The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has successfully conducted the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, and now the Tamil Literature Paper II question paper is available for download. This optional paper is one of the most popular choices among candidates from Tamil Nadu and other Tamil-speaking regions. Having the official question paper helps aspirants understand the level of difficulty, key topics covered, and the nature of analytical questions that UPSC expects in this optional subject.
I am writing about this because every year, many Tamil Literature aspirants face trouble finding the official question papers after the exam. Analysing these papers plays a vital role in preparation for upcoming attempts. Tamil Literature Paper II, in particular, focuses on modern writings, contemporary authors, and literary criticism — areas that require deep conceptual understanding. For anyone aiming for the UPSC 2026 examination, this paper will serve as an essential resource to plan their preparation strategy smartly.
Overview of Tamil Literature Paper II in UPSC Mains
Tamil Literature Paper II mainly deals with the development of modern Tamil literature from the 19th century to the present. It covers modern poets, novelists, short story writers, and literary movements that have influenced Tamil thought and culture. Unlike Paper I, which focuses on classical texts, Paper II evaluates a candidate’s understanding of modern Tamil works and their literary significance.
The UPSC evaluates both the analytical ability and interpretative understanding of the candidate through this paper. Aspirants are expected to present their views with literary references and critical insights.
Tamil Literature Paper II 2025 – Key Details
| Exam Name | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Paper | Tamil Literature Paper II |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 250 Marks |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Language | Tamil |
This paper is designed to test how well candidates grasp literary evolution, the philosophy of modern Tamil authors, and the role of literature in addressing social and cultural issues.
Why You Should Analyse the 2025 Tamil Literature Paper II
Understanding this paper gives aspirants a strong sense of direction. UPSC tends to repeat certain themes or question patterns every few years, especially those concerning literary criticism, women writers, or realism in modern Tamil fiction.
Analysing the 2025 paper can help you:
- Identify recurring authors and topics.
- Recognise the shift in focus between prose, poetry, and drama.
- Learn how to structure long analytical answers.
- Improve essay-style writing in Tamil for scoring better marks.
For example, if the paper includes questions from Pudhumaipithan or Bharathidasan, it indicates UPSC’s continued interest in socially relevant literature and reformist ideas.
How to Download UPSC Tamil Literature Paper II 2025
Candidates can easily download the official Tamil Literature Paper II 2025 PDF from the UPSC website. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website – www.upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the Examinations tab and open Previous Question Papers.
- Find Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025.
- Locate Tamil Literature Paper II and click 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.
You can also save the file on your device for offline use and print it out for answer practice.


















