Choosing an optional subject becomes easier when you know exactly what you need to study. Without referring to the official BPSC Urdu Language and Literature syllabus, you may spend time on topics that are not part of the examination or miss important areas prescribed by the Commission.
This syllabus explains every topic included in the Urdu optional paper, from the history and development of the Urdu language to its literary traditions and prescribed texts. Along with the latest BPSC Exam Pattern 2026, this guide helps you understand the paper, prioritise important topics, and prepare according to the official syllabus.
The official BPSC Urdu Language and Literature Syllabus 2026 is divided into Section I and Section II. Section I focuses on the evolution of the Urdu language, its linguistic features, and literary traditions, while Section II contains prescribed prose and poetry texts that evaluate your understanding of important literary works. The complete section-wise syllabus is given below.
Section I introduces the historical development of Urdu, its linguistic characteristics, and the growth of Urdu literature. It also covers the evolution of literary genres and the cultural influences that shaped the language over different periods.
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Topics |
Syllabus |
|
Development of Indo-Aryan Languages |
Coming of the Aryans in India; development of Indo-Aryan through Old Indo-Aryan (OIA), Middle Indo-Aryan (MIA), and New Indo-Aryan (NIA); grouping of New Indo-Aryan languages; Western Hindi and its dialects—Khari Boli, Braj Bhasha, and Haryanvi; relationship of Urdu with Khari Boli; Perso-Arabic elements in Urdu; development of Urdu from 1200–1800 in North India and 1400–1700 in the Deccan, with special reference to the development of Urdu in Bihar (1200–1800). |
|
Urdu Phonology |
Important features of Urdu phonology, morphology, syntax, Perso-Arabic elements, vocabulary, and linguistic characteristics. |
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Dakhani Urdu |
Origin and development of Dakhani Urdu and its significant linguistic features. |
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Urdu Literature and Literary Forms |
Development of Dakhani Urdu literature (1450–1700); Persian, Arabic and Indian influences; Masnavi, Marsiya, Qasida, Rubai, Qita, Ghazal, Prose, Fiction, Modern Genres, Blank Verse, Free Verse, Novel, Short Story, Drama, Literary Criticism, and Essay. |
Section II is based on prescribed Urdu literary works. The paper tests your understanding of important prose and poetry texts, literary interpretation, and critical appreciation. Reading the original texts along with their themes, language, and literary significance can help you write better descriptive answers in the examination.
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Category |
Prescribed Texts |
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Prose |
* Mir Amman – Bagh-O Bahar * Mirza Ghalib – Khatut-e-Ghalib (Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu Edition) * Kalimuddin Ahmad – Urdu Tanqeed Par Aik Nazar * Ruswa – Umrao Jan Ada * Prem Chand – Wardat * Abul Kalam Azad – Ghubar-e-Khatir * Imtiaz Ali Taj – Anarkali |
|
Poetry |
* Mir – Intikhab-e-Kalam-e-Mir (Ed. Abdul Haq) * Sauda – Qasaid (including Hajviyat) * Mirza Ghalib – Diwan-e-Ghalib * Allama Iqbal – Bal-e-Jibril * Josh Malihabadi – Saif-o-Subu * Shad Azimabadi – Kulliyat-e-Shad * Faiz Ahmed Faiz – Kalam-e-Faiz (Complete) |
Before starting the syllabus, it is important to understand the paper pattern. Knowing the marks, question type, and examination stage helps you prepare descriptive answers and manage your time effectively during the BPSC Mains examination.
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Particular |
Details |
|
Examination Stage |
BPSC Mains |
|
Subject |
Urdu Language and Literature (Optional) |
|
Paper |
Optional Paper |
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Total Marks |
100 Marks |
|
Question Type |
Descriptive |
|
Medium |
Urdu / Hindi / English (as permitted by BPSC) |
|
Standard |
Graduation Level |
Preparing for the BPSC Urdu Language and Literature optional subject requires a clear understanding of the prescribed syllabus and regular practice. Following a planned preparation strategy can help candidates cover the syllabus effectively and improve their performance in the examination.
Understand the complete syllabus: Go through the official syllabus carefully and prepare each topic according to the prescribed sections.
Read Standard Urdu literature: Study important literary works, poetry, prose, criticism, and the contributions of prominent Urdu writers included in the syllabus.
Practise answer writing: Regularly write descriptive answers to improve presentation, language proficiency, and time management.
Revise regularly: Prepare concise notes for important topics and revise them frequently to strengthen conceptual understanding.
Solve previous years' question papers: Practising previous BPSC question papers helps understand the exam pattern and commonly asked topics.
Stay consistent: Follow a realistic study schedule and allocate sufficient time for reading, revision, and mock practice before the examination.