Successful Philosophy Optional Toppers and Their Answer Writing Strategies for Paper II

Below are some examples of successful Philosophy Optional toppers and their answer writing strategies for Paper II:

1. Tina Dabi, AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2015:
- Background: Tina Dabi secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2015. She opted for Philosophy as her optional subject and scored 275 out of 500 marks in Paper II.
- Answer Writing Strategy:
- Clear and Structured Approach: Tina Dabi focused on presenting her answers in a clear and structured manner. She made sure to introduce the topic, provide a logical flow of arguments, and conclude the answer effectively.
- Use of Diagrams: Tina Dabi used diagrams wherever relevant to enhance the visibility of her arguments. This helped her to present complex philosophical concepts in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
- In-depth Understanding: She demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject by citing relevant philosophical theories, concepts, and examples. This showcased her knowledge and critical thinking abilities.
- Balancing Perspectives: Tina Dabi ensured that she presented a balanced view on controversial topics by considering multiple perspectives. This showcased her ability to critically analyze different philosophical viewpoints.
- Clarity of Language: She used simple and concise language to convey her ideas effectively. Her answers were free from jargon and were easy to comprehend.

2. Anu Kumari, AIR 2, UPSC CSE 2017:
- Background: Anu Kumari secured the second rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2017. She chose Philosophy as her optional subject and scored 275 out of 500 marks in Paper II.
- Answer Writing Strategy:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Anu Kumari ensured that she covered all the dimensions of the question in her answers. She provided a comprehensive analysis by including different perspectives, theories, and examples.
- Logical Structure: She organized her answers in a logical structure, providing a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This helped in presenting her arguments in a coherent manner.
- Examples and Illustrations: Anu Kumari used relevant examples and illustrations to support her arguments. This made her answers more relatable and helped in showcasing her understanding of philosophical concepts.
- Critical Evaluation: She critically evaluated the theories and concepts mentioned in the question and provided her own analysis. This demonstrated her ability to think critically and apply philosophical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Time Management: Anu Kumari managed her time effectively during the exam. She allocated a specific time frame for each question and ensured that she completed her answers within the given time limit.

3. Shubham Gupta, AIR 6, UPSC CSE 2018:
- Background: Shubham Gupta secured the sixth rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2018. He opted for Philosophy as his optional subject and scored 264 out of 500 marks in Paper II.
- Answer Writing Strategy:
- Concise and Precise: Shubham Gupta focused on writing concise and precise answers. He avoided unnecessary elaboration and presented his arguments in a clear and concise manner.
- Use of Subheadings: He used sub