Introduction

The UP ARO/RO Exam (Assistant Review Officer/Review Officer) is one of the most competitive exams conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). While the Prelims serves as a qualifying stage, the Mains examination is the real battleground that decides your selection.

In Mains, apart from objective questions, candidates face descriptive papers such as General Hindi, Drafting, and Essay writing. These papers test not just knowledge but also presentation, clarity of thought, and writing skills. Many aspirants have strong knowledge but still fail to score well because their answer writing is weak.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to improve answer writing skills for the UP ARO/RO Exam, with practical examples, tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Answer Writing Matters in UP ARO/RO Exam?

Understanding the Papers Requiring Answer Writing

Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Answer Writing Skills

Step 1: Build Strong Conceptual Knowledge

Step 2: Understand the Question Demand

Step 3: Structure Your Answers

A good answer should follow the 3-tier format:

Example (Essay on "Women Empowerment in India"):

Step 4: Practice Daily Writing

Step 5: Focus on Hindi Language Proficiency

Step 6: Drafting Skills

Step 7: Time Management in Exam

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Answer Writing

Smart Tips for Better Answer Writing

Model Answer Approach (Example)

Question: “Discuss the role of Drafting Skills in the functioning of a Review Officer.”

Answer Outline:

How to Practice Answer Writing Effectively

3-Month Writing Practice Schedule

Month 3: Full-length mock tests under timed conditions.

Month 2: Essay writing, drafting practice, PYQ solving.

Month 1: Focus on Hindi grammar, short answers, precis writing.

Incremental Improvement: Start small (100 words), gradually expand (250+ words).

Peer Review: Exchange answers with friends for feedback.

Self-Evaluation: Compare your answers with toppers’ model answers.

Join Test Series: Many coaching institutes conduct mock mains tests.

PYQ Analysis: Study ARO/RO papers from 2015–2023.

Conclusion: Drafting is not just clerical but a vital administrative tool for efficiency.

Examples: Note-sheet writing, policy circulars.

Acts as bridge between government decisions and implementation.

Avoids misinterpretation of rules, orders.

Drafting ensures clarity in government communication.

Body:

Intro: Define drafting as an official skill in administration.

Consistent Practice – Improvement only comes with daily writing.

Quotations in Essays – Start with a quote, end with a vision.

Diagrams & Flowcharts – Use in Geography, Polity, or optional subject answers.

Examples & Data – Always add recent examples, govt reports, UP-specific data.

Bullet Points – For clarity instead of long paragraphs.

Use Headings & Subheadings – Helps examiner scan answers quickly.

Memorizing essays without customization.

Ignoring PYQs and writing practice.

Weak conclusions without forward-looking insights.

Not sticking to the word limit.

Lack of Hindi grammar accuracy.

Poor handwriting or untidy presentation.

Writing too much irrelevant content.

Attempt all questions with balanced effort.

Don’t spend too much time on a single question.

Pre-decide word limits (100–150 words for short, 250–300 words for long answers).

Be concise and professional.

Follow a formal tone, avoid unnecessary flowery language.

Practice official drafting formats like Note-sheet writing, Office orders, Reports.

Practice translation (English to Hindi, Hindi to English).

Improve vocabulary by maintaining a Shabd-Kosh (word bank).

Read Dainik Jagran, Hindustan, or Navbharat Times editorials.

Attempt at least one essay every week.

Solve PYQs (Previous Year Questions).

Dedicate 1 hour daily for answer writing.

Conclusion: Suggest reforms, constitutional values, and optimistic outlook.

Body: Divide into legal, social, economic, political dimensions. Use current examples.

Intro: Define empowerment with a quote.

Conclusion – Summarize, give a forward-looking statement.

Body – Present points with subheadings, bullets, and relevant facts.

Introduction – Define key terms, give a brief context.

Frame your answer according to the demand, not just write everything you know.

Always identify keywords like Vishleshan (analyze), Charcha (discuss), Tippani (comment), Samiksha (critically evaluate).

Without content, presentation won’t help. Focus on concept clarity first.

Read NCERTs, Lucent’s GK, Spectrum (History), Laxmikanth (Polity), and standard Hindi grammar books.

Requires descriptive answers similar to UPSC style but less analytical.

Optional Subject (Paper IV, for RO only)

Requires writing 2–3 essays on contemporary, political, social, and cultural issues.

Marks: 120

Hindi Essay (Paper III)

Focus: Writing clarity, grammar accuracy, official drafting style.

Part B: Objective Vocabulary & Grammar

Part A: Conventional Hindi (Essay, Precis, Letter Writing, Translation)

General Hindi & Drafting (Paper II)

Evaluator-Friendly Answers – Structured, crisp, and neat answers make a positive impression on examiners.

Drafting and Essay are High-Scoring Areas – With proper practice, candidates can secure an edge over others.

Hindi Language Proficiency – ARO/RO posts demand strong Hindi skills since most official work in UP Secretariat is conducted in Hindi.

Mains is the Deciding Stage – Unlike Prelims, Mains marks decide your final rank and selection.