UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2025 For Paper 1 and 2

UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2025: Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus is one of the optional subjects offered by UPSC for UPSC Mains preparation. Candidates well versed in bengali language, can highly benefit from this optional. In this article, we are going to cover the complete syllabus, important bengali literature booklist and preparation strategy for UPSC Bengali Literature.

UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Subject 

Bengali Literature Optional Subject is one of the most chosen literature optional for UPSC Mains preparation. The subject gives a deep insight into the rich literary traditions of Bengal, from ancient to contemporary works, works by various authors, genres and literary movements. Candidates are encouraged to take up critical analysis, gain knowledge into socio-cultural contexts and thematic complexities of the language. The optional subject provides an insight into the cultural heritage of bengal and its literary contributions. 

UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025

UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus gives candidates an overview of the evolution of Bengal’s literature, from the ancient to the modern times. The syllabus encourages students to learn poetry and prose of Bengal, from texts like Charyapada and Vaishnava Padavali. The syllabus also covers the Bengal renaissance period, including important figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Michael Madhusudan Dutt. The syllabus is divided into two papers; Paper 1 and Paper 2 both carrying 250 marks each. 

UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Paper 1 Syllabus

The UPSC Bengali Syllabus Paper 1 is divided into two sections: Section A focuses on Language, and Section B covers Literary Criticism and Literary History. Below is the detailed syllabus of UPSC Bengali Syllabus Paper 1.

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Paper 1: History of Language and Literature

UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper II 

The UPSC Bengali Syllabus Paper 2 covers various literary works. These include Vaishnava Padavali Chandimangal Kalketu episode by Mukunda and Kapalkundala by Bankimchandra Chatterjee. It also includes Raktakarabi by Rabindranath Tagore, Grihadaha by Saratchandra Chatterjee, and Sonar Tari by Rabindranath Tagore. The syllabus details can be found below.

UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Booklist

Here is a list of books that can be referred to while preparing for UPSC Bengali Literature Optional for both Paper 1 and Paper 2:

List Of Books For Paper 1

Bengali Language

• Bangla Sahityer Sankshipta Itihas by Bhudeb Chaudhuri
• The Bengalis: A Portrait of a Community by Sudeep Chakravarti
• The Epic City: The World on the Streets of Calcutta by Kushanava Choudhuri.
• Bengali Prose Style: 1800-1857 by Dinesh Chandra Sen.
• Types of Early Bengali Prose by Mitra.
• The Oxford India Anthology of Bengali Literature by Kalpana Bardhan.
• Bangla Natoker Itihas by Ajit Kumar Ghosh.

List Of Books For Paper 2

• Bangla Nataker Itihash by Ajit Kumar Ghosh.
• The Oxford India Anthology of Bengali Literature (1941-1991) edited by Kalpana Bardhan.
• Rabindra Rachanavali by Rabindranath Tagore.
• Bankim Rachana Sankalan by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Sarat Rachanasamgra by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Other Literary works mentioned in Paper II.

UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Preparation Strategy

To prepare for UPSC Bengali Literature Optional, the following preparation strategy can be followed by students: 

• Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the prescribed syllabus to know the key topics and themes to focus on.
• Develop a Study Plan: Create a realistic timetable covering the entire syllabus, allowing time for revision and answer writing practice.
• Make Concise Notes: Prepare topic-wise notes, especially including important literary quotes, author insights, and key lines to enrich your answers during revision.
• Practice Answer Writing Regularly: Daily writing in Bengali is essential to build speed and fluency. Incorporate interdisciplinary insights, especially from General Studies, to add relevance and depth.
• Read Original Texts: Engage directly with original literary works to grasp the tone, language, and style necessary for high-quality responses.
• Stay Focused and Relevant: Avoid digressions in your answers. Stick to the core of the question, addressing specific literary elements with clarity.
• Draw Literary Comparisons: Enrich your answers by drawing parallels with literature from other traditions like English, African, Greek, or regional Indian languages.
• Think Analytically: Apply critical thinking to interpret texts and themes. Analytical responses stand out and fetch higher marks.
• Solve Previous Year Papers (PYQs): Regularly practice PYQs to identify recurring trends and build confidence ahead of the actual exam.