The Civil Services Exam (CSE) is a prestigious and highly competitive gateway to top government positions in India. For 2024, over 1.3 million candidates sat for the CSE Prelims, with about 14,000 advancing to the Mains, which will be held on September 20. The essay paper, crucial for distinguishing candidates, involves answering two subjective questions, each worth 125 marks, within 90 minutes. Effective preparation includes understanding the exam pattern, practicing past papers, and developing a structured approach to essay writing. Key topics range from democracy and justice to economic development and social issues, requiring clear, objective, and well-supported arguments.