The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has successfully conducted the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 Urdu Literature Paper-I. Candidates who opted for Urdu as their optional subject can now download the complete question paper in PDF format. This paper is an important reference for aspirants preparing for the upcoming exams, as it gives a clear idea of the latest question trends, topics covered, and the expected analytical depth for answers.
I am writing about this topic because many aspirants choose Urdu Literature as their optional subject, but finding authentic and up-to-date question papers is often a challenge. Having the latest paper helps students understand how UPSC’s focus areas evolve over time. Analysing such papers allows candidates to identify recurring literary themes, popular authors, and types of essay-style questions. This helps in developing a smart preparation strategy. Whether you are planning to appear next year or revising your syllabus now, this question paper can be a valuable addition to your study materials.
About the Urdu Literature Paper-I
The Urdu Literature Paper-I in UPSC Civil Services Mains mainly focuses on the historical and literary development of Urdu. It tests the candidate’s understanding of classical and modern Urdu prose, poetry, and literary criticism. The paper aims to assess a student’s grasp of language, style, and depth of interpretation.
The total marks for the paper are 250, and the exam duration is 3 hours. The paper includes both analytical and descriptive questions based on major writers, poets, and critical schools of Urdu literature. Students are expected to answer in a well-structured and insightful manner.
Key Details of the Exam
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 |
| Subject | Urdu Literature Paper-I |
| Total Marks | 250 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Type of Questions | Descriptive / Essay-type |
| Medium | Urdu |
| Date of Exam | As per UPSC Mains 2025 schedule |
Why This Paper Matters for Aspirants
The Urdu Literature optional is chosen by many candidates who have a strong interest in the language and its literary heritage. It is known for being a scoring subject for those who can write analytically and express their thoughts clearly. Reviewing the 2025 question paper helps aspirants understand what kind of balance UPSC maintains between classical and modern Urdu literature.
This paper is especially useful for identifying which writers or poets received more focus this year. For instance, if previous papers gave more attention to Ghalib’s ghazals, this year’s paper might include comparative questions on Mir’s style or Iqbal’s philosophical vision. Understanding such changes helps candidates adjust their study plan accordingly and prepare targeted answers.
How to Download the 2025 Urdu Literature Paper-I PDF
Candidates can download the Civil Services (Main) 2025 Urdu Literature Paper-I directly from the official UPSC website. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on the Examinations section
- Choose Previous Question Papers
- Find Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025
- Click on Urdu Literature Paper-I to download the PDF file
N.B: If you want to download the question paper without any difficulty, you can easily download it by Click here.
It’s best to keep both a digital and printed copy for detailed study and note-making.


















