How To Improve Writing Skills for the UPSC Mains Exam

There is no single "best way" to prepare for the UPSC exam. However, a good strategy is to start with the basics in order to give a strong foundation for your writing skills. Basic writing techniques like paragraph formation, sentence structure and grammar will help you build a solid base. This is how you can improve writing skills For UPSC mains exam.

With the UPSC mains exam consisting of nine descriptive papers, you have to score the minimum required marks for an interview call from the board. Thousands of people take this exam and study material that is mostly all similar. So, how do you distinguish your best answers from the rest? Well, one way to do that is by writing a style in which our answers are good, neat and systematic. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that the output text should not have any errors. Another option would be to write using aesthetics and have a clean grasp on facts. This article will give you insights on how to improve writing skills for UPSC mains exam and more tips on answer writing skills for the IAS exam.

1. Read a lot to improve writing :

Reading a lot is the best way to improve your writing, even if you're taking IAS preparations. The next time you read a newspaper or magazine, make sure to focus your attention on the written content style too. Reading more can help you subconsciously build good writing practices & benefit your own writing. So, the first step in improving your answer writing is to read more often.

2. Consistent Outline:

The rough outline is a basic structure to help guide your writing. You should have an introduction, body and conclusion. Try to keep them as consistent as possible.

3. Keep it simple without using a lot of jargon:

Keep your word choices simple when writing answers for the UPSC main exam. Declutter your answer by using fewer, but more impactful words. Don’t try and stuff your essay with unnecessary jargon; this will only bore readers. The essay will most likely be rejected by the examiner if it is written like someone who is trying to show off his knowledge.

4. No generalizations:

It's best to avoid generalizations when you write. Make sure the information you give is backed with facts & proof. Generalizations can lead to misconceptions that can make people feel attacked. For example, if you're writing about a certain type of system, don't say that all people like that kind or have a preference for it because not everybody does. Instead, focus on the facts and proof to back up your claims about the topic.

5. Do not overdo the embellishments:

People can easily over do the embellishments. It takes a lot of time to sit down and think about what would be appropriate for the audience. Sometimes it is hard to know when to stop and make sure that the writing has a good flow. People need to make sure they are not overwhelming their readers with too many details, but also not leaving them in the dark on any important information.

6. Remember to be original.

Do not copy the answers from the reading material onto your answer sheet. Write in a new way, but stay true to the course guidelines.

7. Practice makes perfect.

The exam for the UPSC is a difficult one, so it definitely helps to practice. There's no point in even taking the tests without practicing beforehand as this can help you win.

8. Always make sure your writing is free of grammatical, spelling and other errors.

In order to become proficient in IAS Exams, practice writing daily using the tips discussed above. Just knowing these tips is not enough to excel in the exam. With the intent of persuading the examiner that you have strong, sound knowledge and reasoning to become a first-class civil servant, write clear and concise answers. These answers should not only give required information but all other relevant points. And this is how you could improve writing skills for UPSC mains exam and pass with flying colors.