solving specific issue topics, we’ve got you covered.

Overview of the GRE Analytical Writing Section

The GRE General Test’s Analytical Writing measure assesses your critical thinking and analytical writing abilities. The Analytical Writing measure consists of a single 30-minute task called “Analyse an Issue.” This task provides an opinion on a specific issue along with instructions for your response. Your job is to analyse the issue, consider its various aspects, and develop a reasoned argument with examples and evidence to support your perspective. It focuses on your skills based on the following criteria:

Articulating and supporting complex ideas

Constructing well-reasoned arguments

Maintaining a focused and coherent discussion

This evaluation goes beyond specific content knowledge. Instead, it emphasises your ability to think critically about a presented issue.

Note: You will be using a basic word processor developed by ETS to write your essay. This word processor offers functionalities like inserting, deleting, cutting, pasting, and undoing the previous action. However, features like spellcheck and grammar check are not available.

Why Should You Use GRE Analytical Writing Books?

The GRE Analytical Writing books offer a structured approach to studying for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE. These books can help you develop strong analytical skills. They typically provide a range of practice prompts that cover the different types of essay tasks you might come across on the GRE. Working through these prompts will help you hone your critical thinking abilities as you learn to analyse arguments, identify assumptions, and construct persuasive essays.

The books can also improve your writing mechanics. By exposing you to a variety of well-written essays, these books can help you improve your grammar, GRE vocabulary , and sentence structure. As you read these examples, you’ll begin to absorb the elements of strong writing, which you can then incorporate into your essays.

Additionally, many GRE Analytical Writing books contain test-taking strategies that can give you an edge on the GRE. These strategies can help you manage your time effectively during the exam and approach the essay prompts in a way that will maximise your score. By learning these strategies and practicing them alongside the GRE AWA sample essays , you’ll be well-prepared to write clear, concise, and high-scoring essays on test day.

Also read: Important Topics for the GRE AWA Section

Top 8 Books for the GRE Analytical Writing

1. gre analytical writing supreme: solutions to the real essay topics.

GRE Analytical Writing Supreme: Solutions to the Real Essay Topics by Vibrant Publishers is a comprehensive guide designed to help you ace the Analytical Writing section of the GRE. Divided into three books, it provides an in-depth analysis of over 145 real essay prompts.

By offering expert strategies, sample essays, and categorised topics (Arts, Education, etc.), the book provides you with the tools to not only understand effective essay structure but also develop strong critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

Price: INR 599

Buy it on Amazon .

2. Manhattan Review’s GRE Analytical Writing Guide

Manhattan Review’s GRE Analytical Writing Guide offers a two-pronged approach to mastering the Analytical Writing section of the GRE. It delves into the nitty-gritty of scoring, analysing the format, and how essays are graded. Additionally, it provides a rich practice ground with solutions to 20 real essay prompts, breaking down with a three-tier structure to predict the strongest responses and showing graded essays with critiques to illuminate the path to high scores.

Price: INR 532

Read also:   10 Best GRE Prep Books for 2024

3. Testwise GRE Prep’s GRE Analytical Writing: Answers to the Official Pool of Issue Topics

Testwise GRE Prep’s GRE Analytical Writing: Answers to the Official Pool of Issue Topics provides pre-written essays for all the actual issue prompts you might come across on test day. Designed to address the time constraints of the GRE, the book goes beyond simply giving you answers. It includes explanations of what graders look for in a strong essay. This allows you to analyse the sample responses and improve your analytical writing skills in the process.

Price: INR 1,720

4. McGraw Hill Education’s Conquering GRE Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing

McGraw-Hill Education’s Conquering GRE Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing targets the GRE’s verbal and writing sections. It offers in-depth explanations of the latest test format, along with drills and GRE practice questions to hone test-taking skills. By providing strategies for various question types and including four full practice verbal sections, the book promises to boost your confidence and prepare you to ace the GRE.

Price: INR 644

5. ETS’s Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions

Published by the ETS, the Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions offer over 150 real GRE practice questions across various difficulty levels. This allows you to develop your test-taking skills and gain a clear understanding of the question types, content areas, and overall structure of the verbal reasoning portion of the GRE.

Price: INR 899

Suggested: GRE Preparation Books

6. GRE Analytical Writing Solutions for All Real Essay Topics

GRE Analytical Writing Solutions for All Real Essay Topics offers a two-pronged approach: firstly, by providing detailed strategies for writing the Analyse an Issue essay. Secondly, it includes practice with real, past essay topics. This gives you a chance to hone your critical thinking and writing skills in a realistic test environment. The book also includes breakdowns of scoring guides and sample essays to provide a clear understanding of what graders are looking for in a high-scoring response.

Price: INR 449

7. 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary

30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis promises to strengthen your vocabulary for the GRE in just 15 minutes a day. The book uses a combination of quizzes and exercises to help you learn new words, understand their pronunciations, and master their roots. The book aims to not only improve your GRE score but also enhance your overall communication skills.

Price: INR 160

8. GRE Words in Context

GRE Words in Context introduces challenging GRE vocabulary words within meaningful contexts. The book goes beyond memorization and fosters a deeper understanding of the nuances of the language. This approach, along with GRE practice tests and activities, provides you with the proficiency to not only decipher complex passages but also express yourself with greater clarity and precision in your GRE writing tasks.

Read also: 10 Best Books for the GRE Quant Preparation

From the Desk of Yocket

For all GRE test-takers, the official guide serves as a foundational resource. It gets into the core principles of essay writing and ensures you have a strong grasp of structure, argumentation, and clarity. More importantly, it familiarises you with the specific format of the GRE essay task, which often deviates from traditional essay writing. The guide offers real-world examples of essays that have received different scores, along with detailed scoring rubrics. This allows you to analyse successful responses and understand the specific qualities graders seek in high-scoring essays.

However, if you’re aiming to maximise your score and land in the top percentiles, exploring beyond the official guide might be beneficial. Established test prep companies offer comprehensive resources specifically tailored for the GRE Analytical Writing section. These resources often dig deeper into specific question types and provide insightful strategies and techniques to write issue exploration prompts effectively. Additionally, they offer a wider pool of practice prompts that closely resemble the actual essay prompts you might come across on test day. For even more rigorous preparation, consider GRE prep premium options that offer advanced tools and personalized feedback. This allows you to practice applying your learned skills and strategies under timed conditions, mimicking the real exam experience.

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