Optional subject · Literature of languages
UPSC Nepali Literature Optional Syllabus 2026
Paper 1 and Paper 2, word for word from UPSC's CSE 2026 notice (pp. 105–107). 250 marks each, three hours each.
हिन्दी में पढ़ेंMains Paper VI · 250 marks · 3 hours
Nepali Literature — Paper I
(Answers must be written in Nepali)
Section A
History of the origin and development of Nepali as one of the new Indo Aryan Languages.
Fundamentals of Nepali Grammar and phonology:
Nominal forms and categories: —
Gender, Number, Case, Adjectives, Pronouns, Avyayas
Verbal forms and categories: —
Tense, Aspects, Voice, Roots and Fixes
Nepali Swara and Vyanjana;
Major Dialects of Nepali
Standardisation and Modernisation of Nepali with special reference to language movements (viz. Halanta Bahiskar, Jharrovad etc.)
Teaching of Nepali language in India—Its history and development with special reference to its socio-cultural aspects.
Section B
History of Nepali literature with special reference to its development in India.
Fundamental concepts and theories of Literature: Kavya/Sahitya, Kavya Prayojan, Literary genres, Shabda Shakti, Rasa, Alankara, Tragedy, Comedy, Aesthetics, Stylistics.
Major literary trends and movements— Swachchhandatavad, Yatharthavad, Astitwavad, Ayamik Movement Contemporary Nepali writings, Postmodernism.
Nepali folklores (the following folk-form only)—Sawai, Jhyaurey, Selo, Sangini, Lahari.
Mains Paper VII · 250 marks · 3 hours
Nepali Literature — Paper II
(Answers must be written in Nepali) This paper will require first hand reading of the texts prescribed below and questions will be designed to test the candidate's critical acumen.
Section A
Santa Jnandil Das Udaya Lahari
Lekhnath Poudyal Tarun Tapasi(Vishrams III, V, VI, XII, XV, XVIII only)
Agam Sing Giri Jaleko Pratibimba Royeko Pratidhwani (The following Poems only- Prasawako Chichyahatsanga Byunjheko Ek Raat, Chhorolai, Jaleko Pratibimba : Royeko Pratidhwani, Hamro Akashmani Pani Hunchha Ujyalo, Tihar).
Haribhakta Katuwal Yo Zinadagi Khai Ke Zindagi: (The following poems only-Jeevan : Ek Dristi, Yo Zindagi Khai Ke Zindagi, Akashka Tara Ke Tara, Hamilai Nirdho Nasamjha, Khai Manyata Yahan Atmahutiko Balidan Ko).
Balkrishna Sama Prahlad.
Manbahadur Mukhia Andhyaroma Banchneharu (The following One-Act only-Andhyaroma Banchneharu' ‘Suskera’)
Section B
Indra Sundas Sahara.
Lilbahadur Chhetri Brahmaputra ko Chheuchhau
Rupnarayan Sinha Katha Navaratna (The following stories only—Biteka Kura, Jimmewari Kasko, Dhanamatiko Cinema—Swapna, Vidhwasta Jeevan).
Indrabahadur Rai Vipana Katipaya (The following stories only—Raatbhari Huri Chalyo, Jayamaya Aphumatra Lekhapani Aipugi, Bhagi, Ghosh Babu, Chhutuaiyo).
Sanu Lama Katha Sampaad (The following stories only—Swasni Manchhey, Khani Tarma Ekdin, Phurbale Gaun Chhadyo, Asinapo Manchhey).
Laxmi Prasad Laxmi Nibandha DevkotaSangraha (The following essays only—Sri Ganeshaya Namha, Nepali Sahityako Itihasma Sarvashrestha Purus, Kalpana, Kala Ra Jeevan, Gadha Buddhiman ki Guru?)
Ramkrishna Sharma Das Gorkha (The following essays only—Kavi, Samaj Ra Sahitya, Sahityama Sapekshata, Sahityik Ruchiko Praudhata, Nepali Sahityako Pragati).
Text: UPSC, UPSC Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSP (Civil Services Examination, 2026), pp. 105–107 ↗. Any spelling is UPSC's own.
Other literature of languages optionals
FAQ
Nepali Literature optional: questions, answered
How many papers are there in the UPSC Nepali literature optional?
Two — Mains Papers VI and VII (Optional Paper 1 and Paper 2), 250 marks and three hours each, 500 marks in all.
What does the UPSC Nepali literature optional syllabus cover?
The full syllabus for both papers is on this page in UPSC's words, from its CSE 2026 notice (pp. 105–107).
Where is the official Nepali literature optional syllabus?
In UPSC's notice for the Civil Services Examination 2026 (Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSP), Section III, Part B, pp. 105–107.