Why Directives Matter
Every UPSC Mains question includes a core concept and a directive keyword (tail-word). This directive tells you what the question demands, and how to engage with the concept — whether to define, describe, explain, analyse, or critically evaluate it. Misinterpreting this can lead to a poorly framed answer, even if your content is correct.
Descriptive Directives
1. Define
Use this directive to write a clear and concise definition of a concept. If multiple definitions exist, mention the most relevant ones and cite legal, constitutional or expert sources. Definitions are best suited for introductory statements.
PYQ (GS3 – 2018)
PYQ (GS3 - 2020)
2. Describe
Here, you must objectively list down the key characteristics, parts, or features without inserting your personal judgment or analysis. The goal is to paint a factual picture of the issue.
PYQ (GS3 – 2020)
PYQ (GS3 - 2017)
3. Enumerate
Write down specific points or features in a point-wise manner. It indicates a finite set of aspects. Stick to listing without deep explanation unless space permits.
PYQ (GS1 – 2021)
PYQ (GS3 - 2019)
4. Outline
Highlight only the structure or framework of the idea. Avoid detailing. Outline is often used in questions where a schematic overview is enough to demonstrate understanding.
PYQ (GS3 – 2013)
PYQ (GS2 - 2013)
5. Summarise
Give a compressed version of facts or arguments. Leave out all minor details and elaborations. Summaries are concise by design and aim to distil the essence.
- Rare. Used more in Ethics/Short notes format
6. Identify
Used when the question demands naming or pinpointing key ideas. Often comes in policy or map-based questions. Responses are brief and factual.
PYQ (GS1 – 2023)
PYQ (GS2 - 2024)
Clarificatory Directives
7. Explain
Clarify an issue by exploring the What, Why, and How. Provide coherent logic with proper linkages. Your tone must be instructive, as if teaching someone unfamiliar with the topic.
PYQ (GS1 - 2014)
PYQ (GS4 – 2015)
8. Elaborate
Go beyond explanation to expand an idea with dimensions, examples, or linkages. Often includes implications and future trajectory.
PYQ (GS2 - 2025)
PYQ (GS3 - 2019)
9. Elucidate / Clarify
Use this to simplify a technical or complex idea using illustrations or analogies. Particularly useful for cause-effect linkages or theoretical concepts.
PYQ (GS1 - 2025)
PYQ (GS3 – 2019)
10. Illustrate
Strengthen your explanation with examples, data, case laws, or diagrams. This directive expects a concrete base of understanding to support a conceptual idea.
PYQ (GS2 – 2023)
PYQ (GS4 - 2022)
11. Substantiate / Demonstrate
Back a claim with robust evidence, facts, provisions, or examples. This is not an open debate — your view must be proven and well-supported.
PYQ (GS1 – 2018)
PYQ (GS1 - 2016)
Comparative Directives
12. Compare & Contrast
Bring out similarities and differences. Try to use bullet points, tabular format, or parallel structure to aid clarity and showcase how the subjects diverge in principles, features, or impact.
PYQ (GS2 – 2025)
PYQ (GS2 - 2023)
13. Differentiate/Distinguish
Show the distinction between closely related concepts with examples. Ideal for philosophical, constitutional, or theoretical comparisons.
PYQ (GS3 - 2025)
PYQ (GS4 - 2023) - 4(b)
Critical Directives
14. Discuss
Take a multi-dimensional view of an issue, present both sides, and conclude with your opinion. It invites debate and inclusion of multiple stakeholders/views.
PYQ (GS1 – 2021)
PYQ (GS2 - 2025)
15. Examine
Scrutinise the issue deeply. Present facts, effects, stakeholder views, and limitations. More fact-based and grounded than analysis.
PYQ (GS1 - 2025)
PYQ (GS2 - 2025)
16. Analyse
Break the topic into its components and study linkages between them. Focus on structure, interactions, and systemic understanding.
PYQ (GS4 – 2016)
PYQ (GS3 - 2016)
17. Evaluate
Judge the impact or worth of something based on both merits and drawbacks. End with a value judgment that aligns with constitutional and ethical principles.
PYQ (GS1 – 2021)
PYQ (GS1 - 2014)
18. Critically Examine / Analyse / Evaluate
Present positives and negatives, then give your conclusion with logical reasoning and constitutional values. A strong stand must be taken.
PYQ (GS2 - 2025)
PYQ (GS2 - 2025)
PYQ (GS2 - 2017)
19. Assess
Review performance, impact or utility of a concept and provide a balanced judgment. Often includes examining evidence and acknowledging limitations.
PYQ (GS1 – 2018)
PYQ (GS3 - 2018)
20. Comment
Present a brief analysis and then express your viewpoint supported with logic and examples. Keep tone balanced and concise.
PYQ (GS1 - 2025)
PYQ (GS3 – 2016)
21. To what extent
Take a nuanced stand. Neither full agreement nor full rejection. Use qualifiers such as 'partially', 'largely', 'in limited scope'.
PYQ (GS3 – 2024)
PYQ (GS2 - 2023)
22. Do you agree?
It demands a clear stand — yes, no, or partially. Justify your position using logical reasoning, evidence, and constitutional or ethical principles. Acknowledge counterpoints to show awareness of alternate views. End with a well-reasoned conclusion that ties back to your stand.
PYQ (GS1 - 2014)
PYQ (GS4 - 2014)
23. Give arguments
It demands logical, evidence-based reasoning. Multiple perspectives, if applicable. Use of examples, case studies, data, and theories to strengthen your case. It's closer to “justify” or “support with reasoning”, but also invites you to briefly acknowledge counter-arguments for depth. It is usually accompanied by other directives.
PYQ (GS3 - 2016)
Summary Table of Common UPSC Directives
| Directive | What It Demands | Similar To |
|---|---|---|
| Define | Precise meaning or concept; cite authoritative definitions | State, Identify |
| Describe | Factual listing of features, processes, or traits | Explain (limited) |
| Enumerate | Point-wise list of elements without elaboration | Outline |
| Outline | Structural overview without deep details | Enumerate |
| Summarise | Condensed version of key ideas or arguments | Conclude |
| Identify | Pinpoint or name key items concisely | State, Define |
| Explain | Clarify What–Why–How; give background and internal logic | Elucidate, Clarify |
| Elaborate | Expand with dimensions, illustrations, future scope | Explain |
| Clarify / Elucidate | Simplify complex cause-effect or abstract ideas | Explain |
| Illustrate | Support ideas with examples, data, diagrams | Substantiate |
| Substantiate | Prove a point using examples, facts, judgments | Justify, Demonstrate |
| Compare | Show similarities (and optionally differences) | Differentiate (partial) |
| Contrast | Show clear differences only | Differentiate |
| Differentiate | Distinguish between similar concepts | Compare, Contrast |
| Discuss | Multi-dimensional view; arguments for and against + conclusion | Comment, Examine |
| Examine | In-depth scrutiny with evidence and limitations | Analyse, Review |
| Analyse | Break into parts; study relationships, causality | Examine |
| Evaluate | Assess worth based on evidence; balanced judgment | Assess, Critically Analyse |
| Critically Examine | Positives + Negatives + Your Opinion | Critically Analyse, Critically Evaluate |
| Assess | Appraise performance, utility or relevance with pros & cons | Evaluate |
| Comment | Short analytical essay with personal opinion | Discuss |
| To what extent | Take a nuanced stand with qualifiers | Do you agree?, Evaluate |
| Do you agree? | Take a clear stand and justify it; acknowledge opposing views | Critically Examine, To what extent |
| Give arguments | Provide reasoned and evidence-based logic to support a claim | Justify, Substantiate, Comment |
Pro Tips
- Always underline the directive while attempting the answer.
- In long questions (250 words), even "Define" or "Illustrate" may demand more depth.
- Use "PEEL" – Point, Explain, Example, Link back to directive.
- Conclusion must match directive: Avoid extremes in critical directives.
DECIDE Framework for Any Question
| Letter | Meaning | Application |
|---|---|---|
| D | Directive | Spot the keyword |
| E | Expectation | What skill is needed? |
| C | Core Theme | Identify the concept/topic |
| I | Interpretation | Rephrase in own words |
| D | Dimensions | Think of 3–4 sub-headings/angles |
| E | Evidence | Data, examples, judgments |
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