What does “Critically examine” ask for?
Give the case for, the case against, and your verdict. Merits, limitations, then a balanced way forward that says where you land.
Which papers ask it?
| Paper | Topper answers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| GS Paper 1 | 22 | 8% |
| GS Paper 2 | 37 | 13% |
| GS Paper 3 | 42 | 15% |
| GS Paper 4 (Ethics) | 46 | 16% |
| Optional subjects | 139 | 49% |
How do toppers answer a “Critically examine” question?
| Answers measured | 286 |
| Use headings | 58% |
| End on a “Way forward” or “Conclusion” heading | 7% |
| Bring in the other side (however, limitations, challenges, criticism) | 75% |
| Carry a diagram or flowchart | 21% |
| Median words, 10 / 15 marks | 175 / 253 |
Measured from the toppers’ answer copies in the writeupsc bank; UPSC does not publish marked answer sheets. Counted on the question text after numbering and marks are removed; essays left out.
Examples from topper answers
Wealthy CEOs and founders of successful businesses around the world are increasingly pledging to give away their wealth in philanthropy. Do you think that such a move is sufficient enough to bring about a positive change in the society? Critically examine.
Opens by anchoring wealth-giving in altruism and Gandhian trusteeship, lists why it is needed citing India's Gini coefficient, then complicates this under a boxed "however" with five reasons giving alone falls short, and closes with a way-forward drawing on Stoic and Kantian framing before ending on compassionate capitalism.
How the bank describes the answer by Aditya Srivastava (AIR 1), GS Paper 4 (Ethics), 2023 copy.
Critically assess the differences between Durkheim and Marx on Division of labor.
Opens defining division of labour, then builds a ten-point comparison table of Durkheim's and Marx's views covering its function, historical setting, dysfunctions and possible resolution, and closes noting that both recognised its significance while offering functional and conflict readings of it.
How the bank describes the answer by Rajeshwari Suve M (AIR 2), Optional subjects, 2025 copy.
The Reserve Bank of India's surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI's surplus transfers to the government.
Opens with the context of the Bimal Jalan committee's recommendation and the 2019 transfer figure, then runs through a numbered list of positive implications of RBI surplus transfers for the government, before turning to a separate numbered list of challenges these transfers pose to RBI's independence and mandate. Closes with a short Way Forward and a one-line balancing statement between long term economic stability and short term fiscal needs.
How the bank describes the answer by Akansh Dhull (AIR 3), GS Paper 3, 2025 copy.
Check your own “Critically examine” answer
Read only your headings and your last two lines: do they do what “Critically examine” asks? writeupsc reads the directive from your question and marks whether the structure and the conclusion match it, beside what the toppers to the closest questions did. Upload an answer.
Other directives: Discuss · Analyse · Evaluate · Comment · Examine · Explain · all directive words.
Questions
What does “Critically examine” mean in a UPSC question?
Give the case for, the case against, and your verdict. Merits, limitations, then a balanced way forward that says where you land.
How long should a “Critically examine” answer be?
Toppers in the bank write a median of 175 words for 10 marks and 253 for 15 marks on “Critically examine” questions.
Do toppers use headings for “Critically examine”?
In 58% of the 286 answers measured, and 7% end on a “Way forward” or “Conclusion” heading.
See how your own answer compares.
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