Choosing a Language for the UPSC Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts various exams to recruit candidates for prestigious positions in the Indian civil services. One of the concerns for candidates is the choice of language for the exam. While the UPSC allows candidates to choose from a list of languages, there are certain guidelines and limitations to consider.

Eligible Languages

The UPSC provides a list of languages in which candidates can answer the exam. These include:
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Malayalam
- Manipuri
- Marathi
- Nepali
- Oriya
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Sindhi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
Candidates can choose any one of these languages as their medium of examination.

Native Language vs. Non-Native Language

The UPSC allows candidates to choose a language that is not their mother tongue. This means that even if a candidate is not fluent in a particular language, they can still opt for it as long as it is included in the list of eligible languages. This provision ensures that candidates from various linguistic backgrounds have an equal opportunity to compete in the exam.

Language Choice Limitations

There are a few limitations to keep in mind when choosing a language for the UPSC exam:
1. The language choice is applicable to certain papers only. For example, candidates can choose any of the eligible languages for the essay paper, but for the English language comprehension skills section, only English is allowed.
2. The medium of examination once chosen cannot be changed later. Therefore, candidates should carefully consider their language proficiency before making a selection.
3. The question papers will be set in English and the answers can be written in any of the eligible languages. However, for certain language-specific subjects, the question papers may be set in the respective languages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, candidates appearing for the UPSC exam have the flexibility to choose a language that is not their mother tongue. This provision ensures inclusivity and allows candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate in the examination process. It is important for candidates to carefully consider their language proficiency and the limitations associated with language choice before making a selection.