UPSC Urdu Literature Syllabus 2025 - UPSC Urdu Optional Syllabus PDF

UPSC Urdu Optional Syllabus has a detailed literature and language study of Urdu. It contains history of Urdu as a language and major developments in it over time. The UPSC Urdu Literature syllabus extends to all periods and genres, be it classical and modern poetry, prose, and fiction etc. The candidates would be required to read prominent Urdu poets and authors, literary criticism, and the leading literary movements. Dastan, novel, short story, drama, Ghazal, Qasida, Marsia, Masnavi, Rubai, phonetics, syntax, morphology, etc., with some knowledge about notable literary works and a command over the translation work both from English to Urdu and vice versa.

UPSC Aspirants are supposed to choose one optional subject for the Mains examination. There are a total of two papers for the Optional Subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam. Candidates looking for UPSC Urdu Literature Syllabus details can read this blog to get the syllabus details.

Overview of UPSC Urdu Optional Syllabus 2025 

The UPSC Urdu Literature syllabus for 2025 is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge of Urdu language and literature, including its history, evolution, and various literary forms and genres. The Urdu Optional syllabus for UPSC is split in two papers, namely Papers-I: Historical background of the language from its beginning, criticism with translation skills; and Paper-II: Critical analysis on selected authors and works. Both are tests for the candidate's full understanding of Urdu literature, as well as their ability to critically understand literary works.

Download UPSC Urdu Literature Syllabus & Exam Pattern PDF Here!

UPSC IAS Urdu Syllabus for Paper 1

Paper 1 of the UPSC Urdu Syllabus goes into the historical evolution of the Urdu language right from its origin and into its evolution and the various major linguistic features. This constitutes various linguistic processes, including phonetics, syntax, and morphology. Literary criticism and history form a significant part of it, demanding the knowledge of all schools of thought and critical works. The paper 1 of the Urdu syllabus for UPSC also consists of translation exercises, which demands competence in translating prose and poetry from Urdu to English and vice versa. Important literary forms such as Ghazal, Nazm, Novel, Short Story, Drama, etc. along with the historical setting are included in this paper.

Download the Important Books for Urdu Optional for UPSC IAS Mains!

UPSC IAS Urdu Syllabus for Paper 2

The Paper 2 of the UPSC Urdu syllabus consists of in-depth study of selected authors with their texts. The paper is designed on critical appreciation of major literary figures and their contribution to Urdu literature. Candidates have to study chosen texts which may include poetry, prose, or drama and analyze the themes, styles, and techniques of literature. Major writers of the syllabus include the likes of Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, among others. The paper 2 of the Urdu syllabus for UPSC tests whether the candidate can interpret, judge, and discuss the merits of literature in these writings.

Download the UPSC Urdu Previous Year Question Papers!

Urdu Literature Optional Books for UPSC Mains 2025

The below resources will serve the purpose to cover the extensive syllabus to excel in Urdu Literature Optional papers.

• Urdu Adab Ki Mukhtasar Tareekh by Jameel Jalibi- A thorough history of Urdu literature.
• "Tareekh-e-Adab-e-Urdu" by Ram Babu Saksena- A book providing insight into the history of Urdu literature.
• "Urdu Zaban ki Tareekh" by Masood Husain Khan- On etymology and history of the Urdu language
• "Shayari Ki Tanqeed aur Shariyat" by Abul Kalam Qasmi- On literary criticism and poetic elements
• Works of prominent poets- Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz - For in-depth poetry analysis.
• Urdu Novel and Afsana by Ale Ahmad Suroor- To understand novels and short stories.
• Selected Plays by Imtiaz Ali Taj and Agha Hashar- For studying Urdu drama.

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