Hindi Literature Optional Syllabus for UPSC: Paper 1 and Paper 2 Explained

Before you buy a single book or join any class, you should know the Hindi Literature optional syllabus thoroughly. It is the map for everything else: which books you need, how to divide your time, and what UPSC can ask.

This guide explains the UPSC Hindi Literature (हिंदी साहित्य) syllabus unit by unit for both papers, with notes on what each unit demands. It is part of our complete guide to the Hindi Literature optional. If you want the whole syllabus taught in one structured programme, see the Hindi Literature optional course at Riyasat IAS, which covers every unit below in 200 hours of teaching.

Quick answer: Paper 1 covers the history of the Hindi language and Nagari script (Section A) and the history of Hindi literature (Section B). Paper 2 covers prescribed poetry texts (Section A) and prescribed prose texts (Section B), which must be read in the original. Each paper carries 250 marks.

Structure of the Optional

Always confirm the syllabus against the latest official UPSC notification.

Paper 1, Section A — Hindi Language and Nagari Script

1. Grammatical and applied forms of Apabhramsha, Avahatta and early Hindi. The transition from Apabhramsha to early Hindi and its features.
2. Development of Braj and Avadhi as literary languages in the medieval period. Why these two became the major literary languages of their age.
3. Early form of Khari Boli in Siddha and Nath literature, Khusro, Sant literature, Rahim and others, and in Dakkhini Hindi.
4. Development of Khari Boli and Nagari script in the nineteenth century, and their standardisation.
5. Development of Hindi as the national language during the freedom movement.
6. Development of Hindi as the official language of the Indian Union. Know the constitutional provisions (Articles 343–351) and the major steps since independence.
7. Scientific and technical development of Hindi.
8. Major dialects of Hindi and their inter-relationship.
9. Salient features of Nagari script, efforts for its reform, and the grammatical structure of standard Hindi.

What it demands: Factual accuracy, clear classification and precise terminology. This section is often neglected by aspirants who prefer literature, which makes it a place where careful aspirants gain an edge.

Paper 1, Section B — History of Hindi Literature

1. Relevance of Hindi literature and the tradition of writing its history.
2. Adikal — Siddha, Nath and Raso literature; Chandbardai, Khusro, Hemchandra, Vidyapati.
3. Bhaktikal — Sant, Sufi, Krishna and Ram bhakti streams; Kabir, Jayasi, Surdas, Tulsidas.
4. Ritikal — Ritikavya, Ritibaddh and Ritimukt poetry; Keshav, Bihari, Padmakar, Ghananand.
5. Modern period — renaissance, development of prose, the Bharatendu circle; Chhayavad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, Nayi Kavita, Janvadi Kavita; Gupt, Prasad, Nirala, Mahadevi, Dinkar, Agyeya, Muktibodh, Nagarjun.
6. Fiction — the novel and realism; Premchand, Jainendra, Yashpal, Renu, Bhisham Sahni; short story writers Premchand, Prasad, Agyeya, Mohan Rakesh, Krishna Sobti.
7. Drama and theatre — Bharatendu, Prasad, Jagdish Chandra Mathur, Ramkumar Verma, Mohan Rakesh.
8. Criticism — Ramchandra Shukla, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Ramvilas Sharma, Nagendra.
9. Other prose forms — Lalit Nibandh, sketches (रेखाचित्र), memoirs (संस्मरण), travelogues (यात्रा वृत्तान्त).

What it demands: For each period or movement: its background, its main tendencies, its representative writers and works, and its significance. Critics’ views add weight.

Paper 2, Section A — Prescribed Poetry

Paper 2, Section B — Prescribed Prose

What it demands: The syllabus itself says these texts must be read, and the questions test critical ability. Expect reference-to-context passages and critical questions on themes, characters, style and relevance.

How the Syllabus Connects to Other Papers

• Essay: Quotations and ideas from Kabir, Tulsi, Premchand, Dinkar and Nagarjun enrich essays on society, ethics and nationhood.
• GS Paper 1: Literary history overlaps with Indian culture and the Bhakti movement.
• Hindi-medium writing: Regular literary writing improves the quality of your Hindi in every paper. See also UPSC Mains preparation in Hindi.

How to Cover This Syllabus Efficiently

1. Paste the syllabus on your wall and tick off units as you finish them.
2. Follow the order: Paper 1 Section A and B first, then the poetry and prose texts.
3. Use one main book per unit. Our Hindi Literature booklist keeps the list short.
4. Follow a paper-wise method: see the paper 1 and paper 2 strategy
5. Test each unit as soon as it is finished.

The Riyasat IAS Hindi Sahitya optional course follows this structure: 200 hours of teaching across all four sections, unit-wise handout notes, and a 14-test series in which 8 Mini Mock tests cover each section in two parts, 4 Sectional tests cover each section completely, and 2 Full Length tests cover each paper — all taught and guided by Dr. Puneet Chaturvedi Sir (Ph.D. in Hindi Literature) and Riyasat Ali Sir.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers are there in Hindi Literature optional?

Two papers of 250 marks each, making 500 marks in total.

Do I need to read the full prescribed texts?

You need to read the prescribed portions in the original — for example, the first 100 pads of Kabir Granthavali, Sundar Kand of Ramcharitmanas, and the Chinta and Shraddha Sarg of Kamayani.

Has the Hindi Literature syllabus changed recently?

The optional syllabus has been stable, which is one reason aspirants choose it. Always verify with the latest UPSC notification.

Get the Syllabus Taught Unit by Unit

Download the free course brochure with the full syllabus plan and faculty details.

• Course page: Hindi Literature Optional Course — Full Syllabus in 200 Hours
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