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UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus for IAS Mains 2024, Download PDF

The UPSC Civil Services Exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. For the Mains exam, candidates must select one optional subject, which plays a significant role in their overall ranking. Literature subjects, including Bengali Literature, have gained popularity among aspirants due to their structured and predictable nature.

UPSC Bengali Syllabus

Bengali Literature is one of the optional subjects offered by the UPSC for the Mains exam. Candidates proficient in Bengali, either through academic study or as their mother tongue, might consider opting for this subject. The exam consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks.

UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2024 Overview
Name of Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Mode Of Exam paper pen (offline mode) based examination
Name of Exam Bengali Literature
Bengali Literature Optional Subject Paper I & II
Total Marks 250 Marks for Each (Paper I & II)
Total Time 3 Hours Each
Language of Question Paper English and Hindi only
Official Website upsc.gov.in

UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2024

The UPSC Bengali Literature syllabus is specialized and best suited for candidates with a strong background in Bengali. Due to less competition and a stable syllabus, candidates can excel by providing well-informed answers. To prepare effectively, thoroughly review the syllabus and recommended texts, create a structured study plan, and practice writing answers in Bengali. Regularly solve past papers and take mock tests to understand the exam pattern. Seek feedback from mentors to refine your answers. With dedicated preparation and strategic study, candidates can leverage their knowledge to perform well in the Bengali Literature optional paper.

Bengali Optional for UPSC Mains Syllabus

In UPSC Mains, the UPSC Bengali Optional Syllabus is divided into two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2. Papers 1 and 2 each carry 250 marks, for a total of 500 marks. You must first qualify for the UPSC Prelims before proceeding to the Mains Examination.

UPSC Bengali Syllabus Paper 1 PDF

UPSC Bengali Syllabus Paper 1 includes two major topics History of the Bangla Language and the History of the Bangle Language. The detailed syllabus is given in the below PDF:

UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2024 for Mains Optional Paper I 
History of Language and Literature
Chronological track from Proto-Indo-European to Bangla
Historical stages of Bangla and their linguistic features (Old, Middle, New)
Dialects of Bangla and its distinguishing characteristics
Elements of Bangla Vocabulary
Forms of Bangla Literary Prose—Sadhu and Chalit
Processes of language change relevant for Bangla- Apinihiti (Anaptyxis), Abhishruti (umlaut), Murdhanyibhavan (centralization), Nasikyibhavan (Nasalization), Samibhavan (Assimilation), Sadrishya (Analogy), Svaragama (Vowel insertion) —Adi Svaragama, Madhya Svaragama or Svarabhakti, Antya Svaragama, Svarasangati (Vowel harmony), y—shruti and w—shruti
Problems of standardization and reform of alphabet and spelling and those of transliteration and Romanization
Phonology, Morphology, and Syntax of Modern Bangla
History of Bangla Literature
Periodization of Bangla Literature: Old Bangla and Middle Bangla
Points of difference between modern and pre-modern Bangla Literature
Roots and reasons behind the emergence of modernity in Bangla Literature
Evolution of various Middle Bangla forms; Mangal Kavyas, Vaishnava lyrics, Adapted narratives (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata), and religious biographies
Secular forms in middle Bangla literature
Narrative and lyric trends in Nineteenth-century Bangla Poetry
Development of prose
Bangla dramatic literature (19th century, Tagore, Bangla drama)
Tagore and post-Tagoreans
Fiction authors: Bankimchandra, Tagore, Saratchandra, Bibhutibhusan, Tarasankar, Manik
Women and Bangla literature: creators and created

UPSC Bengali Syllabus Paper 2 PDF

UPSC Bengali Syalbys Paper 2 includes Vaishnava Padavali Chandimangal Kalketu episode by Mukunda, and Kapalkundala by Bankimchandra Chatterjee. Raktakarabi by Rabindranath Tagore. Grihadaha by Saratchandra Chatterjee. Sonar Tari by Rabindranath Tagore. The detailed syllabus is given in the below PDF:

UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus 2024 for Mains Optional Paper II
Part A
Vaishnava Padavali- Poems of Vidyapati, Chandidas, Jnanadas, Govindadas and Balaramdas
Chandimangal Kalketu episode- Mukunda (Sahitya Akademi)
Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya Lila- Krishnadas Kaviraj (Sahitya Akademi)
Meghnadbadh Kavya- Madhusudan Dutta
Kapalkundala- Bankimchandra Chatterjee
Samya and Bangadesher Krishak- Bankimchandra Chatterjee
Sonar Tari- Rabindranath Tagore
Chhinnapatravali- Rabindranath Tagore
Part B
Raktakarabi- Rabindranath Tagore
Nabajatak- Rabindranath Tagore
Grihadaha- Saratchandra Chatterjee
Prabandha Samgraha, Vol. 1- Pramatha Choudhuri
Aranyak- Bibhutibhusan Banerjee
Short stories- Manik Bandyopadhyay: Atashi Mami, Pragaitihasik, Holud-Pora, Sarisrip, Haraner Natjamai, Chhoto-Bokulpurer Jatri, Kustharogir Bou, Jakey Ghush Ditey Hoy
Shrestha Kavita- Jibanananda Das
Jagori- Satinath Bhaduri
Ebam Indrajit- Badal Sircar

UPSC Bengali Literature Exam Pattern 2024

The UPSC mains exam comprises several papers, which includes the UPSC Bengali Literature Optional paper as well. Below is the exam pattern for the mains:-

UPSC Bengali Literature Exam Pattern 2024
Mains Papers Subject Marks
Paper VI Optional Subject Paper-I 250
Paper VII Optional Subject Paper-II 250
Total 500
Time duration
3 hours (180 minutes)

How to prepare for UPSC Bengali Literature Exam

To prepare effectively for the UPSC Bengali Literature exam, follow these steps:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the detailed syllabus for both Paper-I and Paper-II. Familiarize yourself with key topics and texts.
  • Select Reference Books: Use recommended textbooks and reference materials specific to the Bengali Literature syllabus. Focus on works by prominent authors.
  • Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that covers all syllabus areas, allocating specific time for each topic.
  • Practice Writing: Regularly write answers in Bengali to improve clarity, depth, and adherence to the syllabus.
  • Solve Previous Papers: Review and solve past question papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.
  • Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions with mock tests to gauge your preparation and identify areas for improvement.
  • Seek Feedback: Get feedback from mentors or peers to refine your writing and analytical skills.
  • Stay Updated: Keep track of any minor changes in the syllabus or exam pattern.

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UPSC Bengali Literature Syllabus for IAS Mains 2024, Download PDF_4.1

FAQs

Can UPSC exam be written in Bengali?

Bengali is one of the UPSC's optional literary subjects for the UPSC Mains test. Bengali is one of the 22 official languages of India, as listed in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Can I choose Bengali language for UPSC?

Candidates can choose between English, Hindi, and any other regional language. Those candidates who have been exempted from taking the mandatory Indian language paper should attend the interview in either English or Hindi.

Can a Bengali medium student crack UPSC?

If a student is comfortable with Bengali as a language, he or she should pursue it. Pupils should be able to memorise information as well as write well. A student can learn the UPSC syllabus in Bengali in 4 to 5 months.

Which language medium is best for UPSC?

Applicants may select either English or any of the Indian languages listed in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. Several applicants who are not fluent in English choose Hindi or another regional language as their medium of examination for the IAS mains.

Can I crack UPSC without reading newspaper?

Reading nEwspaper is a necessary part to prepare for the UPSC exam. Current Affairs play a huge role in cracking the UPSC exam.

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