UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Syllabus 2026, Paper 1 and 2 Syllabus

Q: Can I write the UPSC Bodo Literature optional exam in English?

No, the Bodo Literature optional must be written strictly in the Bodo language.

Q: Are there English translations available for Bodo literary texts?

Yes, some Bodo literary works have English translations, which can help with understanding but are not a substitute for original texts.

Q: How can I improve my language proficiency in Bodo?

Regular reading of Bodo literature, practicing writing, and engaging with native speakers or teachers can significantly improve proficiency.

Q: Is Bodo Literature optional a good option for UPSC IAS Mains?

Yes, for candidates with a strong command of the language and literary interest, it can be a scoring and manageable optional subject.

Q: Are Bodo Paper 1 and Bodo Compulsory Papers the same?

No, Bodo Paper 1 is part of the optional subject, while the Bodo Compulsory Paper applies only to candidates opting for Bodo as their compulsory Indian language in Paper A.

Table of Contents☰

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 consists of two Papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2. Bodo Literature Optional provides students a chance to learn about the heritage of Bodo culture and language. UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 focuses on both contemporary writings and classical texts, allowing students to appreciate the evolution of Bodo Literature through many genres and periods. In this article, we are going to cover UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in detail.

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 Overview

The UPSC Bodo Literature Syllabus 2026 includes many important topics both classical and contemporary of Bodo Literature. The optional has two papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2, both carrying 250 marks each. It is very important for students to get familiar with the syllabus in order to appear for the exam.

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Paper 1 Syllabus

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Paper 1 Syllabus covers the historical evolution, linguistic aspects, literary criticism and development of literary forms. The Syllabus is as follow:

Section A - History of Bodo Language

Section B - History of Bodo Literature

Homeland, language family, its present status and its mutual contact with Assamese.
(a) Phonemes: Vowel and Consonant Phonemes

(b) Tones

Morphology: Gender, Case and Case endings, Plural suffix, Definitives, Verbal suffix.
Vocabulary and its sources.
Syntax: Types of sentences, Word Order.
History of scripts used in writing Bodo Language since inception

General introduction of Bodo folk Literature
Contribution of the Missionaries.
Periodization of Bodo Literature
Critical analysis of different genres (Poetry, Novel, Short Story, and Drama)
Translation Literature

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Paper II Syllabus

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Paper II Syllabus includes the critical analysis of prescribed texts, in-depth reading and interpretation. The syllabus of Paper 2 includes:

Section A	Section B
Khonthai-Methai (Edited by Madaram Brahma & Rupnath Brahma) Hathorkhi-Hala (Edited by Pramod Chandra Brahma) Boroni Gudi Sibsa Arw Aroz: Madaram Brahma Raja Nilambar: Dwarendra Nath Basumatary Bibar (prose section) (Edited by Satish Chandra Basumatary)	Bibi Bithai (Aida Nwi): Bihuram Boro Radab: Samar Brahma Chaudhury Okhrang Gongse Nangou : Brajendra Kumar Brahma Baisagu Arw Harimu: Laksheswar Brahma Gwdan Boro: Manoranjan Lahary Jujaini Or: Chittaranjan Muchahary Mwihoor: Dharanidhar Wary Hor Badi Khwmsi: Kamal Kumar Brahma Jaolia Dewan: Mangal Singh Hozowary Hagra Guduni Mwi: Nilkamal Brahma

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Exam Pattern

The UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Paper follows a pattern similar to other optional subjects, comprising two papers Paper I and Paper II each carrying 250 marks. Each paper is divided into two sections with a total of eight questions. Candidates must attempt five questions, including Question 1 and Question 5, which are compulsory. From the remaining six, at least one question must be answered from each section. All responses are required to be written exclusively in the Bodo language.

Particular	Details
Mains Paper	Paper VI and Paper VII
Subjects	Paper-I and Paper-II
Total Marks	500 (250 Each)
Time allowed	3 Hours for each paper
Sections	Section A and Section B
Questions	Total 8 questions with subparts
Compulsory Question	Question No. 1 and 5
Marks Distribution	10, 15, and 20 marker questions

UPSC Bodo Literature Optional Books

Following is an important list of books to prepare for UPSC Bodo Literature Optional:

Paper 1 Book List	Syllabus of Bodo Literature from North Assam Universities
	Bodo Sahityar Itihas" by Tilak Basumatary
	State Textbooks of Assam
	“A History of Bodo Literature" by Anil Boro
Paper 2 Book List (Section A)	Khonthai-Methai (Edited by Madaram Brahma & Rupnath Brahma)
	Hathorkhi-Hala (Edited by Pramod Chandra Brahma)
	Boroni Gudi Sibsa Arw Aroz: Madaram Brahma
	Raja Nilambar: Dwarendra Nath Basumatary
	Bibar (prose section) (Edited By Satish Chandra Basumatary)
	Read Other literary text given in the Syllabus

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