How to Write the Ashoka University Essays + Book List (2025 Guide)

The essays and book list are the heart of the Ashoka University application. Unlike most Indian colleges, Ashoka wants to understand not just your achievements, but your curiosity, voice, and values.

This is your chance to stand out — not by sounding perfect, but by being honest, reflective, and thoughtful.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What each essay prompt asks for

• How to choose the right books

• Common mistakes applicants make

• Tips to write compelling responses

Where are the essays and book list in the Ashoka form?

After you fill your academic records and test scores, the next part of the form asks for:

• Essay A or B (choose one)

• Essay C (mandatory for all)

• Book List (up to five titles)

Understanding Essay A & Essay B (Choose One)

Ashoka typically offers two prompts. While the exact wording may change, they often reflect the following themes:

Essay A – Reflective:This prompt asks about a significant personal experience. Think about:

• A moment that challenged you

• A failure that taught you something

• A shift in perspective

• A relationship that shaped you

How to write it:

• Be honest, not dramatic

• Focus on how you changed or grew

• Use specific scenes or moments, not generic statements

Essay B – Intellectual:This prompt usually explores your ideas. It might ask:

• What question keeps you up at night?

• What topic excites or frustrates you?

• What do you think about a certain issue?

How to write it:

• Avoid textbook answers or Wikipedia definitions

• Start with a real-life experience, a question, or a contradiction

• Share your thought process more than the “right answer”

The Mandatory Essay (Essay C)

This is typically about:

• Why Ashoka?

• What do you want to learn or contribute?

• How do you think about interdisciplinary learning?

Tips:

• Show that you’ve researched Ashoka’s structure, faculty, majors, and ethos

• Avoid praising the university in vague terms (“It’s the best”)

• Connect Ashoka’s model with your learning style or goals

Book List – Your Intellectual DNA

You’re asked to list three books that have influenced you (two more optional).

What you must include:

• Full title

• Author

• Reason why it matters to you (personal, academic, emotional, or ideological)

Tips to choose books:

• Mix genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic novels, philosophy

• Avoid listing only school curriculum books

• Don't fake it — you might be asked about these books in your interview

Examples:

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman — “Changed how I understand decision-making in daily life.”

• Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi — “Helped me understand identity and resistance through a graphic novel.”

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger — “Felt seen as a teenager trying to find meaning.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Better Approach
Using clichéd quotes or stories	Tell a story only you can tell
Treating essays like a résumé	Focus on reflection, not achievement
Listing books you haven’t read	Choose books you’ve genuinely engaged with
Over-polishing or using AI tools	Authentic voice matters more than grammar

How Essays and Book List Are Evaluated

Ashoka’s readers are looking for:

• Thoughtfulness and self-awareness

• Openness to learning

• Curiosity, not perfection

• Coherence across your form (essays, books, activities)

Final Tips Before You Submit

• Draft in Google Docs, edit, and come back with fresh eyes

• Ask one teacher or mentor to read — but don’t let them rewrite it

• Avoid flowery language — clarity is powerful

• Read it aloud to check for tone and flow