This guide shows exactly how to plan, structure and present a 700–800 word essay for the BPSC Mains essay paper so you can maximise marks for content, coherence and presentation.
TL;DR
- Paper format: 300 marks; 3 sections × 100 marks; write one essay from each section; 3 hours total; each essay ≈ 700–800 words.
Default intro: short definition/fact + 1–2 line synopsis (roadmap) at the end of the introduction.
Body: 3–4 thematic paragraphs (150–220 words each) with a topic sentence, an example/fact, and a mini-link.
Conclusion: concise summary + 1–3 actionable recommendations or a forward-looking sentence.
Timing: spend ~60 minutes per essay (10–12 min to choose, 6–8 min plan, 40–45 min write, 3–5 min revise).
Basics: rule of the game
Format & marks: 300 marks total; paper split into 3 sections; each essay = 100 marks; essays ~700–800 words.
Language: technical terms in English are allowed within Hindi scripts.
Weight: Essay marks contribute to the merit list — they are not merely qualifying.
Time Challenge: How to manage your 3-hour strategy
Treat each section as a separate 100-mark task.
Reading & topic selection (10–12 min total)
Scan all sections. Eliminate topics you can’t back with facts/examples. Pick one where you have at least 2 good examples (one national, one Bihar-specific if possible).
For each essay (~60 min)
Planning/Outline (6–8 min): one-line definition/hook; 1–2 line synopsis; 3–4 thematic headings; one example per theme; conclusion idea.
Writing (40–45 min): follow the planned headings. Aim for ~700–800 words.
Revision (3–5 min): check facts/dates, underline keywords, ensure transitions, tidy handwriting.
How to pick the best topics quickly
- Eliminate topics you cannot write 700 words about with evidence.
Prefer topics where you can bring both national and Bihar examples + at least one scheme/stat.
Choose topics that allow critical analysis (not only description).
Essay structure — a template you can use (700–800 words)
Write your essay like a polished short article.
Title / Heading (optional) — write the question/topic clearly.
Introduction (100–120 words)
Hook (fact/definition/short quote/anecdote) → brief context → synopsis/roadmap (1–2 sentences).
Example intro structure: define the topic, mention why it matters, then say “This essay will… (list 3 themes).”
Body — 3 thematic paragraphs (150–200 words each)
Paragraph 1 (Theme A): topic sentence → explanation → labelled fact / Bihar example → link to next theme.
Paragraph 2 (Theme B): topic sentence → analysis → example/stat → link.
Paragraph 3 (Theme C): topic sentence → synthesis or counterpoint → example → transition to conclusion.
(Optional short 4th para: trade-offs or limitations.)
Conclusion (80–100 words)
Briefly sum up major points. End with 1–3 specific, actionable recommendations or a forward-looking sentence that ties back to the thesis.
Openings: which to choose and when
All opening types work if relevant and concise:
Definition + synopsis : clarifies scope and signals structure.
Fact / Statistic (recommended when topical): shows evidence-based approach. Always qualify the stat (source/year) if possible.
Short quote: If directly relevant and immediately analysed.
Anecdote (1–2 lines): humanises but must be tied fast to analysis.
Practical rule: If unsure, open with a short definition + a one-line roadmap + one supporting fact.
Should an essay begin with a quote, fact, or statistic? which is best and why?
This is probably the most common question for new candidates. All three are acceptable. Choose based on the topic and your strength.
Quote:
Most common opening style, reccomended and used by most. Also the safest, but the trick lies at the execution. Use only if it is concise, directly relevant, and attributable. Avoid long or generic quotes.
Example: “As Amartya Sen observed, ‘Development is freedom’ — this highlights the need to view policy through capabilities rather than GDP alone.”
Why cautious: quotes look stylistic; the are also most common style that most suggest as default, however there are better ways to open if the topic justifies it. Also opening quotes alone gain little if not tied to an analysis or narration.
Fact / Statistic :
Use when the topic benefits from empirical grounding (economy, development, environment, crime).
Example opening: “India’s agricultural sector employs ~43% of the workforce but contributes ~16% to GDP (2023).” → then interpret.
Why: immediate credibility, shows you know data and can contextualize.
Definition / conceptual opening + synopsis :
Short definition/interpretation followed by your take. This is the safest opening for any topic.
Example: “Social capital refers to the networks and norms that enable collective action. This essay argues that strengthening local social capital is essential for rural development because… (roadmap).”
Why: clarifies scope and avoids wasting time on a flashy but irrelevant quote.
Anecdote / vignette
Useful to humanize or contextualize (e.g., a short Bihar village story). Keep it brief (1–2 lines) and immediately link to analysis.
sample openings
- Quote + Intro + synopsis :
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Echoing this idea, the Swachh Bharat Mission is not merely a government programme but a nationwide social movement aimed at behavioural change, urban and rural infrastructure, and community participation…………. This essay analyses the mission’s key drivers, evaluates its outcomes and limitations, and suggests three priority measures to deepen its impact—particularly in states like Bihar.Definition + synopsis :
“Climate resilience refers to the capacity to anticipate, respond to, and recover from climate shocks………….. This essay analyses the drivers of coastal vulnerability, evaluates policy responses in India, and suggests three priority measures to strengthen community-level resilience.”Fact + synopsis:
“Coastal regions host nearly 40% of India’s population and account for a significant share of GDP………….. Given rising sea-level risks, this essay will examine the economic and social implications of coastal loss, discuss existing policy measures, and propose targeted adaptation strategies.”
The synopsis — what it is and where it goes
“synopsis” should contain (a) a brief thesis statement and (b) a compact roadmap of what you will cover. Together, they tell the examiner your central claim and the structure you will use to support it.
What each part does
Thesis statement (central claim): one clear sentence that answers the implicit question or states your stance. (What you believe or the main point you will argue.)
Roadmap: 1 sentence (or part of the same sentence) that lists the main themes/sections you will discuss (e.g., drivers → impacts → remedies). (How you will organise the essay.)
- Placed together at the end of the introduction, they orient the reader and make your structure explicit, which helps secure marks for coherence and organisation..
Tone: Declarative and concise. E.g., “This essay examines causes, evaluates consequences, and suggests three priority interventions.”
Why use it? It sets expectations, helps you stay focused, and makes the examiner’s job easier — increasing clarity/coherence marks.
Why this matters
Examiners look for relevance, coherence, analytical depth and presentation. A clear roadmap at the start and a disciplined paragraph structure make your arguments visible — and visible arguments get rewarded. Think of the essay as three mini-papers: plan → execute → revise.
How to segment ideas — paragraphing, headings, lists, diagrams
- Paragraphing: one main idea per paragraph. Start with a topic sentence (the paragraph’s headline), then 2–4 supporting sentences, then an evidence/example sentence, and a linking sentence to the next paragraph. Keep paragraphs ~6–10 lines if handwriting size allows.
Headings / Sub-headings: not mandatory but useful. Small, underlined headings (e.g., “Causes”, “Impact”, “Way Forward”) help scanning. Use sparingly — don’t break flow.
Bullets / Numbering: use only in the body where listing remedies, steps, or features makes clarity better. For instance, “Recommendations: (i) … (ii) … (iii) …” — this is effective and reader-friendly.
Diagrams / Boxes / Flowcharts: a small labeled box, table, or flow diagram can boost presentation. Use only when it clarifies (e.g., stages of a process, a simple table comparing two approaches). Keep it compact and label clearly.
Transitions & signposting words: use connectors to make progression logical: “Firstly/ Secondly/ However/ Consequently/ Therefore/ On the other hand/ To conclude.” These give coherence points to the examiner.
Essay vs Mains answer — how they differ
- Length & depth: Essay = 700–800 words and develops an argument; answers = short, directive, often pointwise.
Intro: Essay uses definition + synopsis; answer uses a short thesis and jumps to points.
Body: Essay uses thematic paragraphs and synthesis; answer uses numbered points/bullets.
Conclusion: Essay ends reflectively + policy vision; answer ends with crisp remedies or summary bullets.
Essay vs Answer writing — similarities and differences
| Aspect | Essay | Answer (mains answer) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Long-form (700–800 words) | Shorter (100–250 words per part) |
| Purpose | Holistic exploration, narrative, argument development | Demand-driven, precise, focused on the question’s keywords |
| Introduction | Broad hook + synopsis/roadmap | Short definitional line or direct answer (thesis) |
| Body | Thematic paragraphs, discursive development, examples & synthesis | Direct points, headings, bulleted lists, quick facts and sometimes diagrams |
| Tone | Discursive, balanced, occasional rhetorical devices | Technical, concise, to-the-point |
| Conclusion | Summative + evaluative + forward-looking (policy/vision) | Direct conclusion + specific recommendations (if asked) |
| Use of bullets/tables | Allowed but sparingly to aid clarity | Common and encouraged for clarity |
| Marking focus | Coherence, argumentation, depth, examples, presentation | Relevance to demand, coverage of all directive words, crispness |
Takeaway: Essays reward narrative depth and synthesis; answers reward precise response to directives. Many structural elements overlap (intro/body/conclusion), but methods of delivery differ.
How is the conclusion of an essay different from the conclusion of an answer?
- Essay conclusion (longer, reflective):
Brief summary of major arguments, followed by an evaluative or synthetic statement.
Concludes with a forward-looking policy suggestion or philosophical/strategic remark.
Tone: reflective and slightly rhetorical; it must close the narrative and leave the reader with a clear impression.
Example ending line: “Unless Bihar invests simultaneously in education, health and infrastructure, the growth witnessed will remain shallow; a coordinated state-level mission is therefore essential.”
Answer conclusion (compact, directive):
Restate the direct answer to the demand and give 2–4 specific recommendations or a crisp judgment.
No rhetorical flourish; prefer numbered actions.
Example: “In sum: A is the primary cause. Remedies: (i) X (ii) Y (iii) Z.”
What gives marks — marking priorities (how examiners allocate credit)
(Exact rubric is not publicly published; this is a coach’s practical breakdown based on past experince of students’s attempt and how examination has rewarded it)
Relevance & Content (40–50%) — direct response to topic, depth, examples, facts.
Structure & Coherence (20–25%) — logical flow, clear paragraphs, roadmap.
Analytical depth & balance (15–20%) — cause-effect, alternatives, balanced view.
Presentation & Language (10–15%) — legibility, grammar, apt vocabulary, underlines, neatness.
Takeaway: substance > style, but style multiplies substance. A well-structured essay with one or two good examples beats a flashy essay without facts.
Micro-tips for language, tone and presentation
Clarity over flourish. Use short, simple sentences. Examiners reward clarity. Refer to our recommended writing style
Headings & bullets. Break long text with sub-headings and a few numbered/bulleted points (when appropriate). It improves scanability.
Underline/keywords. Underline or bracket key terms (policy names, dates, percentages). Neat underlining draws attention.
Data & dates. Use up-to-date facts (last 3–5 years) and always qualify a stat (“As per 2021 census…”, “Economic Survey 2023 shows…”). (Use exact references cautiously unless sure.)
Localise examples. For BPSC, use Bihar-specific examples (state schemes, local protests, agriculture patterns) where relevant — this shows domain awareness.
Handwriting & ink. Use black/blue ink; keep margins clean; write question number clearly. Examiners prefer legible writing. (Practical, high confidence.)
Practical micro-rules to follow while writing
Start with a 1–2 line synopsis at the end of intro. Examiners like to see your roadmap.
Use 3–4 main themes in the body — more than that scatters focus.
Every major paragraph should contain at least one example or some form of weight (national/state/local) or one labelled fact/figure. Every paragraph-an-idea demands weight-an-idea
Reserve the last paragraph for synthesis/forward-looking policy rather than another long descriptive paragraph.
Avoid long quotations and long storytelling — they consume words without adding analysis. Its your job to hold the attention of the reader and even after 8 pages the reader should be capable of following along with your logical storytelling
[Most Common Mistake] If using a quote, integrate it and follow immediately with analysis. Don’t leave the quote to carry the paragraph.
Content toolbox — what to memorise
You need to prepare a Diary for Essay. Here you will collect Quotes, Stats etc in topic-wise format to revise before the exam. Each Topic should have:
5-7 facts (Ex: In the diary under cleanliness topic you can have stats related to SBM, ODF status, one stat displaying progress, one stat displaying challenge etc).
quotes or thought starters. (Ex. In the topic of Cleanliness you call collect quotes like : “Cleanliness is next to godliness” – M K gandhi
Case studies (national + Bihar).
Frameworks & Abstractions: SWOT, Causes-Effects-Remedies, Immediate/Short/Long term actions.
Common mistakes that lose marks
- Straying off topic.
Pure description or pure opinion (no analysis or weight).
No examples or local context.
Poor paragraphing and messy presentation.
Over-reliance on long quotations.
Fix these by planning a synopsis and one example per paragraph.
Special tips for Hindi-medium candidates
Use standard, formal Hindi; avoid heavy colloquialisms. Use state terminology you’re comfortable with.
You may use English technical terms (e.g., “GDP”, “Vaccination coverage”) in the Hindi answer — it’s allowed.
Practice Devanagari spacing and paragraph breaks — examiners value neatness.
