How to prepare Paper A in UPSC Mains | Preparation Tips for Compulsory Indian Language Paper

UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of nine papers out of which Paper A is the Compulsory Indian Language Paper. It is a qualifying paper, hence, the score obtained in this paper is not calculated while determining the final rank. You need to score 25% or 75+ marks out of 300 marks in order to pass this paper. The candidates are eligible to give this paper in any Indian language. It is important to note that this paper is not compulsory for candidates belonging to the North-Eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
In this article, we will discuss how to prepare for Paper A UPSC Mains, languages in which you can appear for the Compulsory Indian Language paper as well as the type of questions asked in this paper.

List of Languages for Compulsory Indian Language Paper (Paper A UPSC Mains)

You can choose any one of the following languages for this paper. The paper will be of 300 marks, out of which you need to score at least 75 marks to pass this paper.

Type of Questions Asked in Paper A UPSC Mains

There are primarily five types of questions that are asked in this paper. These include:

• Essay (100 Marks)

• Reading Comprehension (60 marks)

• Precis Writing (60 Marks)

• Translation (2 Questions of 20 marks each of translation to and from specific language to English)

• Questions on Grammar of the Compulsory Indian Language. (40 marks)

Preparation Tips for Paper A UPSC Mains (Compulsory Indian Language Paper)

The recommended booklist to cover history syllabus for UPSC CSE Prelims and Main are:

• Select the language that you have a strong command over. It can be your mother tongue or the language you’ve spoken and learned since childhood.

• For revising the grammar portion, it is recommended that you glance through the school textbooks till Class X.

• Read newspapers in the language that you’ve chosen to improve your essay-writing and precis-writing skills.

• Practice translation to and from your choice of language to English. It will help you in tackling the translation questions. You can again refer to the newspapers for this activity.

• Solve 2-3 previous year question papers in order to get strong command of your language.

• While attempting the paper, make sure you’ve read the question properly.

• Your handwriting should be neat and legible while answering the questions.

• Make sure you adhere to the word limit wherever provided to avoid penalties.

This paper can be prepared simultaneously with other merit-oriented papers and does not require special attention. However, you must ensure that you’re giving due importance to it and practicing the translation-type questions and essay writing.

Also Read | Subject-wise Strategy for UPSC Civil Services Exam