UPSC 2026 Essay Preparation Pack
Part 1: 50+ Predicted Essay Topics (Grouped by Themes)
Philosophy & Abstract Thought
- "Wisdom lies in knowing what not to pursue."
- "Reality is perception."
- "Discipline is the bridge between goals and achievement."
- "Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling."
Governance, Democracy & Society
- "Democracy without debate is dictatorship in disguise."
- "Citizenship is a responsibility, not a privilege."
- "Ethical governance is the key to national progress."
Technology & Human Values
- "Can machines ever replace human empathy?"
- "Digital revolution and the future of human relationships."
- "Artificial intelligence: The final invention of humanity?"
Environment & Climate
- "There is no Planet B."
- "Sustainable growth: The new face of development."
- "Environmental justice is social justice."
Women, Gender, & Social Justice
- "A woman's place is in leadership."
- "Gender roles are a societal script, not a biological truth."
- "Justice for all begins with justice for women."
Youth, Education & Ethics
- "The true purpose of education is to create good humans."
UPSC 2026 Essay Preparation Pack
- "Youth are not problems to be solved but potentials to be unleashed."
- "Can morality be taught in classrooms?"
India's Identity & Values
- "India lives in her villages."
- "Unity in diversity is not an achievement but a lived reality."
- "Indian civilization: Ancient yet ever-evolving."
Part 2: Model Essay Introductions
1. Topic: "Not all those who wander are lost"
"Wandering, often misunderstood as aimlessness, can be the path to self-discovery. History is full of thinkers,
philosophers, and scientists who defied conventional paths to find their truth. This essay explores the value of
intellectual wandering in a rigid world."
2. Topic: "Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master"
"The digital revolution has changed our lives forever, offering tools of immense power. But with this power
comes a warning-when technology begins to dictate how we live, think, and interact, humanity is at risk. This
essay explores the balance between innovation and control."
Part 3: Essay Writing Strategy (60-Day Plan)
- Days 1-10: Understand themes and analyze previous years' papers.
- Days 11-30: Write 2 essays per week, each from a different theme.
- Days 31-45: Focus on introductions, conclusions, and structure.
- Days 46-60: Take full-length mock essay tests under timed conditions.
Part 4: Essay Toolkit
UPSC 2026 Essay Preparation Pack
- 25+ Powerful Quotes from Gandhi, Kalam, Ambedkar, etc.
- Real-life Anecdotes: Kalpana Chawla, E. Sreedharan, Sudha Murthy.
- Sample Data for topics on Climate, Economy, Gender, Tech.
- Thematic Mind-Maps for visual retention and last-minute revision.
