The UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 is prepared to evaluate the candidate’s understanding of the Konkani language, its historical evolution, and its rich literary tradition. The optional subject comprises two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 250 marks, totalling 500 marks. This optional is suitable for aspirants fluent in Konkani and well-versed in its classical and modern literary forms.
UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 Overview
The UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 includes a wide range of topics covering the origin, development, literary forms, and critical movements in Konkani literature. Candidates are required to study both traditional and modern texts, explore literary movements, and understand how socio-cultural factors influenced the literature. With a relatively low number of takers, Konkani as an optional can prove advantageous for aspirants with deep regional and linguistic knowledge.
| UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 Overview | |||
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|
Paper VI |
Konkani Literature Optional Paper 1 |
250 |
3 Hours |
|
Paper VII |
Konkani Literature Optional Paper 2 |
250 |
3 Hours |
|
Total |
500 |
||
UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 for Paper 1
UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 for Paper 1 focuses on the origin, historical development, and classical literature of Konkani. It emphasizes the evolution of the language, its grammar, phonology, and early literature. The syllabus is divided into two sections which is discussed in the table below:
| UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 for Paper 1 | |
| Section | Topics of Konkani UPSC Syllabus |
|
Section-A |
History of the Konkani Language Origin and development of the language and influences on it. Major variants of Konkani and their linguistic features. Grammatical and lexicographic work in Konkani, including a study of cases, adverbs, indeclinables and voices. Old Standard Konkani, New Standard and Standardisation problems. |
|
Section-B |
History of Konkani Literature (Konkani literature and its social and cultural background and the problems and issues arising out of them.) History of Konkani literature from its probable source to the present times, with emphasis on its major works, writers and movements. Social and cultural background of the making of Konkani literature from time to time. Indian and Western influences on Konkani literature, from the earliest to modern times. Modern literary trends in the various genres and regions including a study of Konkani folklore. |
UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 for Paper 2
UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 for Paper 2 is a critical study of modern Konkani literature across different genres, novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. Candidates must read the given texts and interpret them critically, focusing on narrative style, themes, and socio-cultural influences.
| Konkani Language UPSC Optional Syllabus for Paper 1 | |
| Section | Topics of Konkani UPSC Syllabus |
|
Section-A |
Konkani Manasagangotri (excluding poetry) ed. by Prof : Olivinho Gomes. Old Konkani language and literature—the Portuguese Role Otmo Denvcharak—a novel by A. V. da Cruz. Vadoll ani Varem—a novel by Antonio Pereira. Devache Kurpen—a novel by V.J.P. Saldanha. Vajralikhani—Shenoy goem-bab-An anthology-ed. by Shantaram Varde Valavalikar. Konkani Lalit Niband—Essays-ed. by Shyam Verenkar. Teen Dasakam—An anthology—ed. by Chandrakant Keni. Demand—Drama-by Pundalik Naik. Kadambini: A Miscellany of Modern Prose—ed. by Prof. O.J.F. Gomes and Smt. P.S. Tadkodkar. Ratha Tujeo Ghudieo—by Smt. Jayanti Naik. |
|
Section-B |
Ev ani Mori : Poetry by Eduardo Bruno de Souza. Abravanchem Yadnyadan—by Luis Mascarenhas. Godde Ramayan—ed. by R.K. Rao. Ratnahar I and II—collection of poems—ed. R. V. Pandit. Zayo Zuyo—poems- Manohar L. Sardessai. Kanadi Mati Konkani Kavi—Anthology ofPoems—ed. Pratap Naik. Adrushatache Kalle—Poems by Pandurang Bhangui. Yaman—Poems by Madhav Borkar |
UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Booklist
A focused set of books will help candidates comprehensively prepare for both papers. Below is a curated list of UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Booklist:
- A History of Konkani Literature – Manohararay Sardesai
- Bhakta Pralhad – Krishna Bhatt Bandekar
- Sonvsar Bhuin – Ramnath Kare
- Teem – Mahabaleshwar Sail
- Vogonantli Chitram Xidpena Kalliz – Pundalik Naik
- Abolim: Collection of Essays – Uday Bhembre (ed.)
- Modern Konkani Literature – Olivinho Gomes
- Konkani Manasagangotri – ed. by Prof. Olivinho Gomes
- Journals and academic publications from Goa University and Sahitya Akademi
Last updated on January, 2026
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UPSC Konkani Literature Optional Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Q1. Who should choose Konkani Literature as an optional in UPSC?+
Q2. Is Konkani Literature a scoring optional in UPSC?+
Q3. How many papers are there in the Konkani optional?+
Q4. Do I need to write the paper in Konkani?+
Q5. Are NCERTs sufficient for Konkani Literature?+



