UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus For IAS Mains 2024, Download PDF

UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus: Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages in India, is chosen by some candidates as their optional subject in UPSC. You can find the details of all sections for Paper 1 and Paper 2 in this article. read the article to know more

Table of Contents

Sanskrit is one of the world’s oldest languages and is known as the mother of all languages. Presently, not commonly spoken today, Sanskrit is one of India’s 22 official languages and is considered a classical language. Its literature has a strong history in Indian culture and is still studied by scholars. Sanskrit literature shows the rich culture and thinking of ancient India. Its detailed grammar and different types of writing show the philosophical, religious, and artistic ideas of its writers. This literature includes famous works like the Ramayana, the plays of Kalidasa and Bhasa, and the philosophical texts of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. These works highlight the rich thought and creativity of the Indian subcontinent. The syllabus of sanskrit is designed to test how well candidates understand, analyze, and show Sanskrit literary skills.

UPSC Sanskrit Syllabus 2024

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is divided into three stages: preliminary, mains, and interview. For the UPSC IAS mains exam, candidates must select one optional Subject. It is very important in determining an aspirant’s ranking in the IAS exam. Current statistics indicate that the success rate of Literature disciplines is increasing with time.

Sanskrit is only used in a few areas in India, but it is included in the UPSC Mains optional courses list because it is a classical language.

The complete UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus for the Civil Services Exam is provided for you in this article that’s required to prepare for the UPSC Syllabus.

UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus

Only those who have studied Sanskrit as part of their education should choose this optional because it is a highly specialised language that is not generally utilised. In contrast to other optional literature courses, UPSC clearly states which questions must be answered in Sanskrit and which must be answered in the mains medium of the candidate’s choice. The Devanagari script must be used to write the Sanskrit responses that are required.
In the UPSC Mains, Sanskrit Literature is divided into two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2). Each paper in the Civil Services Examination carries 250 marks, for a total of 500 marks.

UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus Paper 1

Important Instructions on Writing Language for Paper I: In Paper I, there will be three questions that must be answered in Sanskrit. The rest of the questions can be answered either in Sanskrit or in the language chosen by the candidate for the exam. Below is the Sanskrit Literature Paper-1 syllabus for the civil services exam:

UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus Paper 1

Section 1

Features of the grammar, with particular stress on Sanjna, Sandhi, Karaka, Samasa, Kartari and Karmani vacyas (voice usages) (to be answered in Sanskrit).

Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language
Prominent feature of classical Sanskrit language
Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies
General Knowledge of:—
Literary history of Sanskrit
Principal trends of literary criticism
Ramayana
Mahabharata
The origin and development of literary genres of:

Mahakavya
Rupaka (drama)
Katha
Akhyayika
Campu
Khandakavya
Muktaka Kavya.

Section B

Essential of Indian Culture with stress on :

Purusãrthas
Samskãras
Varnãsramavyavasthã
Arts and fine arts
Technical Sciences.

Trends of Indian Philosophy

Mïmansã
Vedãnta
Nyaya
Vaisesika
Sãnkhya
Yoga
Bauddha
Jaina
Carvãka

Short Essay (in Sanskrit)
Unseen passage with the questions (to be answered in Sanskrit).

UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus Paper 2

Important Instructions for Writing Language in Paper II

In Section A, you must answer questions from Group 4 in Sanskrit only. For questions from Groups 1, 2, and 3, you have the option to select in either Sanskrit or the language you selected. In Section B, you will need to read the selected texts on your own. For questions from Groups 1 and 2, answer in Sanskrit only. For questions from Groups 3 and 4, you can choose to answer in either Sanskrit or the language you selected. Below is the Sanskrit Literature Paper-2 syllabus:

UPSC Sanskrit Literature syllabus paper 2

Questions from Group 4 must be answered in Sanskrit only. Questions from Groups 1, 2, and 3 can be answered either in Sanskrit or in the language chosen by the candidate. Section A

Group 1

Raghuvamsam—Kalidasa
Kumarasambhavam—Kalidasa
Kiratarjuniyam—Bharavi
Sisupalavadham—Magha
Naisadhiyacaritam—Sriharsa
Kadambari—Banabhatt
Dasakumaracaritam—Dandin
Sivarajyodayam—S.B. Varnekar

Group 2

Isãvãsyopanisad
Bhagavadgitã
Sundarakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana
Arthasastra of Kautilya

Group 3

Svapanavasavadattam—Bhasa
Abhijnanasakuntalam—Kalidasa
Mricchakatikam—Sudraka
Mudraraksasam—Visakhadatta
Uttararamacaritam—Bhavbhuti
Ratnavali—Sriharshavardhana
Venisamharam—Bhattanarayana

Group 4

Meghadutam—Kalidasa
Nitisatakam—Bhartrhari
Pancatantra—Vishnusharma
Rajatarangini—Kalhana
Harsacaritam—Banabhatta
Amarukasatakam—Amaruka
Gitagovindam—Jayadeva.

Section B
Group 1	Raghuvamsam—CantoI, Verses 1 to 10 Kumarasambhavam—Canto I, Verses1 to 10 Kiratarjuniyaue—Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
Group 2	Isavasyopanisad—Verses—1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18 Bhagavatgita II Chapter Verses13 to 25 Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition)
Group 3	Meghadutam—Verses 1 to 10 Nitisatakam—Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication) Kadambari—Sukanasopadesa (only)
Group 4	Svapnavasavadattam Act VI Abhijnansakuntalam Act IV Verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition) Uttararamacaritam Act I Verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition)

This article discusses the complete UPSC Sanskrit Literature Syllabus for UPSC/IAS. Candidates can download the PDF in this article. For more details related to UPSC Examination; students can visit the official website of StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching.

UPSC Sanskrit Literature 2024 Exam Pattern

Exam pattern explains the exam structure, marking scheme, and sections of the exam, duration and marks distribution, helping you plan your preparation. check out the table below.

UPSC Sanskrit Literature 2024
Mains	Paper VI and Paper VII
Subjects	Sanskrit Literature Optional Paper-I Paper-II
Total Marks	500
Duration	3 Hours/paper
Total Sections	Section A & Section B
Total Questions	8
Mandaory question	Questions No. 1 and 5
Marks Distribution	10 marks 15 marks, 20 markes questions
Language	Sanskrit

Preparation Tips for UPSC Sanskrit Literature 2024

Candidates can improve their marks in Sanskrit literature by using the following strategies:

Begin by analyzing the syllabus and relevant study materials.
Understand the exam patterns to determine which topics you need to focus on.
After reading the books, write summaries in your own words and take expert reviews to understand the language
Regular practice is essential to improve your Sanskrit language skills.
Comparing Sanskrit literature with other Indian and global works can provide a good understanding
Regularly practice writing essays, critical commentaries, and summaries to enhance your writing skills and time management.
Finally, take guidance from Sanskrit scholars, teachers, or mentors to discuss any doubts, receive feedback, and improve your overall preparation.

UPSC Sanskrit Syllabus FAQs

Is Sanskrit in UPSC syllabus?

Yes, The Sanskrit language is one of the optional subjects available for the IAS Mains exam.

Is Sanskrit easy for UPSC?

Sanskrit is an excellent subject. You can get good grades if you prepare adequately. The grammar sections, in particular, are really important, and if you prepare well, you can achieve maximum marks in them. You do not need to be a Sanskrit graduate to take this optional course.

Is Sanskrit is useful in UPSC?

While Sanskrit is still seen as an old language that is difficult to grasp, it is quickly becoming as one of the finest optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services exam.

How to prepare for Sanskrit in UPSC?

Learn the general grammar and syntax rules of the Sanskrit language and practise writing sentences and essays in it. Grammar and syntax practice problems are provided at the end of the UPSC Sanskrit optional books. Practising is the most effective technique to learn any language.