Essay writing is important in the UPSC mains examination as it allows candidates to express their analytical abilities, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Essays are evaluated not only based on content but also on the structure, coherence, and presentation of ideas. This component assesses the candidate's ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively on diverse topics. Furthermore, good essay writing can significantly impact overall scores in the examination, highlighting the necessity for candidates to practice and refine their writing skills as part of their preparation strategy for success in the civil services examination.