Does the general essay paper  not require any special preparation?

“This was the case till a few years back. Candidates with Social Science background especially those with Sociology or Public Administration had a distinct advantage  at the essay paper. Out of 8 topics given in the question paper  at least two topics had a significant overlap with Public Administration or Sociology. But the 1998 Paper was different. All the topics were of a general nature and no candidate had an advantage. If the same trend repeats, preparation is imperative”.