UPSC Mains Compulsory Papers consist of Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English), which every candidate must appear for, regardless of their chosen optional subject. These papers assess proficiency in the respective languages and test reading, writing, comprehension, translation, grammar, and essay writing skills.

Here we have provided a detailed breakdown of the syllabus and key components for both papers, ensuring clarity on the examination’s expectations and preparation strategies.

UPSC Mains Compulsory Language Paper

UPSC Mains Compulsory Paper refers to two papers that every candidate must appear for, regardless of their chosen optional subject. These are:

• Paper A – Indian Language

• Paper B – English

These papers are qualifying in nature, meaning candidates must score above a certain threshold to proceed to the interview stage but their marks are not counted in the final merit ranking.

UPSC Mains Language Paper Syllabus

UPSC Mains Examination includes compulsory papers that are designed to test candidates’ proficiency in the English language, an Indian language, and their overall ability to write and understand. These papers are a fundamental part of the examination process. The compulsory papers are:

• Paper A Indian Language: A candidate is required to choose one of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This paper assesses language proficiency in reading, writing, and translation.

• Paper B English Language: This paper tests English language skills, including comprehension, concise writing, and composition.

1. Paper A – Indian Language

The Paper A Indian Language assesses the candidate’s proficiency in one of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It is designed to test the candidate’s basic understanding and communication skills in the chosen language.

Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution includes these 22 languages:

UPSC Mains Indian Language Syllabus:

2. Paper B – English Language

Paper B is designed to assess the candidate’s understanding of the English language. This paper tests the candidate’s ability to read, comprehend, and write in English, ensuring they possess a strong command over the language necessary for academic and administrative tasks.

UPSC Mains English Compulsory Paper Syllabus

UPSC English Compulsory Paper is part of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. The English Compulsory Paper is designed to test the candidate’s proficiency in the English language, including their ability to write effectively, understand English grammar, and apply language skills in formal and academic contexts.

Here’s a detailed outline of the UPSC English Compulsory Paper syllabus:

Section 1: Comprehension of a Given Passage

• The candidate is given a passage in English, and the following tasks are required:
  • Understanding the passage.
  • Answering questions based on the content of the passage.
  • The questions may test the candidate’s ability to analyze and interpret the passage and could be on general or contemporary topics of national and international relevance.

Section 2: Precis Writing

• The candidate is provided with a passage, which they must summarize or condense into a précis.
  • The précis should be about one-third of the original length.
  • It should maintain the essence of the passage without altering its meaning.
  • The précis writing should be clear, concise, and coherent.

Section 3: Usage and Vocabulary

• This section assesses the candidate’s understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Tasks may include:
  • Identifying incorrect usage and correcting it.
  • Choosing the appropriate word or phrase in context.
  • Understanding and applying idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and phrases in English.
  • Questions may also test the candidate’s ability to spot errors and correct them in sentences.

Section 4: Paragraph Writing

• In this section, the candidate is required to write a coherent and well-structured paragraph on a given topic.
  • The paragraph should demonstrate logical flow, clarity, and relevance to the topic.
  • The candidate must showcase their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and organize ideas effectively.

Section 5: Essay Writing

• The candidate is required to write an essay on a given topic.
  • The essay should be around 300-400 words.
  • The topic may cover contemporary issues, societal concerns, philosophical reflections, or general topics of national or international interest.
  • The essay should be logically structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to present well-reasoned arguments.

Section 6: Grammar

• This section assesses the candidate’s knowledge of English grammar, with tasks such as:
  • Correction of sentences (spotting and correcting grammatical errors).
  • Sentence structure, tense usage, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, prepositions, conjunctions, etc.
  • Understanding and applying the correct grammar rules in context.

Section 7: Letter Writing

• The candidate must write letters in appropriate formats.
  • These may include formal, business, personal, or official letters.
  • The focus is on clarity, tone, structure, and adherence to the correct format.

Section 8: Report Writing

• Candidates may be asked to write a report based on the details provided in a passage or scenario.
  • The report should be concise, factual, and well-organized, focusing on clarity and precision.

Section 9: Translation (English to Hindi/Regional Language or Vice Versa)

• In this section, the candidate is required to translate a given passage either from English to Hindi (or a regional language) or vice versa.
  • The translation should be accurate and should retain the original meaning, style, and tone of the passage.

Weightage & Time:

• The English Compulsory Paper is of 300 marks.
• The paper is descriptive in nature and is conducted in three hours.

This paper assesses not only your language proficiency but also your ability to express thoughts clearly, analyze written material, and communicate effectively.

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper Syllabus

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper assesses the candidate’s proficiency in the Hindi language. The Hindi Compulsory Paper is designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability to understand, write, and communicate effectively in Hindi, which is one of the official languages of India.

UPSC Mains Hindi Compulsory Paper Syllabus is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B.

Section A: (Comprehension, Precis Writing, and Grammar)

• Comprehension of a given passage: A passage will be given in Hindi, and candidates will be asked questions related to it. The questions will assess the depth of comprehension, meaning, and understanding of the passage.

• Precis Writing (सार लेखन): A passage will be given, and candidates are expected to summarize it into a precis, focusing on the core ideas and essence of the original text. The precis should be one-third of the length of the original passage.

• Usage of Idioms, Proverbs, and Phrases: To test the candidate’s understanding and use of idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and common phrases in the Hindi language. The candidate may be required to explain the meanings of Hindi idioms, phrases, or proverbs. They may also be asked to use them in sentences.

• Grammar: This will include questions related to grammar such as:

1. • Synonyms (पर्यायवाची)
   • Antonyms (विपरीतार्थक शब्द)
   • Correction of sentences (वाक्य सुधार)
   • Sentence formation (वाक्य निर्माण)
   • Tenses, gender, number, etc.

Section B: (Composition and Essay Writing)

• Essay Writing (निबंध लेखन): To test the candidate’s ability to write a coherent essay in Hindi.

1. 1. • Candidates are required to write an essay on a given topic, demonstrating their capacity to express ideas clearly and logically.
      • Topics may cover a wide range of themes such as social issues, national and international topics, cultural aspects, current events, etc.
      • The essay should be well-organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Letter Writing (पत्र लेखन): To assess the candidate’s ability to write letters in different formats.

1. 1. • The candidate may be asked to write formal or informal letters, such as complaint letters, application letters, business letters, personal letters, etc., in Hindi.
      • The format and clarity of expression are important.

• Translation (Translation from English to Hindi and vice versa): To test the candidate’s translation skills between English and Hindi.

1. 1. • The candidate will be given a passage in English that they are required to translate into Hindi.
      • Similarly, a passage in Hindi may be given for translation into English.
      • The translation should maintain the original meaning, tone, and context of the passage.

• Composition/Short Answer Questions: To assess the candidate’s writing skills in the Hindi language.

1. • Questions may ask the candidate to write short answers, express opinions on specific issues, or provide explanations on topics in Hindi.
   • The focus will be on clear and structured writing, showcasing a good command over vocabulary and sentence structure.

Weightage & Time:

• The Hindi Compulsory Paper is 300 marks.
• The paper is descriptive and has a duration of 3 hours.

UPSC Mains Language Paper Pattern

UPSC Mains Language Paper, which includes compulsory papers in both English and an Indian language, is designed to assess candidates’ proficiency in writing and understanding the chosen language. This paper is of a descriptive nature, focusing on evaluating the candidate’s language skills in comprehension, precise writing, grammar, composition, and letter writing.

The paper is divided into two sections:

• Section A: This section assesses comprehension of passages, précis writing, and grammar. Candidates are required to comprehend the meaning and nuances of a passage, summarize it into a concise précis, and demonstrate their understanding of grammar through sentence correction and other related tasks.
• Section B: This section tests composition skills, including essay writing, letter writing, and translation between English and the chosen Indian language. Candidates are expected to express their thoughts clearly and logically in essay writing, maintain proper structure in letters, and accurately translate passages while preserving the original meaning.

The paper is of 300 marks, with candidates required to write their answers in the chosen language. The examination is conducted over 3 hours, and candidates are advised to display clarity, coherence, and grammatical precision in their responses.

UPSC Mains Language Paper Pattern:

Download UPSC Mains Language Paper 2024 PDFs

UPSC Mains Language Paper Books

Here is a list of books that can help candidates prepare for the UPSC Mains Language Paper, covering both English and Indian languages (as per the candidate’s choice):

For English Language Paper:

• “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant Publications)

• “High School English Grammar and Composition” by Wren and Martin

• “UPSC Mains English Paper: Language and Essay Writing” by Ramesh Publishing House

• “The Hindu Newspaper”

• “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis

• “UPSC Mains English Language Paper – Compulsory” by Shubhra Ranjan

For Indian Language Paper:

• “Kishor Hindi Vyakaran Aur Rachna” by B.P. Koirala

• “Samanya Hindi Vyakaran” by Dr. B.B. Lal

• “General Hindi” by B.L. Gupta

• “Sanchayan” (Hindi) by NCERT

• “Indian Language (Subject) for UPSC” by Dr. S.C. Gupta

• “UPSC Mains Indian Language Paper” by Chahal Academy

For Translation (English to Indian Language & vice versa):

• “An Intermediate English-Hindi Dictionary” by K.K. Aziz

• “The Art of Translation” by S. K. Sinha

UPSC Mains Language Papers Qualifying Marks

The qualifying marks for the UPSC Mains Compulsory Papers (Paper A – Indian Language and Paper B – English) are set at 25% of the total marks. Each paper is of 300 marks, so the minimum qualifying marks required in each paper are 75 marks. These papers are qualifying in nature, meaning they do not affect the final merit ranking. However, candidates must score above the minimum qualifying marks to advance to the next stage of the examination. The marks obtained in these papers do not contribute to the final rank but are essential for eligibility.

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains Language Paper plays a crucial role in the Civil Services Examination, assessing candidates’ proficiency in both English and one of the Indian languages. It consists of two qualifying papers—Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English)—which test comprehension, précis writing, grammar, translation, letter writing, and essay writing. Though the marks in these papers are not counted for the final merit, candidates must score a minimum of 25% in each to proceed further in the examination process. To excel, candidates should focus on regular practice, understanding the syllabus, and mastering the skills required for effective communication in both languages.

UPSC Mains Compulsory Paper  FAQs

Q1. What is the UPSC Mains Language Paper?
Answer: The UPSC Mains Language Paper consists of two papers: Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English). Both are compulsory and test candidates’ proficiency in their chosen language, including comprehension, writing, translation, and grammar.

Q2. How many marks are allotted for the UPSC Mains Language Paper?
Each language paper (Paper A and Paper B) is of 300 marks, totaling 600 marks for both papers.

Q3. Are the marks from the UPSC Mains Language Paper considered for the final merit?
Answer: No, the marks from these papers are qualifying in nature. They are not included in the final merit but are necessary to clear in order to proceed to the interview stage.

Q4. 6. What is the format of the UPSC Mains Language Paper?
Answer: The paper is divided into two sections: Section A focuses on comprehension, precis writing, and grammar; Section B covers composition, essay writing, letter writing, and translation.

Q5. How should I prepare for the UPSC Mains Language Paper?
Answer: Focus on regular reading, grammar practice, writing essays, solving comprehension passages, and practicing translation. Mock tests and solving previous year papers are also crucial for effective preparation.