UPSC Mains 2021: Essay paper sparks meme fest online

Many argued the paper was perfect as UPSC tries to check the depth in one’s ability to think through a broad spectrum of subjects, where just bookish knowledge isn't enough.

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Even IAS officers joined in the fun to cheer up aspirants.

UPSC exams are little known to be materials for memes online. However, Friday’s examination was different as the first paper led to a laughing riot online.

On January 7, as candidates sat to write their essay paper for the 2021 Mains exam, many didn’t expect a “googly” as it looked as though they were appearing for a Philosophy examination. Aspiring IAS candidates were asked to write two essays, each ranging between 1,000 and 1,200 words.

While for section A, students saw questions like: “Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera” and “The real is rational and the rational is real”, for section B, the paper read: “Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” and “What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!”

Today’s #UPSC Mains Essay paper

Sharing for aspirants so that they can practice at home on their own.

Which two you will pick and why?

Would love to know explanations behind picking essays. pic.twitter.com/Mc2lE0hYT6

— Jitin Yadav, IAS (@Jitin_IAS) January 7, 2022

Soon, it led to jokes and memes, with even IAS officers joining in on the fun as one said, “There is a common saying among #UPSC aspirants that After couple of attempts, one will become a philosopher!” Adding that the paper sure was set by a “veteran”.

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Some, however tried to cheer up the aspirants, urging them not to feel dejected and concentrate on enhancing their communication skills as the exam is basically to assess how candidates react to unforeseen situations.

A few also argued that the paper was unfair for students other than philosophy graduates. Check out some of the funniest reactions here:

There is a common saying among #UPSC aspirants that After couple of attempts, one will become a philosopher! Guess Essay paper was set by some UPSC veteran for sure 😅 pic.twitter.com/j03rSeFPvH

— Rajkumar M, IFS (@rajkumar_ifs) January 7, 2022

T-195: #UPSC #CSE 2022 Aspirants should practice #Essay on topics such as: “Philosophy’s philosophy by philosophy’s philosophers”.

— Mudit Jain, IRS (@MuditJainIRS) January 7, 2022

When the paper settee goes through a break up, this is what the Mains 2021 Essay paper looks like. pic.twitter.com/6Cf6nwmu0m

— Atish Mathur (@atishmathur) January 7, 2022

निबंध पेपर के बाद philosophy subject #upscmains2021 pic.twitter.com/fEZ8Bdhhhk

— वैरागी (@baba_9889) January 7, 2022

Every UPSC Mains appearing candidate after the Essay paper today 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/zRAtwiWt6w

— Somesh Upadhyay, IAS (@Somesh_IAS) January 7, 2022

How a UPSC Mains Student felt after watching today’s Essay Paper..?

All the best for rest of the papers!#upscmains #UPSC pic.twitter.com/UoccXMBggF

— General knowledge (@UpscforAll) January 7, 2022

Upsc mains candidate after seeing today’s essay paper🥲!

— Garima Jaiswal (@jaisgarima) January 7, 2022

UPSC -2021, मुख्य परीक्षा में “निबंध” का पेपर देखने के बाद ‘दर्शनशास्त्र’ (Philosophy) के अभ्यर्थी. pic.twitter.com/aShkPi7sQW

— Satya N Pandey🇮🇳 (@SatyaNPandey) January 7, 2022

Soul of aspirant after seeing essay paper pic.twitter.com/zUzJMP9Oqy

— अश्विनी कुमार शुक्ला (@ashwinishukla07) January 7, 2022

My contribution:”UPSC is a means for inflating the egos of the mediocre. Discuss.”

— Bapa Rao (@hydertext) January 7, 2022

UPSC to aspirants after today’s Essay paper.. 😂 pic.twitter.com/GxOc5ORxqp

— UPSC Memes (@UPSC_KRO) January 7, 2022

Condition of other Aspirants 😅🤣 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/fqXaGBnzyE

— اویس خان Avesh khan (@mak__pathan) January 7, 2022

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