
Mastering the Art of College Essay Writing for Ashoka University
College Essay writing is a great chance to showcase who you are beyond grades and test scores. Whether you're a natural storyteller or staring at a blank page, this guide will help you navigate the art of writing an essay that reflects your unique personality and perspective. So, let's dive in and make that essay stand out!
The essay section is mandatory as part of the Ashoka University Application process. There are two categories of essays to be done:
1. As part of Application Requirements
2. As part of Assessment Requirements
While the former is considered a personal essay, the latter is more focussed on engaging with the given prompt. You might find the second essay trickier than the first because of the time constraint of 30 minutes coupled with the type of prompt that may be given for on-the-spot writing. But we at GuidEx can assist you in mastering this section!
College Essay for Application Requirements:
Be sure to stick to the word limit and respond to all parts of the prompt in as much detail as you can. It is highly recommended that you type your essay in software like Word or Notepad instead of typing it out directly on the Application Form to prevent losing your progress owing to technical glitches. It will also help you edit your work easily.
The Application Form generally consists of two essay prompts. The first prompt is aimed at understanding your thought process and your insights on a particular topic. The second prompt is focused on understanding you as a person along with insights from your experiences.
Here are 5 tips to help you ace this essay section for Ashoka University's application:
Kick-Off Early!
Don’t leave this to the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm and think deeply about the prompts. The more time you have, the better your ideas will be.
Beware of Fake Vibes!
These essays are all about showing who you are. Don't try to write what you think the admissions team wants to hear. Be real, share your thoughts, and let your personality shine through.
Prove It!
If you're talking about a social issue or an experience, make sure you show why it's important to you with specific examples. Don’t just say you care about something—explain why and how it’s shaped your views.
Look Afresh!
Write a draft, take a break, and come back to it with fresh eyes. You want your essay to be clear, concise, and mistake-free.
Tackle Every Prompt Word!
It’s easy to get carried away with a story, but make sure you’re answering all parts of the question. Check each prompt carefully and ensure your response covers everything they're asking for.

College Essay for Assessment Requirements:
Here are 5 tips to help you crush the on-the-spot essay during Ashoka University’s admission process:
Keep Your Cool!
It’s easy to feel the pressure when you’ve got limited time, but the best thing you can do is stay calm. Take a few minutes to plan your response, jot down key points, and make sure you’ve understood the prompt before diving in.
Flex your Brainpower!
They’re not just looking for a summary or obvious answers. They want to see how you analyse, question, and think critically about the topic. Bring in examples, explore different angles, and be bold with your thoughts.
Don’t Waffle!
You’ve only got a set amount of time, so keep your writing focused. Avoid going off on tangents and stick to the main points. The clearer and more direct you are, the better.
Back it Up!
Whether it’s about AI assistants like Siri or broader societal issues, support your arguments with examples or facts. Even if it’s a creative prompt, having some logical backing shows depth.
Let your Voice Shine!
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. Use this essay to show how you think and what makes you unique. Whether it’s humour, passion, or a unique perspective—let them see you in your writing.

Click here for the official sample prompts for on-the-spot essays.
We hope these tips give you the confidence to write college-worthy essays. Check out some practice prompts to get you started on your essay writing journey with GuidEx! Good luck, and remember—just breathe and do your best! You’ve got this!