Classical language of Indian and the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the Sanskrit language is also offered as a subject for the UPSC IAS exam. Candidates with some basic prior knowledge of this language can select it as the optional paper for their civil services examination. In order to prepare for this paper, the candidates are required to familiarize themselves with its syllabus first. Interested aspirants can check the details related to the UPSC Sanskrit syllabus 2023 here from this post.
Sanskrit Syllabus for UPSC Exam 2023
The subject of Sanskrit comprises of two papers- paper I and paper II. Both the papers will carry 250 marks each and are very important from the exam point of view. The topics comprised in their syllabus include general knowledge related to this language such as grammar, history, literary criticism, etc. Check the complete details below.
Syllabus for Paper I
There will be three questions as indicated in the question paper which must be answered in Sanskrit. The remaining questions must be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium of examination opted by the candidate.
Section A
- Significant features of the grammar, with particular stress on Sanjna, Sandhi, Karaka, Samasa, Kartari and Karmani vacyas (voice usages) (to be answered in Sanskrit).
- (a) Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies
(b) Prominent feature of classical Sanskrit language
(c) Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language
- General Knowledge of:
- Ramayana
- Mahabharata
- Literary history of Sanskrit
- Principal trends of literary criticism
- The origin and development of literary genres of :
- Mahakavya
- Rupaka (drama)
- Katha
- Akhyayika
- Campu
- Khandakavya
- Muktaka Kavya
Section B
- Essential of Indian Culture with stress on:
- Varnãsramavyavasthã
- Arts and fine arts
- Purusãrthas
- Samskãras
- Technical Sciences
- Trends of Indian Philosophy
- Yoga
- Bauddha
- Nyaya
- Vaisesika
- Jaina
- Carvãka
- Mïmansã
- Vedãnta
- Sãnkhya
- Short Essay (in Sanskrit)
- Unseen passage with the questions (to be answered in Sanskrit)
Syllabus for Paper II
Question from Group 4 is to be answered in Sanskrit only. Questions from Groups 1, 2 and 3 are to be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate.
Section A
General study of the following groups:
Group 1
- Kadambari – by Banabhatta
- Sisupalavadham – by Magha
- Naisadhiyacaritam – by Sriharsa
- Dasakumaracaritam – by Dandin
- Raghuvamsam – by Kalidasa
- Kumarasambhavam – by Kalidasa
- Kiratarjuniyam – by Bharavi
- Sivarajyodayam – by S.B. Varnekar
Group 2
- Sundarakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana
- Arthasastra of Kautilya
- Bhagavadgitã
- Isãvãsyopanisad
Group 3
- Uttararamacaritam – by Bhavbhuti
- Ratnavali – by Sriharshavardhana
- Mricchakatikam – by Sudraka
- Mudraraksasam – by Visakhadatta
- Svapanavasavadattam – by Bhasa
- Abhijnanasakuntalam – by Kalidasa
- Venisamharam – by Bhattanarayana
Group 4- Short notes in Sanskrit on the following:
- Rajatarangini – by Kalhana
- Meghadutam – by Kalidasa
- Amarukasatakam – by Amaruka
- Gitagovindam – by Jayadeva
- Nitisatakam – by Bhartrhari
- Pancatantra – by
- Harsacaritam – by Banabhatta
Section B
This section will require first hand reading of the following selected texts. Questions from Groups 1 & 2 are to be answered in Sanskrit only. Questions from Groups 3 and 4 are to be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate.
Group 1
- Kumarasambhavam – by Canto I, Verses1 to 10
- Raghuvamsam – by Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
- Kiratarjuniyaue – by Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
Group 2
- Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto 15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition)
- Isavasyopanisad – by Verses – by 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
- Bhagavatgita II Chapter Verses13 to 25
Group 3
- Nitisatakam – by Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication)
- Meghadutam – by Verses 1 to 10
- Kadambari – by Sukanasopadesa (only)
Group 4
- Abhijnansakuntalam Act IV Verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition)
- Uttararamacaritam Act I Verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition)
- Svapnavasavadattam Act VI
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