Urdu Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Urdu Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Answer must be written in Urdu
Paper I
Section A
Development of Urdu Language
(a) Development of Indo-Aryan
- Old Indo-Aryan
- Middle Indo-Aryan
- New Indo-Aryan
(b) Western Hindi and its dialects
Brij Bhasha Khadi Boli, Haryanavi, Kannauji, Bundeli—Theories about the origin of Urdu language
(c) Dakhani Urdu
Origin and development, its significant linguistic features
(d) Social and Cultural roots
Social and Cultural roots of Urdu language— and its distinctive features
- Script
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Vocabulary
Section B
(a) Genres and their development
Poetry
- Ghazal
- Masnavi
- Qasida
- Marsia
- Rubai
- Jadid Nazm
Prose
- Novel
- Short Story
- Dastan
- Drama
- Inshaiya
- Khutoot
- Biography
(b) Significant features
Schools and Movements
- Deccani, Delhi and Lucknow schools
- Sir Syed movement
- Romantic movement
- Progressive movement
- Modernism
(c) Literary Criticism
Literary Criticism and its development with reference to Hali, Shibli, Kaleemuddin Ahmad, Ehtisham Hussain, Ale-Ahmad Suroor
(d) Essay writing
Essay writing (covering literary and imaginative topics)
Paper II
This paper will require first hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the candidate's critical ability.
Section A
Mir Amman - Bagho-Babar
Ghalib - Intikhab-e-Khutoot-e Ghalib
Mohd. Husain Azad - Nairang-e-Khayal
Prem Chand - Godan
Rajendra Singh Bedi - Apne Dukh Mujhe Dedo
Abul Kalam Azad - Ghubar-e-Khatir
Section B
Mir - Intikhab-e-Kalam-e-MirEd. Abdul Haq
Mir Hasan - Sahrul Bayan
Ghalib - Diwan-e-Ghalib
Iqbal - Bal-e-Jibrail
Firaq - Gul-e-Naghma
Faiz - Dast-e-Saba
Akhtruliman - Bint-e-Lamhat
Note: This syllabus requires comprehensive understanding of both linguistic features and literary works. Special attention should be given to the development of Urdu language and its various literary forms.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books and Publications
- • History of Urdu Literature - Standard Reference
- • Urdu Grammar and Linguistics Guide
- • Evolution of Urdu Language
- • Guide to Urdu Literary Forms
Reference Materials
- • Dictionary of Urdu Literary Terms
- • Classical Urdu Literature: A Critical Study
- • Modern Urdu Literature: Trends and Movements
- • Guide to Urdu Poetry Forms
Study Aids
- • Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers (Urdu Optional)
- • Model Answer Writing Practice Sets
- • Online Urdu Learning Resources
- • Urdu Literature Study Guides
Language Resources
- • Guide to Urdu Grammar and Composition
- • Indo-Aryan Linguistics and Urdu
- • Dakhani Urdu Studies
- • Modern Urdu Usage Guide
Journals and Periodicals
- • Journal of Urdu Studies
- • Urdu Literary Review
- • Contemporary Literature Quarterly
- • Language and Cultural Studies