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Odia Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Odia Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answers must be written in Odia
Paper I
Section A: History of Odia Language
Origin and Development
Origin and development of Odia Language—Influence of Austric, Dravidian, Perso-Arabic and English on Odia Language
Phonetics and Phonemics
- Vowels
- Consonants
- Principles of changes in Odia sounds
Morphology
- Morphemes (free, bound compound and complex)
- Derivational and inflectional affixes
- Case inflection
- Conjugation of verb
Syntax
- Kinds of sentences and their transformation
- Structure of sentences
Semantics
- Different types of change in meaning
- Euphemism
Common Errors
- Errors in spellings
- Grammatical uses
- Construction of sentences
Regional Variations
- Western Odia
- Southern Odia
- Northern Odia
- Dialects (Bhatri and Desia)
Section B: History of Odia Literature
Historical Backgrounds
Social, cultural and political backgrounds of Odia Literature of different periods
Ancient Literature
Ancient epics, ornate kavyas and padavalis
Typical Structural Forms
- Koili
- Chautisa
- Poi
- Chaupadi
- Champu
Modern Trends
- Poetry
- Drama
- Short story
- Novel
- Essay
- Literary criticism
Paper II
The paper will require first hand reading of the text and test the critical ability of the candidate.
Section A: Poetry
Ancient
- Sãralã Dãs: Shanti Parva from Mahãbhãrata
- Jaganãth Dãs: Bhãgabata, XI Skadhã—Jadu Avadhuta Sambãda
Medieval
- Dinakrushna Dãs: Raskallola (Chhãndas—16 & 34)
- Upendra Bhanja: Lãvanyabati (Chhãndas—1 & 2)
Modern
- Rãdhãnath Rãy: Chandrabhãgã
- Mãyãdhar Mänasinha: Jeevan—Chitã
- Sãtchidananda Routray: Kabitã—1962
- Ramãkãnta Ratha: Saptama Ritu
Section B
Drama
- Manoranjan Dãs: Kätha-Ghoda
- Bijay Mishra: Tata Niranjanä
Novel
- Fakir Mohan Senãpati: Chhamãna Ãthaguntha
- Gopinãth Mohãnty: Dãnãpani
Short Story
- Surendra Mohãnty: Marãlara Mrityu
- Manoj Dãs: Laxmira Abhisãra
Essay
- Chittaranjan Dãs: Tranga O Tadit (First Five essays)
- Chandra Sekhar Rath: Mun Satyadharmã Kahuchhi (First five essays)
Note: This syllabus requires comprehensive understanding of both linguistic features and literary works. Special attention should be given to regional variations and structural forms unique to Odia literature.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Odia Literature - Odisha Sahitya Akademi
- • Odia Grammar and Linguistics - Standard Reference
- • Evolution of Odia Language and Literature
- • Guide to Odia Structural Forms and Poetry
Reference Materials
- • Dictionary of Odia Literary Terms
- • Classical Odia Literature: A Critical Study
- • Modern Odia Literature: Trends and Movements
- • Guide to Regional Variations in Odia
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Odia Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Resources from Odisha Universities
- • Odia Literature Study Guides
Language Resources
- • Guide to Odia Grammar and Phonology
- • Common Errors in Odia Usage
- • Dialectology of Odia Language
- • Structural Forms in Odia Literature
Journals and Periodicals
- • Odisha Sahitya Akademi Journal
- • Odia Literary Review
- • Contemporary Odia Literature Journal
- • Language and Linguistics Studies