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Tuesday, 6 October 2026 · New Delhi

UPSC CSE Mains · Optional Subject

Odia Literature

The Odia language and its literature — history, criticism and prescribed texts.

Paper I

250marks

3 hours each

Paper II

250marks

3 hours each

Optional total

500marks

Counts toward the Mains merit

Paper I syllabus

250 marks · 3 hours

(Answers must be written in Odia)

Section A: History of Odia Language

  1. (i) Origin and development of Odia Language—Influence of Austric, Dravidian, Perso— Arabic and English on Odia Language. (ii) Phonetics and Phonemics : Vowels, Consonants Principles of changes in Odia sounds. (iii) Morphology : Morphemes (free, bound compound and complex), derivational and inflectional affixes, case inflection, conjugation of verb. (iv) Syntax : Kinds of sentences and their trans-formation, structure of sentences. (v) Semantics—Different types of change in meaning. Euphemism. (vi) Common errors in spellings, grammatical uses and construction of sentences. (vii) Regional variations in Odia Language (Western, Southern and Northern Odia) and Dialects (Bhatri and Desia).

Section B: History of Odia Literature

  1. (i) Historical backgrounds (social, cultural and political) of Odia Literature of different periods. (ii) Ancient epics, ornate kavyas and padavalis. (iii) Typical structural forms of Odia Literature (Koili, Chautisa, Poi, Chaupadi, Champu). (iv) Modern trends in poetry, drama short story, novel essay and literary criticism.

Paper II syllabus

250 marks · 3 hours

(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

  1. 1. Sãralã Dãs—Shanti Parva from Mahãbhãrata.
  2. 3. Dinakrushna Dãs—Raskallola—(Chhãndas—16 & 34)
  3. 5. Rãdhãnath Rãy—Chandrabhãgã.
  4. 6. Mãyãdhar Mänasinha—Jeevan—Chitã.
  5. 7. Sãtchidananda Routray—Kabitã—1962.
  6. 8. Ramãkãnta Ratha—Saptama Ritu.

Section A: 2. Jaganãth Dãs—Bhãgabata, XI Skadhã—Jadu Avadhuta Sambãda.

  1. (Medieval)

Section A: 4. Upendra Bhanja—Lãvanyabati (Chhãndas—1 & 2).

  1. (Modern)

Section B

  1. 9. Manoranjan Dãs—Kätha-Ghoda.
  2. 11. Fakir Mohan Senãpati—Chhamãna Ãthaguntha.
  3. 13. Surendra Mohãnty—Marãlara Mrityu.
  4. 15. Chittaranjan Dãs—Tranga O Tadit (First Five essays).
  5. 16. ChandraSekharRath—MunSatyadharmãKahuchhi (First five essays).

Section B: 10. Bijay Mishra—Tata Niranjanä.

  1. Novel :

Section B: 12. Gopinãth Mohãnty—Dãnãpani.

  1. Short Story :

Section B: 14. Manoj Dãs—Laxmira Abhisãra.

    Syllabus as per the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination notification. Topic-wise study notes for Odia Literature are being added — check back soon.

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