UPSC CSE Topper by Vikas Dhayal

Cause of delay in Service allocation for CSE'25.

This year’s MIG had case studies equivalent to 7 full-length tests. I had put in a lot of effort into making the case studies original and focused on covering all kinds of possible dilemmas, conflicts, and values at stake. Received many messages from students saying that they helped a lot in this year’s exam. Across GS-1 to GS-4, most of the themes covered in the MIGs were directly or indirectly useful. Waiting for some stellar ranks this year as well. Those preparing for 2027 must make sure that regular answer-writing practice using PYQs or any good answer-writing platform begins as early as possible. As I said earlier, the competition is increasingly about who writes the best points, rather than merely who completes the paper within the given time. Answer writing, comparison with peers, and quality evaluation should be given equal priority vis-à-vis content building and revision. Releasing the MIGs for 2027 in coming few days.

On GS-4 Way more applied questions than in past years in Part A. Completion of the paper is a major challenge this year, as generating good points in Part A will be time-consuming, even though Part B wasn’t as lengthy. Clarity of concepts and writing practice will get rewarded. Out of the four GS papers, Ethics is likely to see greater variation in marks(even greater variation than seen in the past expected). If you’re preparing for 2027, you must know that Mains 2026 has once again taught us that getting a good score at this stage can never be a game of chance. You’ll have to put in consistent effort in concepts, current affairs, static portions, and answer writing. You have to be really, really good at handling the unexpected, the expected, and the applied to get a shot at the holy list.

Nothing like anything seen before

On GS-3 Quite lengthy to attempt, very specific details needed to be known, moderate to difficult paper overall. Command over current affairs and writing practice as always makes the cut for a good attempt.

Please share GS-3 at @cstopper_helpline

On GS-2 Moderate difficultly Questions on Predictable lines but applied in nature. IPMDA question is a bouncer for all, so won't make much difference. Those with extensive experience writing practice will definitely have an edge in both GS-1 and 2.

Please share GS-2 at @csetopper_helpline

Please Share GS-2 at @csetopper_helpline

On GS-1-2026 Paper History: 6 questions, overall easy to moderate. The Planned Economy question is relatively tougher compared to the other five. 1 question from Ancient History/Art & Culture 1 from Medieval Architecture 2 from Modern History 2 from Post-Independence Geography: 8 questions, overall moderate to tough. The Fujiwhara Effect was a clear bouncer. It is not covered in NCERTs and, despite being in current affairs, was not prominently covered in most standard materials. The remaining Geography questions will also be challenging, especially for non-Geography Optional students, when it comes to producing quality content. Society: 6 questions, relatively easier compared to previous years. Most questions are direct extensions of the syllabus and require comparatively less applied thinking.

On Essay Paper-26 The trend of philosophical essays continues. This year’s topics and choices are comparatively on the easier side, writing a good 1000-1200 word piece still is always a challenge in the given time. All the best for GS Papers.