— DON'T GO UNPREPARED —
Paper 2 Breakdown: The Reality:
4 essays, 20 marks each
80 out of 200 marks No content, no marks
depend on the Essay section alone
Prepare for the real challenge:
Let's ensure you're not caught off guard by the most probable topics
Presented by: Aman Gulia Sir
Essay Strategy: The UPSC Way
How are these topics selected? What UPSC demands in essays
Analysis of 15 years' PYQs - Understanding UPSC patterns Multidimensional framing - Connect topics to security, economy, society,
and governance
Current affairs - The Hindu, Indian Express, 2024-25 happenings
Precise content - Facts, figures, data, and chronology
Expert insights - Civil Services coaching coverage
Structured arguments - Well-balanced, logical flow with introduction,
Emerging trends - Tracking global and national developments body, and conclusion
Solutions-oriented - Not just identify problems, but propose viable
approaches
Remember:
This is not a 10th-grade exam. This is UPSC-level writing where no content means no marks. Your essays must
demonstrate depth, breadth, and insightful analysis.
Paper 2: 200 marks | Essay section: 80 marks (4 essays × 20 marks each) Aman Gulia Sir
1
Increasing Ageing Population in India
Problems and Solutions
Theme Why It's Likely
Social Issues, Welfare Policies, Demographic Shifts Social issues are a recurring UPSC theme, with questions on vulnerable
sections and societal changes frequently appearing, making demographic
shifts like an ageing population highly relevant.
Hook to Start Writing
"As India rapidly progresses on the global stage, an often-overlooked demographic shift quietly reshapes its societal fabric: the increasing
proportion of its elderly, presenting both profound challenges and unique opportunities."
Strategy Angle
Analysis: Socio-economic and healthcare challenges posed by an ageing population
Solutions: Multi-sectoral policy approaches (social security, healthcare access, elder-friendly infrastructure)
Include: Government initiatives like National Policy for Senior Citizens, PMVVY, Elder line
Balance: Challenges with opportunities (silver economy, experienced workforce)
Aman Gulia Sir
2
Economic Disparity
Threat to Human Dignity
Theme Why It's Likely
Economy & Development, Social Issues & Human Rights Economic inequality and poverty are consistently highlighted as major challenges
for India and globally, with reports like Oxfam's on widening global economic
disparities making it a contemporary issue-based topic.
Hook to Start Writing
"In a world boasting unprecedented wealth, the stark reality of economic disparity persists as a profound challenge, eroding human dignity
and fracturing the very foundations of equitable societies."
Strategy Angle
Define: Economic disparity and its manifestations in income, wealth, and opportunity gaps
Explore: Multi-dimensional impacts on human dignity, social cohesion, and democratic values
Analyze: Underlying structural causes (globalization, automation, policy failures)
Propose: Policy solutions including wealth redistribution, financial inclusion, and social safety nets
Aman Gulia Sir
3
Frontier Technologies and the Future of Warfare
The New Battlespace
Theme Why It's Likely
Science & Technology / Security & Defence Explicitly listed as a highly relevant PYQ topic, directly addressing technology's
growing impact on national security, with cyber warfare, AI, and drones as
recurrent sub-themes.
Hook to Start Writing
"As the global landscape of conflict rapidly evolves, driven by breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, and space warfare,
frontier technologies are fundamentally reshaping the very nature of modern combat and national security."
Strategy Angle
Disruptive Potential: Analyze how frontier technologies (AI, cyber, space, drones) are transforming traditional warfare
Dual Perspective: Discuss both opportunities (precision, reduced casualties) and risks (autonomous weapons, digital vulnerabilities)
National Context: Highlight India's defense modernization initiatives and technology adoption strategy
Governance Framework: Address ethical considerations and regulatory challenges in emerging warfare technologies
Aman Gulia Sir
4
Role of Women in Changing Global Order
Leadership, Diplomacy & Transformation
Theme Why It's Likely
Intersectional analysis of women's evolving contributions A question on women is expected annually, seen in prior exams (e.g., Women in
Armed Forces, Women in Sports), with current predictions for roles in judiciary
across social, economic, security, and diplomatic spheres
and politics, aligning with India's growing assertive diplomacy.
within a multipolar global landscape
Hook to Start Writing
"In an increasingly interconnected yet volatile world, where traditional power structures are being redefined and new global challenges
emerge, the narrative of leadership and change is increasingly being shaped by an indispensable force: women."
Strategy Angle
Multi-dimensional: Analyze women's contributions across diplomacy, peacebuilding, economy, and security sectors Indian
context: Integrate specific Indian examples (women in UN peacekeeping, diplomatic corps, G20 leadership)
Balanced analysis: Address persistent challenges along with transformative achievements
Future orientation: Propose solutions and policy frameworks for further enhancing women's global leadership
Aman Gulia Sir
5
Tackling Naxalism
A Multi-pronged Strategy for Internal Security
Theme Why It's Likely
National Security and Internal Stability / Internal Security Naxalism (Left-Wing Extremism) is a persistent and explicitly mentioned
internal security challenge for India, with a government statement targeting its
Threats
elimination by March 2026, making it a highly current and relevant CAPF topic.
Hook to Start Writing
"Despite significant strides in national security, Naxalism remains a complex and persistent internal threat, necessitating a multi-pronged strategy that
extends beyond military might to address its deep-rooted socio-economic causes."
Strategy Angle
Analysis: Examine Naxalism as a multi-dimensional internal security challenge with historical context
Multi-pronged approach: Security operations, development initiatives, governancereforms, tribal welfare
Include: SAMADHAN strategy, Operation Prahar, Security-related expenditure scheme, Special Infrastructure Scheme Balance:
Hard power (security operations) with soft power (development, addressing grievances)
Aman Gulia Sir
6
Social Media and Emerging Threats
to National Security
Theme Why It's Likely
Technology, Security, Social Concerns Social media's impact on national security, including misinformation,
espionage, and polarization, is explicitly listed as a highly contemporary and
issue-based topic in UPSC's focus areas.
Hook to Start Writing
"As social media platforms increasingly define our interconnected world, they concurrently unveil a new frontier of vulnerability, posing
complex and evolving threats to the very fabric of national security through misinformation and digital manipulation."
Strategy Angle
Identify threats: Misinformation campaigns, radicalization, foreign influence operations, hybrid warfare
Regulatory challenges: Balancing free speech with security, jurisdictional issues, tech governance
Solutions: Public-private partnerships, digital literacy, legislative frameworks, technology solutions
India context: Information Technology Act, proposed Digital India Act, national security implications
Aman Gulia Sir
7
India's Role in Contemporary
Socio-Political Global Crisis
Theme Why It's Likely
International Relations and Geopolitics International Relations and India's global role are consistently vital CAPF essay
themes, with explicit mentions of "India's growing role as a unifier in the Indian
Ocean" and "India's assertive diplomacy" categorised as "most important"
topics amidst ongoing global conflicts.
Hook to Start Writing
"In an increasingly interconnected yet volatile world grappling with multifaceted socio-political crises, India is rising not merely as a regional
power, but as a pivotal architect shaping the future of global stability and human security."
Strategy Angle
Multi-dimensional approach: Examine India's diplomatic, economic, and security contributions to crisis resolution
Key concepts: "Assertive diplomacy," "Voice of Global South," and fostering a "multipolar world"
Evidence: Specific examples from G20 presidency, SCO, regional forums, and conflict mediation efforts
Structure: Balance analysis of achievements with challenges and forward-looking perspective
Aman Gulia Sir
8
Extensive Use of Artificial Intelligence
Possible Dangers
Theme Why It's Likely
Science & Technology / Social Issues & Human Rights / AI is a "very, very important" and highly probable topic for CAPF, with dangers
including ethical concerns, weaponization, and cyber-attacks frequently
Security & Defence
discussed within the broader context of technology and security.
Hook to Start Writing
"As Artificial Intelligence rapidly permeates every facet of human existence, its transformative power casts a shadow of unforeseen dangers,
demanding urgent deliberation on the ethical, societal, and existential risks it poses."
Strategy Angle
Focus on: Potential dangers and challenges (ethical concerns, job displacement, bias, surveillance, weaponization)
Regulation: Discuss need for robust governance frameworks and international cooperation
Balance: Ways to mitigate risks while harnessing AI benefits
Include: India's AI strategy, global initiatives, recent cases of AI risks
Aman Gulia Sir
9
Increasing Mental Health Disorders in Society
Causes and Remedies
Theme Why It's Likely
Social Issues, Welfare Policies, Health and Sanitation Mental health is highlighted as a "very important topic" with "very high
chances" of being asked, especially concerning youth, social media addiction,
and security forces, reflecting a continuous focus on societal challenges.
Hook to Start Writing
"In an age of unprecedented connectivity, a silent epidemic casts a growing shadow across societies: the alarming rise of mental health
disorders, demanding urgent attention to their complex causes and comprehensive remedies."
Strategy Angle
Analyze causes: Socio-economic factors, technological influences, lifestyle changes, and pandemic impact
Propose remedies: Multi-faceted approach including healthcare access, awareness campaigns, workplace policies
Include: National Mental Health Programme, Mental Healthcare Act, tele-mental health initiatives
Address: Stigma reduction, community support systems, role of technology in both causing and addressing the issue
Aman Gulia Sir
10
Needs Are Imposed by Nature
Wants Are Sold by Society
Theme Why It's Likely
Philosophical & Ethical Points / Social Issues & Welfare Philosophical and ethical topics are consistent features of UPSC essays. This
statement offers profound sociological and economic commentary, inviting
Policies / Economy & Development
deep analytical discussion on consumerism, sustainability, and human nature.
Hook to Start Writing
"Human existence, a perpetual dance between the primal dictates of nature and the ceaseless allure of societal aspirations, is encapsulated in the
profound truth: needs are imposed by nature, wants are sold by society."
Strategy Angle
Conceptual Framework: Distinguish between "needs" (survival, security) and "wants" (social status, luxury)
Market Forces: Analyze how advertising, social media, and consumerism "sell" wants through aspirational marketing
Implications: Discuss socioeconomic inequality, environmental sustainability, and psychological well-being
Balance: Conclude with sustainable consumption, mindfulness, and socially responsible policies
Aman Gulia Sir
11
Good Fences Make Good Neighbours
Boundaries, Borders and Peaceful Coexistence
Theme Why It's Likely
International Relations and Geopolitics, National Security Proverbs or abstract statements are common essay prompts in UPSC exams,
testing analytical ability. This proverb directly relates to border management,
and Internal Stability, Social Issues
international relations, and conflict resolution—vital themes for CAPF.
Hook to Start Writing
"More than a simple adage, the timeless wisdom 'Good fences make good neighbours' resonates profoundly in both the
intricate tapestry of international relations and the delicate dynamics of human interaction, advocating for clear
boundaries as foundations for peace and respect."
Strategy Angle
Multiple perspectives: Analyze the proverb through physical borders, diplomatic boundaries, and social personal spaces
Positive dimension: How clear boundaries foster respect, security, and peaceful coexistence
Critical analysis: Pitfalls of excessive isolation or hostile divisions
Include: India's border management, international boundaries disputes, and social contract theories
Aman Gulia Sir
12
War as Policy Instrument for Nations Today
Modern Manifestations & Global Impact
Theme Why It's Likely
International Relations & Geopolitics, Security & Global landscape marked by significant conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-
Palestine), evolving warfare types (cyber, hybrid, information), India's
Defence, Science & Technology
counter-terrorism strategies (Operation Sindoor), and CAPF's consistent
focus on security topics.
Hook to Start Writing
"In the complex tapestry of contemporary international relations, war continues to manifest not merely as a violent clash of arms, but as a
calculated instrument wielded by nations to advance their strategic, economic, and geopolitical objectives."
Strategy Angle
Multifaceted Analysis: Examine conventional warfare alongside emerging forms (cyber, economic, information, proxy) Strategic
Dimensions: National interest calculations, deterrence theory, global power projections
Ethical Considerations: Just war theory, humanitarian impacts, international law constraints
Balance: Objective analysis of both effectiveness and limitations of war as policy
Aman Gulia Sir
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