The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 for Punjabi Literature Paper-II has been successfully conducted, and candidates can now download the official question paper. This paper forms an essential part of the Mains exam and carries 250 marks. It focuses mainly on modern Punjabi literature, critical appreciation, and the works of well-known Punjabi writers and poets. For aspirants who have opted for Punjabi Literature as their optional subject, this paper plays a decisive role in their overall performance and merit ranking.
I am writing about this topic because many UPSC aspirants, especially those who prefer regional languages like Punjabi, often struggle to find the right study materials and recent question papers soon after the exam. Access to the authentic Paper-II question paper helps not just the candidates who appeared this year but also those preparing for upcoming attempts. By going through this paper, one can understand the type of questions UPSC is asking, the literary works being focused on, and the analytical depth required in answers. It’s an invaluable tool for shaping one’s preparation strategy and improving answer-writing techniques.
About the Exam
The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 includes several optional subjects, one of which is Punjabi Literature. This subject is chosen by many candidates from Punjab and nearby regions because of their strong command over the language and interest in Punjabi culture and literary tradition. The optional subject has two papers — Paper-I and Paper-II, each of 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks in the optional category.
Key Details
| Particulars | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Subject | Punjabi Literature |
| Paper | Paper-II |
| Maximum Marks | 250 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Language of Paper | Punjabi |
What Punjabi Literature Paper-II Covers
Punjabi Literature Paper-II primarily deals with modern Punjabi texts, literary criticism, and understanding the works of major authors. The paper expects candidates to have a thorough grasp of prescribed texts and their historical, cultural, and artistic context. The main areas include:
- Modern Poetry and Prose: Analysis of major poets and prose writers of the 20th and 21st centuries
- Drama and Fiction: Study of key plays, novels, and short stories from Punjabi literature
- Critical Essays: Interpretive and analytical questions requiring strong literary insight
- Cultural Context: Understanding how social and political developments influenced Punjabi writing
Some of the notable writers whose works are often included in Paper-II are Amrita Pritam, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Nanak Singh, Gurdial Singh, and Paash. The paper tests both factual knowledge and interpretive skills, so candidates need to balance memorisation with critical understanding.
Importance of Downloading the Question Paper
The 2025 question paper is a valuable resource for anyone preparing for the next UPSC cycle. It helps in:
- Understanding the difficulty level and question style
- Analysing topics with repeated focus over the years
- Identifying patterns in UPSC’s literary questions
- Planning revision and practice sessions more efficiently
- Improving answer structuring and time management
A close look at the 2025 Paper-II will show how UPSC often blends factual questions with interpretive ones, requiring candidates to write answers that show both depth and clarity.
How to Download the Question Paper
The Punjabi Literature Paper-II (2025) can be downloaded from the official UPSC website. Here’s how:
- Visit www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on the Examinations tab
- Select Previous Question Papers
- Search for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025
- Click on Punjabi Literature Paper-II to download the PDF
N.B: If you want to download the question paper without any difficulty, you can easily download it by Click here.
Once downloaded, aspirants can print and practise the paper at home for timed mock tests.


















