In GS Mains you write about 20 answers in 3 hours - roughly 7 minutes for a 10-marker (150 words) and 11 minutes for a 15-marker (250 words). Evaluators skim fast. Structure is how you get your content noticed.
1. Read the demand
Underline the directive word and every part of the question:
- Discuss - both sides, then a balanced view.
- Critically examine / analyse - merits and limitations, with your judgement.
- Examine - causes and implications.
- Evaluate / assess - weigh against criteria; conclude clearly.
- Elucidate / explain - clarity with examples.
- Comment - your opinion, backed by facts.
Answering "describe" when asked to "critically examine" is the single most common reason for low marks.
2. Introduction (2-3 lines)
One of: a definition, a constitutional or legal anchor, a recent fact or report, or a data point. Relevant to the question - not a generic history.
3. Body
- Sub-headings that mirror the question's parts.
- Points, not paragraphs - each point one idea, with an example.
- Dimensions: political, economic, social, ethical, environmental, international, technological, legal - only those the question needs.
- Value additions: Articles, Supreme Court cases, committee reports (2nd ARC, Law Commission, Sarkaria/Punchhi for federalism), data (Economic Survey, NFHS, government reports), schemes, a simple diagram or flowchart.
4. Conclusion (2-3 lines)
Forward-looking and balanced: a way forward, a constitutional value, an SDG, or a recommendation - linked back to the question.
5. Word limit
Stay within about 10% of the limit. Over-writing costs time for later questions; under-writing usually means missing dimensions.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring part of a multi-part question.
- Long introductions with background.
- No examples or data.
- Only one side in a "critically examine".
- The same conclusion for every answer.