UPSC Exam Language List PDF Download

The UPSC Mains exam consists of nine papers, including the Compulsory Indian Language Paper, which is deemed a qualifying paper, and the grade obtained is not considered in the final ranking. A minimum score of 25%, or 75 out of 300 points, is required to pass this paper, and candidates must choose from one of the 22 official languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It is worth noting that candidates from the North-Eastern states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Sikkim are exempt from taking the Compulsory Language Paper.

This article offers an in-depth analysis of the Compulsory Indian Language Paper, covering all aspects such as the list of Indian languages, paper pattern, preparation tips, and more. Whether you're a first-time UPSC Mains exam candidate or a seasoned pro, this article provides valuable insights and guidance to help you excel in this critical qualifying paper.

Compulsory Indian Language Paper: Paper A of UPSC Mains

The second stage of the UPSC Exam consists of nine subjective papers. The first paper, known as “Paper A,” is the required Indian language paper and is one of the nine exams in the Mains test. Paper A is simply a qualifying paper; the marks earned there do not factor into the IAS Exam‘s merit ranking. To qualify, candidates must receive at least 25% of the possible points on this exam. This means that the minimum required score is 75 out of a possible 300.

• It is important to note that one needs to qualify for the compulsory Indian Language Paper. Otherwise, the marks obtained in the GS Papers and Optional Subjects won’t be disclosed.
• According to the UPSC Syllabus, Paper A or the Language Paper tests the candidates regarding reading, writing and comprehension skills.

List of Indian Languages for UPSC Language Paper

To succeed in the Compulsory Indian Language Paper, candidates must score a minimum of 75 out of a maximum of 300 marks. The following is a list of the Indian languages listed in the eighth schedule of the Indian constitution.

For the Santhali language, candidates will receive the question paper in the Devanagari script, but they have the option to respond in either the Devanagari script or Olchiki.

Exemption from Indian Language Paper: Conditions

In the northeastern states, candidates from Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland are excluded from taking the required Compulsory Indian language exam. When submitting their Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the UPSC Mains, qualified applicants must provide a scanned copy of a document proving that they are citizens of one of these states to be eligible for this exemption.

• The same authorities who give certificates proving OBC, SC, or ST status- District Magistrate, Sub-divisional Officer, or any other officer authorised by the government to issue such certificates must issue this certificate for the district where the candidates’ parents reside.
• Candidates whose parents have passed away should contact the appropriate district office where they currently reside.

UPSC Language Paper: Exam Pattern

The following table outlines the UPSC exam pattern for the Indian Language Paper or Paper A, along with the corresponding marking scheme.

Preparation Tips for Compulsory Indian Language Paper

The Compulsory Language Paper is almost similar to the English Language or Paper B of the UPSC Mains, except for the translation and vocabulary-based section. We have mentioned some sure-shot tips to ace the Indian Language Paper on the first attempt only.

• Choose an Indian Language that you are proficient in. It may be the language you spoke and learned as a child or your mother tongue.
• You should skim through the school textbooks for the selected language up to Class X to review the grammar section.
• Read the newspaper in your chosen language to learn how to write essays and summaries.
• To improve your English and verbal skills, solve a few questions from Previous Years Question Papers.
• Aim to read the question completely before beginning the paper. Do not hurry.
• Ensure your writing is clear and understandable and that you always stay within the word count restrictions.
• Practice translating from and to the language of your choice in English. Newspaper reading helps a lot during this process.

Strategy to Clear UPSC Language Paper/ Paper A

Given below are some of the best strategies to tackle the UPSC Language Paper, no matter which language you choose.

• Practice to Succeed: This is not a recommendation to study less for the language exam but to remember that this is merely a qualifying exam. Therefore, while preparing for the compulsory language paper, you shouldn’t sacrifice your preparation for your UPSC Prelims.
• Choose a Language That Is Comfortable: The exam’s questions are of matriculation-level difficulty or an equivalent. Select the Indian language you feel most at ease with, preferably one you have studied in school. CBSE-level books up to Class X standard are sufficient, per the UPSC Syllabus, for this paper’s preparation.
• Read newspapers: Add reading a local newspaper in the language of your choice to your regular newspaper regimen. This will improve your readiness for your Indian language exam and aid your linguistic comprehension. For writing practice, you may also write a brief essay right after finishing the assignment.
• Stay away from literal translations: You will need to translate from your chosen language to English and vice versa in the translation area. Avoid literal translations as you do this. By that, we mean literal translations, which might distort the meaning of a passage or an essay and cost you valuable points.
• Learn to Write: Given that English is now the only language taught in schools, it’s likely that if you choose your home tongue, you won’t be very familiar with it. Practice writing in your chosen language every day to stay in touch.