UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025, Paper 1 & 2 Syllabus

The UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 offers an academic experience for aspirants fluent in Urdu and passionate about its literary heritage. This optional subject evaluates a candidate’s understanding of Urdu language development, classical and modern literary forms, and critical interpretations of notable works. The UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 comprises two papers: Paper 1 focuses on the evolution, literary forms, and criticism, while Paper 2 includes the critical study of selected authors and texts. Each paper carries 250 marks, bringing the total to 500 marks in the Mains exam.

UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Overview

The UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 Overview aims to assess the candidate’s knowledge of the Urdu language’s history, its grammatical features, literary genres, and major literary movements. Paper 1 includes the evolution of the Urdu language, its phonetics, morphology, vocabulary, and major literary forms like Ghazal, Masnavi, Qasida, Nazm, and more. 

Paper 2 consists of a critical study of literary works by legendary authors like Ghalib, Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and others. Both papers test analytical thinking, translation skills, and critical appreciation of literature.

UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 for Paper 1

UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 for Paper 1 is divided into two sections. Section A focuses on the historical evolution of Urdu, starting from Old and Middle Indo-Aryan to New Indo-Aryan and Urdu’s development through dialects like Brij Bhasha, Khadi Boli, and Dakhani Urdu. It also includes an understanding of phonology, morphology, and vocabulary.

Section B covers major genres in poetry and prose, including Ghazal, Qasida, Marsia, Rubai, Novel, Short Story, Drama, and Dastan. The syllabus also explores literary movements like the Sir Syed Movement, Progressive Writer’s Movement, and Modernism, along with important literary critics such as Hali, Shibli, and Ale-Ahmad Suroor. Essay writing and translation between Urdu and English are also essential components.

UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 for Paper 2

UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 for Paper 2 consists of the critical appreciation of selected texts from prose and poetry. Section A includes notable prose writers and their works like Mir Amman’s “Bagho-Babar”, Prem Chand’s “Godan”, Abul Kalam Azad’s “Ghubar-e-Khatir”, and others. Candidates are expected to discuss literary styles, thematic concerns, and narrative techniques.

Section B focuses on poetry, with an in-depth study of classical and modern poets such as Mir, Ghalib, Iqbal, Firaq, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Akhtarul Iman. Candidates must be able to interpret poetic devices, literary trends, and socio-political influences reflected in the works.

UPSC Urdu Literature Optional Booklists

Aspirants must refer to standard books and original literary works to master this optional:

• “Urdu Adab Ki Mukhtasar Tareekh” by Jameel Jalibi – A comprehensive history of Urdu literature.
• “Tareekh-e-Adab-e-Urdu” by Ram Babu Saksena – Offers deep insight into the literary developments.
  “Urdu Zaban ki Tareekh” by Masood Husain Khan – Covers the origin and linguistic evolution of Urdu.
• “Shayari Ki Tanqeed aur Shariyat” by Abul Kalam Qasmi – Discusses literary criticism with poetic analysis.
• Works of Mirza Ghalib, Iqbal, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz – Essential reading for Paper 2.
• “Urdu Novel aur Afsana” by Ale Ahmad Suroor – Analyzes Urdu prose including short stories and novels.
• Selected Plays by Imtiaz Ali Taj & Agha Hashar – Important for understanding Urdu drama.

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