UPSC Answer Writing: The 7-5-3 Rule | How To Study For UPSC CSE PDF Download

Answer writing in the UPSC Mains is tough. If you don’t manage your time well then it can be a nightmare for you. This is when the 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing comes to the rescue. This is a proven rule that would help you fetch good marks in Mains.

This article will provide you with the ‘Seven-Five-Three Rule‘, which aspirants should follow during answer writing practice for IAS 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 maintain the word limit.
Major types of questions asked in the UPSC Mains Exam

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

It is useful for aspirants to go through UPSC previous years’ papers to know the type of questions that have been most commonly asked. The answer writing practise for UPSC 2023 should incorporate most frequently asked questions to be effective. In the following paragraphs, we will explain what is the 7-5-3 rule for answer writing in Mains.

7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing

The name of this rule is taken from the code of discipline that many martial artists use. The 7-5-3 rule is as simple as the numbers given, where:

• Seven- candidates need to give 7 minutes per question.
• Five- make sure you write 5 points related to the keyword. You can represent your answers in bulleted points.
• Three- try to explain the answer in 3 dimensions. Some useful pointers are:
  • What/how/why
  • For, against, and conclusion
  • Write down from economic, social, geographical, and political perspectives.

Also Read: Toppers Answer Sheets of UPSC Mains
Now, let us learn how to apply the 7-5-3 rule for answer writing in IAS Mains Exam.

How to use the 7-5-3 Rule in UPSC Mains Answer Writing?

Let’s see how you can come up with a great structure for answer writing in the UPSC Exam.

• First, you need to find the keyword of the question
• Come up with a good introduction.
• Write 5 key points related to that particular keyword.
• In some questions, you are required to write a conclusion or summarise the whole answer.
• Some questions may demand an essay the answer, and you need to justify the argument with the right facts, diagrams or flowcharts.
• Make sure you keep the 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing and perform writing practice to ace the paper.

Examples of Application of 7-5-3 Rule for UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Example Question: 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 part of the 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.

Certain questions may necessitate a brief summary of the bullet points provided in their response as a conclusion, while other questions may necessitate an essay-style response that defends their argument with relevant data presented in the form of charts, flowcharts, or diagrams as needed.
It would be useful for aspirants to go through sample answers for UPSC Mains from answer keys. This would give good templates to apply the above rules and check if the highest scoring answers and the ones written during answer writing practice match. If not, aspirants can focus on the areas that need improvement.

Frequently Askd Questions (FAQs) related to 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing

What is 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing?

The 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing is a simple rule that can help candidates in their answer writing. 7 means that the candidate should aim to answer a question within 7 minutes, five implies that candidates should write 5 points related to the keywords, and 3 means the candidate needs to present the answers with a 360-degree perceptive.

How long is a 250 word answer?

To improve your writing, strive for clarity, completeness, and conciseness. It is best to avoid using jargon and overly ornate language, as this can make your answers ambiguous and result in lower marks. As for the structure of your writing, many candidates wonder whether they should use bullet points or paragraphs. However, there is no fixed rule on this matter that you must adhere to.
A course has been developed by EduRev experts to enhance your ability to write effective answers in Mains. Take a look at UPSC Mains Essay Preparation course to improve your skills.

What is the format of answer writing in UPSC?

It is important that UPSC aspirants follow the 7-5-3 rule while answer writing:

• SEVEN – Candidates’ should aim to answer questions within 7 minutes per question.
• FIVE – Write 5 points in their answers related to the keyword. It would be better to break down the answer into bulleted points.
• THREE – Elaborate each point in 3 dimensions as per the requirements listed in the question.