7-5-3 Rule of UPSC Mains Answer Writing 2025

‘Seven- Five- Three Rule’ is an answer writing strategy that can be used to write UPSC Mains answers in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This article introduces the ‘Seven-Five-Three Rule,’ a proven technique aspirants can follow during their answer writing practice for the IAS Exam. By using this approach, tackling Mains questions becomes more systematic and manageable.

UPSC Mains Question Pattern 

The UPSC Main Examination consists of nine descriptive papers. After the UPSC Prelims Test, candidates who qualify this stage are qualified to appear for UPSC Mains stage. This stage is considered to be particularly difficult due to its descriptive nature, where students are required to write 20 answers within a time frame of three hours. Writing answers for UPSC Mains is an art one needs to learn to be able to qualify the Mains exam. To learn the art of answer writing by following the 7-5-3 rule, it is important for students to first understand the UPSC Mains exam question pattern. The UPSC Mains Exam consists of following types of questions: 

• Comment 
• Elucidate
• Discuss 
• Critically Evaluate 
• Critically Examine

7-5-3 Rule of UPSC Mains Answer Writing 

The 7-5-3 Rule is considered to be the most effective strategy when it comes to UPSC Mains Answer Writing. The 7-5-3 Rule stands for: 

• SEVEN: Allocate no more than 7 minutes to answer each question, ensuring time management across all questions.
• FIVE: Structure your answer around 5 key points related to the keyword, preferably in bullet form for clarity and precision.
• THREE: Expand on each point from three distinct perspectives, based on the question's requirements. For instance:
  • Social, Economic, Political, and Geographical dimensions
  • Arguments for, against, and a balanced conclusion
  • Addressing What, Why, and How

How to Apply the 7-5-3 Rule? 

In order to write a good effective answer, the students should start with first reading the question at least twice thoroughly to understand the requirement of the question and the important keywords.

Example Question: Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (2024).

Following the 7-5-3 rule, here's how you can structure your answer:

• Identify the keyword: Geographical factors, Development, Ancient India
• Write a brief introduction.
• List five points related to the keyword
• Geographical Factors: Rivers, Mountains, Land and Sea Routes, Forests
• Indus Valley Civilization
• Discuss each point and conclude by summarizing how climate impacted the development of geographical areas. Ensure you complete your answer within 7 minutes.

Depending on the requirement of the question, students can also add flowcharts and diagrams. One can also check model answers provided by Vajiram & Ravi Institute for the previous year question papers. Using the model answers, students can compare their own answers and check for areas of improvement. 

The 7-5-3 Rule helps students in simplifying the answer writing process for UPSC Mains. Regularly practicing this method for Mains answer writing can eventually help in increasing the speed and accuracy for UPSC Examination. 

7-5-3 Rule FAQs

Q1. What is the 753 rule in UPSC?

Ans. The 753 rule guides aspirants to write answers in 7 minutes, include 5 key points, and analyze each point from 3 perspectives.

Q2. Can I clear UPSC in 3 attempts? 

Ans. Yes, with consistent preparation and a focused strategy, clearing UPSC in 3 attempts is achievable.

Q3. What is the 80 20 rule for UPSC? 

Ans. The 80/20 rule emphasizes focusing 80% of your efforts on high-weightage topics and 20% on less significant ones.

Q4. How much is 150 words in UPSC? 

Ans. A 150-word answer typically consists of 12-15 sentences or one and a half paragraphs.

Q5. Is 120 days enough for UPSC? 

Ans. While challenging, with focused revision and a disciplined schedule, 120 days can be sufficient for prelims preparation.

Q6. How many pages is 1000 words for UPSC? 

Ans. For handwritten answers, 1000 words generally span about 8-10 pages, depending on writing size.