UPSC Bengali Optional Syllabus 2025, Download Paper 1 and Paper 2 PDF
UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2025 for Optional Paper I and II covers the history of Bengali literature, literary criticism, major authors, and texts from the medieval to the modern periods. Download UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 for Paper 1 and Paper 2 PDF.
Anil Solonki12 Aug, 2025
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UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025: Bengali literature is one of the richest and most diverse literary traditions in India. The Bengali Literature optional paper for the UPSC exam covers a wide range of texts and authors, allowing candidates to explore the depth of Bengali prose, poetry, and drama. Divided into Paper I and Paper II UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025 covers works spanning ancient to modern times. Read on for the detailed syllabus and booklist!
UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus 2025
The UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus offers a thorough examination of the development of Bengal's literary tradition from ancient to contemporary eras. It encompasses the exploration of key literary trends, notable writers, and important literary compositions. Let us have a look at the Complete Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus:UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper I
Bengali literature paper I covers its rich legacy, spanning epic narratives, religious verses, and modern fiction, with iconic figures like Tagore, Bankimchandra, and Saratchandra leaving lasting impressions. From classical Sadhu prose to contemporary Chalit expressions, Bangla literature showcases a range of forms. It also studies language changes, through the centuries, like vowel insertion and assimilation, which shape its phonology, morphology, and syntax. The Table below contains the complete syllabus of Bengali Literature Optional Paper I for UPSC Mains Exam:| Section A: Topics from the History of Bangla language |
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| Section B: Topics from the History of Bangla Literature |
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UPSC Bengali Literature Optional Syllabus For Paper II
Bengali literature Paper 2 syllabus explores diverse works, from ancient Vaishnava Padavali poems to modern masterpieces like Tagore's "Sonar Tari." It showcases a rich cultural heritage of contemporary writers like Bibhutibhushan Banerjee and Manik Bandyopadhyay, bringing depth with tales like "Aranyak" and "Atashi Mami." Their work reflects the essence of Bengali life, culture, and emotions. The table below contains the complete Syllabus of Bengali Literature Optional Paper II for UPSC Mains Exam:| Section A |
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| Section B |
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UPSC Mains Bengali Literature Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC Exam Pattern of Bengali Literature Optional is as follows:- In both Paper I and Paper II of Bengali Literature Optional, candidates have to attempt FIVE questions in all. THREE hours are allotted to attempt each paper.
- Ques Number 1 and Question 5 from both papers are compulsory to attempt, and out of the remaining questions, THREE (3) are to be attempted, choosing at least ONE (1) question from each Section.
| Particular | Details |
| Total Papers | Two papers, Paper I and Paper II |
| Total Marks | 500 (250 Each) |
| Time allowed | 3 Hours for each paper |
| Sections | Section A and Section B |
| Questions | total 8 questions with subparts |
| Compulsory Question | Question Nos. 1 and 5 |
| Marks Distribution | 10, 15, and 20 marker questions |
Candidate can check UPSC Syllabus 2025 Here!
Books For UPSC Bengali Literature Optional
Below is the list of books for Bengali Literature Optional Paper I and II for UPSC Mains Exam:-
- The Oxford India Anthology of Bengali Literature (1941-1991) – Volume 2 (1941-1991): Kalpana Bardhan
- Bangla Sahityer Sankshipta Itihas: Bhudeb Chaudhuri
- Bangla Nataker Itihash: Ajit Kumar Ghosh
- The Bengalis: A Portrait of a Community : Sudeep Chakravarti
- The Epic City: The World on the Streets of Calcutta: Kushanava Choudhuri
- Bengali Prose Style: 1800-1857: Dinesh Chandra Sen
- Types of Early Bengali Prose: Mitra
- Bangla Sahityer Itihas (Volume 1 and 2): Sukumar Sen
- Bangla Sahityer Kotha: Sajani Kanta Dasgupta
- Other literary works are mentioned in the syllabus
Bengali Literature Optional PYQs
The table below contains the list of Previous year question papers of the Bengali Literature Optional subject, which is distributed year-wise:| Bengali Literature Optional Paper 2024 | |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper I | Bengali Literature Optional Paper II |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper 2023 | |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper I | Bengali Literature Optional Paper II |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper 2022 | |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper I | Bengali Literature Optional Paper II |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper 2021 | |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper I | Bengali Literature Optional Paper II |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper 2020 | |
| Bengali Literature Optional Paper I | Bengali Literature Optional Paper II |
Candidate can check UPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 Here!
How to Prepare For UPSC Bengali Literature Optional?
Preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam with Bengali Literature as an optional subject requires a structured and thorough approach. Below is the preparation strategy for Bengali literature as an optional subject for candidates to prepare effectively:- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarise yourself with the UPSC Bengali Literature optional syllabus. Understand the topics and sub-topics thoroughly to plan your preparation accordingly.
- Study Material: Gather all the necessary study materials, including textbooks, reference books, and study guides covering various aspects of Bengali literature.
- Read Original Text: Start reading Bengali literary texts extensively. Focus on both classical and modern Bengali literature. Make notes on important themes, characters, literary devices, and historical contexts.
- Analysis and Interpretation: Develop the skill of critically analysing literary texts. Practice writing analytical essays on various literary works across the syllabus. Pay attention to the socio-cultural, political, and historical contexts of the texts.
- Language Proficiency: Strengthen your Bengali language proficiency. Work on your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in Bengali. Practice writing essays, summaries, and critiques in Bengali.
- Previous Years' Question Papers: Solve previous years' UPSC Bengali Literature optional question papers. This will help you grasp the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty of the exam. It will also aid in time management during the actual exam.
- Mock Tests and Practice: Take regular mock tests and practice answering questions within the stipulated time frame. This will help you in properly assessing your preparation level and identifying areas that need improvement.
- Revision and Consolidation: Regularly revise the topics you have covered. Focus on consolidating your understanding of key concepts, literary works, and authors. Make small notes for a quick revision before the UPSC Mains exam.
UPSC Bengali Optional Syllabus 2025 PDF
UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2025 FAQs
Can I take Bengali as an optional in UPSC?
Yes, you can choose Bengali as an optional subject in the UPSC exam. It is one of the 22 official languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
What are the optional marks for Bengali in the UPSC?
The UPSC Bengali literature curriculum is split into two papers, Paper-1 and Paper-2. Each paper is worth 250 marks, contributing to a combined total of 500 marks in the UPSC Mains examination.
Which optional literature is best for UPSC?
There is a lot of optional literature available to choose from. The best literature option depends on the ethnicity of the candidate. For example, a candidate hailing from the Bengal region may choose Bengali literature as optional, as it may be best suited for the candidate.
What is the syllabus for UPSC Bengali Literature Optional 2025?
It includes the history of the Bengali language and literature (Paper I) and detailed study of selected literary texts (Paper II).
Can non-Bengali speakers choose Bengali Literature optional in UPSC?
Yes, non-native speakers can choose it if they are proficient in reading and writing Bengali.
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