UPSC Mains: The 7-5-3 Rule for Answer Writing

UPSC Mains: The 7-5-3 Rule for Answer Writing for IAS Written Exam.
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Here, we bring the seven-five-three rule, which aspirants’ can follow during answer writing practice and following this method will make them easy answering all questions and managing time in the actual UPSC mains exam.

Before getting into the rule, let’s take a look at the types of questions asked in the UPSC Mains Exam, which every candidate should be aware as it will give them a fair idea on how to answer a question within the given stipulated time and maintaining the word limit.

Major types of questions asked in the UPSC Mains Exam

• Evaluate/critically evaluate
• Discuss
• Elucidate
• Critically Examine
• Comment

These are the types of questions asked in the IAS mains exam and candidates’ should at least read the questions twice, understand the need for the question and answer accordingly and again should keep in mind the time constraint.

Here’s how to apply the 7-5-3 rule in answering the questions of UPSC Mains Exam.

What is 7-5-3 Rule for answer writing in the UPSC Exam? 

The 7-5-3- rule is as simple as the numbers given, where

• SEVEN - Candidates’ should ensure to answer the question in 7 minutes
• FIVE - Write 5 points in their answers centring the keyword (advised to keep it in bullet-points)
• THREE - Elaborate each point in 3 dimensions (as per the need of the question)
  
  1. In Social, Economic, Political and Geographical perspective
  2. For, against, and conclusion
  3. What/Why/How

Now, let's deal with how to apply this 7-5-3 rule for answer writing in IAS Mains Exam.

First and foremost, aspirants' should read the questions thoroughly (twice at least) then recognize the type of the question and identify the keyword/s in the question.

For example, Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (UPSC 2016 Civil Services Mains Question) 

The First rule, identify the keyword/s

• The keyword is Krishnadeva Raya as a scholar

Write a small introduction.

Write five points on the keyword

• How he patronized learning and literature
• His contribution to literature and learning
• Scholars who adorned his court and whom he patronized
• Famous literature work
• How literature flourished during this period

Discuss each point written and conclude it with how the learning and literature flourished during this period and ensure you are done with answering in 7 minutes.

Some questions may require a conclusion that summarizes the bullet points listed in their answer and some questions may require descriptive essay type answers where they should justify their argument with supporting facts through charts, flowcharts or diagrams wherever required as it will enhance their answer and fetch them more marks.

This is how the 7-5-3 rule can be applied while answering the questions asked in the UPSC Mains exam. If IAS aspirants’ follow this method in answer writing practice during their mains exam preparation then they definitely stay ahead in the UPSC Mains Exam leaving others behind.

Wishing the best to all the aspirants' writing the UPSC 2017 Civil Services IAS Mains Exam.