Rules of Writing Mains Answers

1)     Interpret the question accurately.

If you do not do this well, you will not get any credit.  

2)     Determine the various  parts  of  the question.

Each part carries specific marks, so you should write all parts.

3)     Explain clearly the issue raised  in the question.

Here write the meaning, definition and essence of the issue.

4)      Mention ,appropriately,the varied views on the issue expressed  by the relevant

a)     Government-appointed committees

b)     Parliamentary committees

c)     Supreme Court rulings

d)     Constitutional, statutory or executive authorities like Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, Planning Commission, National Commissions on Women, Children, SCs, STs, Minorities etc.

e)     Political parties

f)      Eminent persons, NGOs, Civil Society, etc.

g)     Interest groups like ASSOCHAM, FICCI, NASSCOM,

h)     International organizations like UN, IMF, World Bank, etc.

     

5)     Draw conclusions based on objective facts.

6)     Your answers should reflect optimism, faith in the system, incrementalism, the knowledge of the ongoing debate on the issues raised in the question, various available approaches and solutions to the problem, and the maturity and responsibility expected of a civil servant.