Writing answers in the BPSC Mains optional paper becomes difficult when you are not sure which topics are officially prescribed. Studying random notes or books often leads to unnecessary preparation while important areas remain uncovered. Referring to the latest syllabus first helps you understand what to study and what to leave out.
The BPSC Bengali Language and Literature Syllabus 2026 is divided into Section I and Section II. Section I focuses on the history and development of the Bengali language and literature, while Section II contains prescribed literary texts for detailed study. Along with the syllabus, understanding the BPSC Exam Pattern 2026 can help you prepare more effectively for the optional paper.
The official syllabus is divided into two sections. The first section covers the evolution of the Bengali language and literary history, whereas the second section requires detailed reading of prescribed literary works. Before selecting your optional subject, you can also compare it with other subjects listed under the BPSC Optional Subjects 2026.
Section I introduces the origin of the Bengali language, its linguistic development, and the evolution of Bengali literature across different periods.
|
Topics |
Syllabus |
|
History of the Bengali Language |
Origin and development of the Bengali language |
|
Bengali Dialects |
Major dialects of Bengali |
|
Forms of Bengali |
Sadhu Bhasa and Chalita Bhasa |
|
Standardisation of Bengali |
Problems of standardisation and reforms with special reference to spelling system, alphabet and transliteration (Romanisation) |
|
History of Bengali Literature |
Development of Bengali literature from the earliest period to modern times |
|
Social & Cultural Background |
Social and cultural background of Bengali literature |
|
Sanskritic Influence |
Sanskritic background of Bengali literature |
|
Western Influence |
Influence of Western literature on Bengali literature |
|
Modern Literary Trends |
Important modern trends in Bengali literature |
Section II is based on prescribed literary texts. The paper requires first-hand reading of these works to evaluate your understanding of Bengali literature.
|
Literary Work |
Author |
|
Vaisnava Padavali |
Prescribed Text (Collection of Various Poets) |
|
Chandimangal |
Mukundaram |
|
Meghanadvadh Kavya |
Michael Madhusudan Dutta |
|
Krishna Kanter Will & Kamala Kanter Daptar |
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay |
|
Galpaguchha (Selected Stories: Chitra, Punscha, Rakta Karabi) |
Rabindranath Tagore |
|
Srikanta (Part I) |
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay |
|
Sargraha (Part I) |
Pramatha Chaudhuri |
|
Pather Panchali |
Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay |
|
Ganadevata |
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay |
|
Banalata Sen |
Jibanananda Das |
Knowing the exam pattern helps you understand how the optional paper fits into the BPSC selection process.
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Examination Stage |
BPSC Mains |
|
Subject |
Bengali Language and Literature (Optional) |
|
Prelims Paper |
General Studies (Objective) |
|
Prelims Marks |
150 Marks (MCQ) |
|
Optional Paper |
Bengali Language and Literature |
|
Marks for Optional Paper |
300 Marks |
|
Question Type |
Descriptive |
|
Answer Writing |
Long and Short Descriptive Answers |
|
Medium |
As permitted by BPSC |