Mastering the UPSC Essay: Insights from Rachit Raj’s Strategy
1. The Power of a Captivating Introduction Rachit Raj emphasizes that the first two pages of your essay set the tone for the examiner’s mindset. A “Part 2” approach to the introduction moves beyond simple definitions; it utilizes provocative anecdotes, historical parallels, or a poignant quote to hook the reader. The goal is to create a “bridge” from a specific story to the broader theme of the essay. By starting with a narrative—for instance, a day in the life of a marginalized citizen to discuss economic inequality—you humanize the data and demonstrate a compassionate, administrative perspective from the very first paragraph.
2. The Multi-Dimensional Brainstorming Technique One of the hallmarks of a Rachit Raj sample essay is the sheer breadth of perspectives covered. Before writing, spend 25-30 minutes brainstorming using the PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal) framework or the Individual-to-Global scale. This ensures the essay isn’t one-dimensional. For example, if the topic is “Technology and Human Values,” a high-scoring essay will examine the impact on a child’s psychology, the disruption of labor markets, the ethics of AI, and the geopolitical digital divide, ensuring every facet of the prompt is interrogated.
3. Seamless Transitions and Structural Cohesion A common pitfall in the Mains is an essay that feels like a collection of disjointed points. Rachit Raj advises using “connecting links” or “transitional sentences” at the end of every paragraph. This technique ensures that the reader is led logically from one idea to the next. If you are moving from the economic benefits of a policy to its social challenges, use a pivot such as, “While the fiscal indicators paint a rosy picture, the ground reality of social inclusivity tells a more nuanced story.” This maintains the “flow,” which is a specific criterion for marks in the UPSC rubric.
4. Balancing Arguments with the ‘Devil’s Advocate’ Approach A mature essay must avoid being a one-sided polemic. To emulate a topper’s style, you must incorporate a counter-argument or a “critical analysis” section. This involves acknowledging the complexities of the topic—essentially playing devil’s advocate against your own thesis—and then rebutting those points with logic and evidence. This demonstrates intellectual depth and the ability to view a problem from multiple angles, a trait highly valued in future civil servants who must navigate complex policy landscapes.
5. Substantiating with Data and “Soft” Examples While the essay is a test of personality and expression, it must be grounded in reality. Rachit Raj’s samples often pepper the text with specific examples: government schemes (like PM-Kisan), international indices (World Happiness Report), or philosophical references (Socrates, Gandhi, or Ambedkar). However, the trick is to use these “softly”—they should supplement your argument rather than overwhelm it. The essay shouldn’t read like a General Studies paper; instead, the facts should serve as the “evidence” for your broader philosophical narrative.
6. The “Visionary” Conclusion The final section of your essay is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. Rachit Raj suggests moving away from a mere summary toward a “visionary and optimistic” conclusion. Instead of just restating what you wrote, synthesize your points into a roadmap for the future. End with a “call to action” or a powerful concluding thought that ties back to your opening anecdote. This creates a sense of “circularity” and completeness, leaving the examiner with the feeling that they have read a well-rounded, thoughtful, and professional piece of literature.