How can one write a 250-word answer in just 7-8 minutes for the UPSC Mains?

UPSC Mains consists of 9 papers, all of which have descriptive answer type questions. To achieve the dream to clear this coveted IAS Exam, an aspirant has to go through three stages – Prelims, Mains and Interview. Mains stage for many will be the most challenging as after reading a lot of information, one has to produce the answers in a limited span of time and that too accurately.

Before getting into the rule, let’s take a look at the pattern of questions asked in the UPSC Mains Exam, which every candidate should be aware of. It will give them a fair idea about how to answer a question within the given word limit and stipulated time.

Major types of questions asked in the UPSC Mains Exam

• Evaluate/critically evaluate
• Discuss
• Elucidate
• Critically Examine
• Comment

It is useful for aspirants to go through UPSC previous years’ papers (Linked above) to know the type of questions that have been most commonly asked.

For writing answer you have to know the 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing

The name of this rule is taken from the code of discipline that many martial artists use. The 7-5-3 rule is as simple as the numbers given, where:

• SEVEN – Candidates’ should aim to answer questions within 7 minutes per question.
• FIVE – Write 5 points in their answers related to the keyword. It would be better to break down the answer into bulleted points.
• THREE – Elaborate each point in 3 dimensions as per the requirements listed in the question. The following are useful pointers:Social, Economic, Political and Geographical perspectiveFor, against, and conclusionWhat/Why/How

Now, let us learn with how to apply the 7-5-3 rule for answer writing in IAS Mains Exam.

First and foremost, aspirants’ should read the questions thoroughly (twice at least) then recognize the type of the question and identify the keyword/s in the question.

Example Question: Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (UPSC 2016 Civil Services Mains Question)

The First part of the rule: Identify the keyword/s

• The keyword is Krishnadeva Raya as a scholar
• Write a small introduction.
• Write five points on the keyword
• How he patronized learning and literature
• His contribution to literature and learning
• Scholars who adorned his court and whom he patronized
• Famous literature work
• How literature flourished during this period
• Discuss each point written and conclude it with how the learning and literature flourished during this period and ensure you are done with answering in 7 minutes.