For UPSC Mains, you must use a Black Ballpoint Pen for filling attendance and OMR sheets, but for writing answers in the Question-Cum-Answer Booklet (QCAB), you can use either Black or Blue (ballpoint or gel/rollerball) pens, with blue often preferred for better readability and black for highlighting, ensuring smooth writing and consistency.
According to the official notification: Writing tools: It is mandatory for candidates to write their answers using either a black ballpoint pen or a blue ballpoint pen. Fountain pens and gel pens should be avoided because of the issue of smudging.
The 7-5-3 technique is a simple framework that helps UPSC aspirants structure their answers in a logical and impactful way. 7 – Write 7 points in the body of your answer. 5 – Finish your answer in 5 paragraphs (Intro, Body – 3 Paras, Conclusion).
Which pen is allowed in UPSC prelims? For the UPSC prelims, only black ballpoint pens are allowed. Candidates should bring their own pens, as the exam centres do not provide them.
MS Dhoni famously used and endorsed Cello pens, particularly models like the Cello Technotip, Cello Fine Grip, Cello Power FINE, and Cello Pin Point, featuring in their advertisements and lending his signature for autographed versions, though some budget "Dhoni" branded pens also exist from other companies like Ledos.
Best 🖊 Pen 🖋 to use for UPSC Mains Answer Writing | Paper Completion in 3 Hours | Good Handwriting
Is 0.7 or 0.5 pen better?
A 0.5mm pen offers a finer, more precise line for detailed work and small handwriting, while a 0.7mm pen provides a smoother, bolder line ideal for general writing and everyday tasks, delivering more ink for a fluid feel but potentially smudging more. The smaller number (0.5) means a thinner tip, making it great for precision, while the larger number (0.7) creates a bolder, smoother stroke that many find better for general use.
The 80/20 UPSC principle, inspired by the Pareto Principle, suggests that roughly 20% of the syllabus fetches nearly 80% of the marks. Understanding this distribution is the real secret behind efficient, innovative, and strategic preparation.
You can wear jeans while appearing for the UPSC Prelims and Mains exam but jeans is not allowed in the UPSC Interview round. One needs to follow a formal dress code when appearing for the UPSC Interview round.
In the UPSC mains, you have to write down answers within a certain word limit. You need neat and legible handwriting and yes, you should possess good answer writing skills. It is recommended that you write clearly if you are not doing it already.
Generally, a score of 800 may be considered good if it falls within or above the cutoff range for the UPSC Civil Services Exam for that year. Subject and Paper Weightage: Different papers and optional subjects have different weightages.
Apurva Pandey is a ForumIAS Academy Student. She has secured Rank 39 and is the Topper from Uttarakhand. She has secured 175 marks in Essay which is the highest score this year among selected candidates.
Both ball pens and gel pens are permitted, as long as they use blue or black ink. Below are some of the most trusted pens recommended by UPSC toppers: Top 3 Best Pens for UPSC Mains: Pilot Pen (V5 and V7) – Smooth flow and precise writing.
The Pilot V5 pen is a favourite among UPSC mains exam takers, including many toppers. It is known for its fine tip, smooth ink flow, and precise lines, making it ideal for writing detailed answers. The pen's ergonomic design, lightweight weight, and comfortable grip make it easy to use for long periods of time.
The best option when filling out professional documents is to use black or blue ink. Stay far away from any reds, greens, or purples. Moreover, don't even think about using a pencil. Any pencil marks can be easily erased (or changed), causing even more harm down the line.
Wearing a tattoo doesn't restrict you to appear for UPSC civil services. IAS aspirants and civil service aspirants can definitely have a tattoo on their body parts except for the face, finger, forearm, and other parts, which are generally visible.
Avoid wearing smartwatches or any kind of smart wearable devices, as these are strictly prohibited by UPSC. Choose comfortable footwear like slippers or regular shoes. Avoid shoes with heavy soles or metallic parts to ease security checks.
Maintaining physical fitness is crucial during UPSC preparation. Regular exercise not only keeps you physically fit but also releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety. Incorporating activities like brisk walking, yoga, or gym workouts can significantly improve your overall well-being and study performance.
Shakti Dubey emerged as the All India Rank 1 holder for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. She is the top-ranked candidate among the 1009 successful aspirants. In fact, she is the top female candidate to secure All India Rank 1 in UPSC in the past few years.
UPSC Prelims 2025 cut off is expected to be 86 (+/- 4) for the General Category. The UPSC Cut Off plays an important role in determining the fate of thousands of aspirants appearing for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. The official UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024 was 87.98 for the General Category.
Answer: The top 10 pen brands in India include LAMY, Parker, Pilot, Cross, Montblanc, Waterman, Sheaffer, Faber-Castell, Cello, and Reynolds. These brands appeal to a diverse audience with options ranging from affordable to premium.
In 1961, the Bic Orange was introduced, featuring a fine 0.8 mm (0.031 in) point and an orange barrel instead of a translucent one. Bic manufactures this pen in its own plants in Europe. In September 2006, the Bic Cristal was declared the best selling pen in the world after the 100 billionth was sold.