Nepali Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Nepali Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answers must be written in Nepali
Paper I
Section A
1. Origin and Development
History of the origin and development of Nepali as one of the new Indo Aryan Languages.
2. Fundamentals of Nepali Grammar and phonology
Nominal forms and categories
- Gender
- Number
- Case
- Adjectives
- Pronouns
- Avyayas
Verbal forms and categories
- Tense
- Aspects
- Voice
- Roots and Fixes
Nepali Swara and Vyanjana
3. Major Dialects of Nepali
4. Standardisation and Modernisation
Standardisation and Modernisation of Nepali with special reference to language movements (viz. Halanta Bahiskar, Jharrovad etc.)
5. Teaching of Nepali language in India
Its history and development with special reference to its socio-cultural aspects
Section B
1. History of Nepali literature
History of Nepali literature with special reference to its development in India
2. Fundamental concepts and theories of Literature
- Kavya/Sahitya
- Kavya Prayojan
- Literary genres
- Shabda Shakti
- Rasa
- Alankara
- Tragedy
- Comedy
- Aesthetics
- Stylistics
3. Major literary trends and movements
- Swachchhandatavad
- Yatharthavad
- Astitwavad
- Ayamik Movement
- Contemporary Nepali writings
- Postmodernism
4. Nepali folklores
- Sawai
- Jhyaurey
- Selo
- Sangini
- Lahari
Paper II
This paper will require first hand reading of the texts prescribed below and questions will be designed to test the candidate's critical acumen.
Section A
Santa Jnandil Das: Udaya Lahari
Lekhnath Poudyal: Tarun Tapasi
(Vishrams III, V, VI, XII, XV, XVIII only)
Agam Sing Giri: Jaleko Pratibimba Royeko Pratidhwani
Selected Poems:
- Prasawako Chichyahatsanga Byunjheko Ek Raat
- Chhorolai
- Jaleko Pratibimba : Royeko Pratidhwani
- Hamro Akashmani Pani Hunchha Ujyalo
- Tihar
Haribhakta Katuwal: Yo Zinadagi Khai Ke Zindagi
Selected Poems:
- Jeevan : Ek Dristi
- Yo Zindagi Khai Ke Zindagi
- Akashka Tara Ke Tara
- Hamilai Nirdho Nasamjha
- Khai Manyata Yahan Atmahutiko Balidan Ko
Balkrishna Sama: Prahlad
Manbahadur Mukhia: Andhyaroma Banchneharu
Section B
Indra Sundas: Sahara
Lilbahadur Chhetri: Brahmaputra ko Chheuchhau
Rupnarayan Sinha: Katha Navaratna
Selected Stories:
- Biteka Kura
- Jimmewari Kasko
- Dhanamatiko Cinema—Swapna
- Vidhwasta Jeevan
Indrabahadur Rai: Vipana Katipaya
Selected Stories:
- Raatbhari Huri Chalyo
- Jayamaya Aphumatra Lekhapani Aipugi
- Bhagi
- Ghosh Babu
- Chhutuaiyo
Sanu Lama: Katha Sampaad
Selected Stories:
- Swasni Manchhey
- Khani Tarma Ekdin
- Phurbale Gaun Chhadyo
- Asinapo Manchhey
Laxmi Prasad Devkota: Laxmi Nibandha Sangraha
Selected Essays:
- Sri Ganeshaya Namha
- Nepali Sahityako Itihasma Sarvashrestha Purus
- Kalpana
- Kala Ra Jeevan
- Gadha Buddhiman ki Guru?
Ramkrishna Sharma: Das Gorkha
Selected Essays:
- Kavi
- Samaj Ra Sahitya
- Sahityama Sapekshata
- Sahityik Ruchiko Praudhata
- Nepali Sahityako Pragati
Note: This syllabus emphasizes both linguistic features and literary works. Special attention should be given to the development of Nepali language in India and its socio-cultural aspects.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Nepali Literature - Nepal Academy
- • Nepali Grammar and Linguistics - Standard Reference
- • Evolution of Nepali Language and Literature
- • Guide to Nepali Folklore and Folk Forms
Reference Materials
- • Dictionary of Nepali Literary Terms
- • Classical Nepali Literature: A Critical Study
- • Modern Nepali Literature: Trends and Movements
- • Anthology of Nepali Folk Literature
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Nepali Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Resources from Nepali Universities
- • Nepali Literature Study Guides
Language Resources
- • Guide to Nepali Grammar and Phonology
- • Nepali Language Movements and Standardization
- • Socio-cultural Aspects of Nepali in India
- • Dialectology of Nepali Language
Journals and Periodicals
- • Nepal Academy Journal
- • Nepali Literary Review
- • Contemporary Nepali Literature Journal
- • Folklore Studies Journal