Essay 2024 Essay Paper 125 marks 1200 words Critically analyse
Q8
The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
गलत होने की कीमत कुछ न करने की कीमत से कम है।
Directive word: Critically analyse
This question asks you to critically analyse. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
Critically analyse demands examining the proposition's validity across contexts while weighing counter-arguments. Structure: introduction defining the paradox → body exploring domains where inaction costs exceed error (policy, innovation, ethics) versus where caution is warranted → balanced conclusion on calculated risk-taking.
Key points expected
- Distinguish between Type I (false positive) and Type II (false negative) errors in decision-making frameworks
- Examine India's economic reforms (1991), space programme failures (SLV-3 to Chandrayaan-3), and public health responses (COVID-19 vaccine rollout vs initial lockdown delays)
- Analyse institutional paralysis in governance: environmental clearances, judicial pendency, administrative red tape as 'cost of doing nothing'
- Explore philosophical dimensions: existential risk, precautionary principle, and the 'regret minimisation framework'
- Address counter-cases where doing nothing was optimal: non-intervention in certain foreign conflicts, avoiding hasty constitutional amendments
- Synthesise with Indian context: 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' versus risk-averse bureaucracy
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis clarity | 20% | 25 | Establishes a nuanced thesis that the proposition holds contextually—valid in innovation and reform but qualified in irreversible decisions; clearly stakes position on 'calculated action over paralysis' | Takes clear stand for or against without sufficient qualification; thesis present but lacks contextual sensitivity | Thesis absent or contradictory; merely describes situations without arguing whether cost of error exceeds cost of inaction |
| Multi-dimensional coverage | 20% | 25 | Covers minimum four dimensions: economic policy (1991 reforms), technological/space (ISRO failures as learning), governance (administrative paralysis), ethics/environment (climate inaction); balances individual and institutional levels | Three dimensions covered adequately but lacking depth in one; OR strong coverage of two dimensions only | Single-dimensional treatment (only business/only personal); OR superficial laundry list without analysis of 'cost' calculus |
| Examples & evidence | 20% | 25 | Specific Indian evidence: Green Revolution risks taken, Aadhaar implementation controversies, NPAs from lending paralysis versus aggressive disbursement; quantitative hints (2 lakh crore economic cost of lockdown delays) | Generic international examples (Ford Edsel, SpaceX) without Indian anchoring; OR Indian examples mentioned without specificity | No concrete examples; OR purely hypothetical illustrations; OR factually incorrect references |
| Language & flow | 20% | 25 | Sophisticated vocabulary ('policy sclerosis', 'error budget', 'optionality'); seamless transitions between paradox exposition, evidence, and synthesis; maintains analytical tone without polemic | Clear but unremarkable prose; occasional awkward transitions; some colloquialisms or repetitive phrasing | Grammatical errors affecting comprehension; disjointed paragraphs; excessive use of quotations without integration |
| Conclusion & forward look | 20% | 25 | Synthesises into actionable framework: 'fail fast' in innovation, 'precaution' in irreversible domains; connects to India's Amrit Kaal need for entrepreneurial state; avoids mere summary | Restates main points with generic call to action; OR abrupt ending without return to thesis | Introduces new arguments in conclusion; OR purely rhetorical ending; OR missing entirely |
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