Sanskrit Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Sanskrit Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Three questions as indicated in the Question Paper must be answered in Sanskrit. The remaining questions must be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium of examination opted by the candidate.
Paper I
Section A
Grammar Features
To be answered in Sanskrit- Sanjna
- Sandhi
- Karaka
- Samasa
- Kartari and Karmani vacyas (voice usages)
Sanskrit Language Characteristics
- Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language
- Prominent features of classical Sanskrit language
- Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies
General Knowledge
Literary History and Criticism
- Literary history of Sanskrit
- Principal trends of literary criticism
- Ramayana
- Mahabharata
Literary Genres Development
- Mahakavya
- Rupaka (drama)
- Katha
- Akhyayika
- Campu
- Khandakavya
- Muktaka Kavya
Section B
Indian Culture
- Purusãrthas
- Samskãras
- Varnãsramavyavasthã
- Arts and fine arts
- Technical Sciences
Indian Philosophy
- Mïmansã
- Vedãnta
- Nyaya
- Vaisesika
- Sãnkhya
- Yoga
- Bauddha
- Jaina
- Carvãka
Additional Components
- Short Essay (in Sanskrit)
- Unseen passage with questions (to be answered in Sanskrit)
Paper II
Question from Group 4 is to be answered in Sanskrit only. Questions from Groups 1, 2 and 3 are to be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate.
Section A
General study of the following groups
Group 1
- Raghuvamsam - Kalidasa
- Kumarasambhavam - Kalidasa
- Kiratarjuniyam - Bharavi
- Sisupalavadham - Magha
- Naisadhiyacaritam - Sriharsa
- Kadambari - Banabhatta
- Dasakumaracaritam - Dandin
- Sivarajyodayam - S.B. Varnekar
Group 2
- Isãvãsyopanisad
- Bhagavadgitã
- Sundarakanda of Valmiki's Ramayana
- Arthasastra - Kautilya
Group 3
- Svapanavasavadattam - Bhasa
- Abhijnanasakuntalam - Kalidasa
- Mricchakatikam - Sudraka
- Mudraraksasam - Visakhadatta
- Uttararamacaritam - Bhavbhuti
- Ratnavali - Sriharshavardhana
- Venisamharam - Bhattanarayana
Group 4
Short notes in Sanskrit on the following- Meghadutam - Kalidasa
- Nitisatakam - Bhartrhari
- Pancatantra
- Rajatarangini - Kalhana
- Harsacaritam - Banabhatta
- Amarukasatakam - Amaruka
- Gitagovindam - Jayadeva
Section B
This section will require first hand reading of the following selected texts. Questions from Groups 1 & 2 are to be answered in Sanskrit only. Questions from Groups 3 and 4 are to be answered either in Sanskrit or in the Medium opted by the candidate.
Group 1
- Raghuvamsam (Canto I, Verses 1 to 10)
- Kumarasambhavam (Canto I, Verses 1 to 10)
- Kiratarjuniyam (Canto I, Verses 1 to 10)
Group 2
- Isavasyopanisad (Verses 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18)
- Bhagavatgita (Chapter II Verses 13 to 25)
- Sundarakandam (Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition))
Group 3
- Meghadutam (Verses 1 to 10)
- Nitisatakam (Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication))
- Kadambari (Sukanasopadesa (only))
Group 4
- Svapnavasavadattam (Act VI)
- Abhijnansakuntalam (Act IV Verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition))
- Uttararamacaritam (Act I Verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition))
Note: This syllabus requires comprehensive understanding of Sanskrit grammar, literature, and philosophy. Special attention should be given to answering questions in Sanskrit as specified in the syllabus.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • Sanskrit Grammar and Linguistics Reference
- • History of Sanskrit Literature
- • Classical Sanskrit Texts and Commentaries
- • Guide to Vedic and Classical Sanskrit
Reference Materials
- • Dictionary of Sanskrit Literary Terms
- • Sanskrit Poetics and Literary Criticism
- • Indian Philosophy Systems Guide
- • Cultural Studies in Sanskrit Literature
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Sanskrit Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Sanskrit Learning Resources
- • Sanskrit Literature Study Guides
Language Resources
- • Guide to Sanskrit Grammar and Composition
- • Sanskrit Meters and Prosody
- • Classical Text Translations and Commentaries
- • Sanskrit Writing Practice Materials
Journals and Periodicals
- • Journal of Sanskrit Studies
- • Sanskrit Research Review
- • Classical Literature Quarterly
- • Indian Philosophy and Sanskrit Studies