UPSC Mains 2025 — Last-Minute Tips

Use the S-A-G-E rule in every answer: Structure • Answer the directive • Ground with Indian examples/data • Evaluate + way forward.

Time game: 10-marker ≈ 7 min, 15-marker ≈ 10–11 min, keep 5 min at the end to review/underline.

Essay (2 essays/3 hrs)
• Pick themes you can sustain with arguments, examples & counterviews.
• Plan 8–10 min: thesis, 4–5 sub-themes, transitions, conclusion with way forward.
• Use diversity of examples (history, policy, ethics, society), tidy paras, and a hopeful, actionable end.

GS-1 (History, Society, Geography)
• Mini-timeline/map where relevant.
• Frame social issues as Causes → Consequences → Reforms (data + schemes).
• Keep culture answers place/person/event-anchored; avoid generic fluff.

GS-2 (Polity & Governance, IR)
• Anchor with Articles/Directives, 1–2 SC/HC references, key policies/commissions.
• Governance = Service delivery + Accountability + Tech + Inclusion; give implementable fixes.
• IR: Interests > optics; add recent initiatives + challenges + way forward.

GS-3 (Economy, S&T, Environment, Security)
• Use latest data (rounded) + simple diagram (flow/triangle).
• Economy: Jobs, Productivity, MSME, Infra, Fiscal prudence.
• Environment: Precautionary + Just Transition; link to SDGs/Paris.
• Internal security: Threat → Capacity → Coordination → Community.

GS-4 (Ethics & Case Studies)
• Theory: Define → Dimensions → 2 real examples → Way forward.
• Case: Stakeholders → Values at stake → Options (pros/cons) → Decision with justification → Implementation & safeguards. Keep humane, lawful, and practical.

Presentation wins: clear headings, underlines, small diagrams, steady handwriting.
Mindset: Pace > perfection. Attempt strongest first. You’re ready.
— SAGE IAS Academy