Optional subject · Literature of languages
UPSC Odia Literature Optional Syllabus 2026
Paper 1 and Paper 2, word for word from UPSC's CSE 2026 notice (pp. 107–108). 250 marks each, three hours each.
हिन्दी में पढ़ेंMains Paper VI · 250 marks · 3 hours
Odia Literature — Paper I
(Answers must be written in Odia)
Section A
History of Odia Language
Origin and development of Odia Language—Influence of Austric, Dravidian, Perso— Arabic and English on Odia Language.
Phonetics and Phonemics: Vowels, Consonants Principles of changes in Odia sounds.
Morphology: Morphemes (free, bound compound and complex), derivational and inflectional affixes, case inflection, conjugation of verb.
Syntax: Kinds of sentences and their trans-formation, structure of sentences.
Semantics—Different types of change in meaning. Euphemism.
Common errors in spellings, grammatical uses and construction of sentences.
Regional variations in Odia Language (Western, Southern and Northern Odia) and Dialects (Bhatri and Desia).
Section B
History of Odia Literature
Historical backgrounds (social, cultural and political) of Odia Literature of different periods.
Ancient epics, ornate kavyas and padavalis.
Typical structural forms of Odia Literature (Koili, Chautisa, Poi, Chaupadi, Champu).
Modern trends in poetry, drama short story, novel essay and literary criticism.
Mains Paper VII · 250 marks · 3 hours
Odia Literature — Paper II
(Answers must be written in Odia) Critical Study of texts— The paper will require first hand reading of the text and test the critical ability of the candidate.
Section A
Poetry (Ancient)
Sãralã Dãs—Shanti Parva from Mahãbhãrata.
Jaganãth Dãs—Bhãgabata, XI Skadhã—Jadu Avadhuta Sambãda. (Medieval)
Dinakrushna Dãs—Raskallola—(Chhãndas—16 & 34)
Upendra Bhanja—Lãvanyabati (Chhãndas—1 & 2). (Modern)
Rãdhãnath Rãy—Chandrabhãgã.
Mãyãdhar Mänasinha—Jeevan—Chitã.
Sãtchidananda Routray—Kabitã—1962.
Ramãkãnta Ratha—Saptama Ritu.
Section B
Drama:
Manoranjan Dãs—Kätha-Ghoda.
Bijay Mishra—Tata Niranjanä. Novel :
Fakir Mohan Senãpati—Chhamãna Ãthaguntha.
Gopinãth Mohãnty—Dãnãpani. Short Story :
Surendra Mohãnty—Marãlara Mrityu.
Manoj Dãs—Laxmira Abhisãra. Essay :
Chittaranjan Dãs—Tranga O Tadit (First Five essays).
ChandraSekharRath—MunSatyadharmãKahuchhi (First five essays).
Text: UPSC, UPSC Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSP (Civil Services Examination, 2026), pp. 107–108 ↗. Any spelling is UPSC's own.
Other literature of languages optionals
FAQ
Odia Literature optional: questions, answered
How many papers are there in the UPSC Odia 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 Odia literature optional syllabus cover?
The full syllabus for both papers is on this page in UPSC's words, from its CSE 2026 notice (pp. 107–108).
Where is the official Odia literature optional syllabus?
In UPSC's notice for the Civil Services Examination 2026 (Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSP), Section III, Part B, pp. 107–108.