UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper I & II Syllabus 2026
The UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper is an important subject if you have chosen Tamil literature in the Civil Services Examination. The syllabus evaluates your understanding of Tamil language development, literary traditions, Sangam literature, criticism, devotional writings, folk literature, and prescribed literary texts.
The syllabus is divided into two papers. Paper I mainly focuses on the history of the Tamil language, Tamil literature, criticism, folk traditions, and cultural heritage. Paper II tests your understanding and critical interpretation of prescribed Tamil literary texts from ancient, devotional, and modern literature.
UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper I Syllabus 2026
Paper I mainly focuses on the historical development of the Tamil language, literary traditions, criticism, folklore, and Tamil cultural heritage.
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UPSC Tamil Paper I Syllabus 2026 |
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Section |
Topics |
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History of Tamil Language |
Major Indian Language Families |
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The place of Tamil among Indian Languages and Dravidian languages |
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Enumeration and distribution of Dravidian languages |
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Language of Sangam Literature |
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Medieval Tamil during Pallava Period |
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Historical study of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs |
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Tense markers and case markers in Tamil |
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Borrowing of words from other languages into Tamil |
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Regional and social dialects |
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Difference between literary and spoken Tamil |
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History of Tamil Literature |
Tolkappiyam |
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Sangam Literature |
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Division of Akam and Puram |
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Secular characteristics of Sangam Literature |
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Development of Ethical Literature |
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Silappadikaram and Manimekalai |
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Devotional Literature |
Alwars and Nayanamars |
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Bridal mysticism in Alwar hymns |
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Minor literary forms like Tutu, Ula, Parani, and Kuravanji |
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Modern Tamil Literature |
Development of Novel, Short Story, and New Poetry |
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Impact of political ideologies on modern writings |
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Recent Trends in Tamil Studies |
Social, psychological, historical, and moralistic criticism |
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Literary techniques and criticism |
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Comparative literature |
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Folk Literature in Tamil |
Ballads, songs, proverbs, and riddles |
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Sociological study of Tamil folklore |
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Translation and journalism in Tamil |
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Cultural Heritage of the Tamils |
Concept of love and war |
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Ethical codes followed by ancient Tamils |
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Rituals and worship in five Thinais |
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Cultural changes in post-Sangam literature |
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Influence of Jainism and Buddhism |
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Development of arts and architecture |
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Impact of social, political, and religious movements |
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Role of mass media in Tamil society |
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UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper II Syllabus 2026
The UPSC Tamil Paper II syllabus focuses on the critical study and interpretation of prescribed Tamil literary texts. The paper requires first-hand reading of the prescribed works and tests your analytical and literary understanding of Tamil literature.
UPSC Tamil Paper II Section A
Below are the Section A Prescribed Texts:
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Section A Prescribed Texts |
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Category |
Text |
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Ancient Literature |
Kuruntokai (1–25 poems) |
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Purananuru (182–200 poems) |
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Tirukkural Porutpal |
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Epic Literature |
Silappadikaram – Madhurai Kandam |
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Kambaramayanam – Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam |
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Devotional Literature |
Tiruvasagam – Neetthal Vinnappam |
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Tiruppavai (Full Text) |
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UPSC Tamil Paper II Section B
Section B of UPSC Tamil Paper II mainly covers modern Tamil literature, including poetry, prose, novels, short stories, drama, and folk literature written by renowned Tamil writers and literary figures.
Below are the Section B Prescribed Texts you should study for UPSC Tamil Paper II:
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Section B Prescribed Texts |
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Author |
Text |
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Bharathiar |
Kannan Pattu |
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Bharathidasan |
Kudumba Vilakku |
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Naa. Kamarasan |
Karappu Malarkal |
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Mu. Varadharajanar |
Aramum Arasiyalum |
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C. N. Annadurai |
Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame |
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Akilon |
Chittairappavai |
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Jayakanthan |
Gurupeedam |
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Cho |
Yaurkkum Vetkamillai |
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Na. Vanamamalai |
Muthuppattan Kathai |
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Ki. Va Jagannathan |
Malaiyaruvi |
UPSC Tamil Literature Paper Pattern 2026
The UPSC Tamil Literature optional subject consists of two papers in the Mains Examination. Both papers require you to write answers completely in Tamil.
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UPSC Tamil Literature Paper Pattern 2026 |
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Paper |
Subject |
Marks |
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Paper I |
History of Tamil Language & Literature |
250 |
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Paper II |
Prescribed Tamil Texts |
250 |
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Total |
Tamil Literature Optional |
500 |
How to Prepare for UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper
Preparing for the UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper requires a proper understanding of Tamil literary history, prescribed texts, criticism, and answer-writing skills. Here’s how you can prepare for UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper:
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Understand the Complete Syllabus
Carefully go through the UPSC Tamil Optional syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II. Identify important literary periods, criticism topics, Tamil language development, and prescribed texts.
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Use Quality Study Notes and Resources
Refer to the comprehensive UPSC Tamil Optional notes for literary history, criticism, and important authors. Prepare topic-wise notes for quick revision before the examination.
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Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
Regularly practise UPSC Tamil Optional Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) to understand the exam pattern. Use PYQs to identify important areas for revision and self-assessment.
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Attempt Mock Tests and Sample Papers
Solve UPSC Tamil Optional Sample Papers and mock tests under exam conditions. Improve time management and answer structuring through regular practice.
UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What is included in the UPSC Tamil Compulsory Paper syllabus?
Are answers in the UPSC Tamil Literature paper written in Tamil?
Which books are important for UPSC Tamil Paper II preparation?
Does the UPSC Tamil syllabus include Sangam literature?
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