Gujarati Literature
Two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII of the Main Examination), 250 marks each, three hours each. Complete syllabus as notified by UPSC; reproduced without changes.
NOTE (i).—A candidate may be required to answer some or all the Questions in the language concerned. NOTE (ii).—In regard to the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to Constitution, the scripts will be the same as indicated in Section II (B) of Appendix I relating to the Main Examination. NOTE (iii).—Candidates should note that the questions not required to be answered in a specific language will have to be answered in the language medium indicated by them for answering papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subjects.
Paper I 250 marks
(Answers must be written in Gujarati)
Section A
Gujarati Language : Form and History
(1) History of Gujarati Language with special reference to New Indo-Aryan i.e. last one thousand
years.
(2) Significant features of the Gujarati language : phonology, morphology and syntax.
(3) Major dialects : Surti, pattani, charotari and Saurashtri.
History of Gujarati literature
Medieval :
4. Jaina tradition
5. Bhakti tradition : Sagun and Nirgun (Jnanmargi)
6. Non-sectarian tradition (Laukik parampara)
Modern :
7. Sudharak yug
8. Pandit yug
9. Gandhi yug
10. Anu-Gandhi yug
11. Adhunik yug
Section B
Literary Forms : (Salient features, history and development
of the following literary forms :)
(a) Medieval
1. Narratives : Rasa, Akhyan and Padyavarta
2. Lyrical: Pada
(b) Folk
3. Bhavai
(c) Modern
4. Fiction : Novel and Short Story
5. Drama
6. Literary Essay
7. Lyrical Poetry
(d) Criticism
8. History of theoretical Gujarati criticism
9. Recent research in folk tradition.
Paper II 250 marks
(Answers must be written in Gujarati)
The paper will require first-hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the critical
ability of the candidate.
Section A
1. Medieval
(i) Vasantvilas phagu—AJNATKRUT
(ii) Kadambari—BHALAN
(iii) Sudamacharitra—PREMANAND
(iv) Chandrachandravatini varta—SHAMAL
(v) Akhegeeta—AKHO
2. Sudharakyug & Pandityug
(vi) Mari Hakikat—NARMADASHA
(vii) Farbasveerah—DALPATRAM
(viii) Saraswatichandra-Part 1—GOVARDHANRAM TRIPATHI
(ix) Purvalap—‘KANT’ (MANISHANKAR RATNAJI BHATT)
(x) Raino Parvat—RAMANBHAI NEELKANTH
Section B
1. Gandhiyug & Anu Gandhiyug
(i) Hind Swaraj—MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI
(ii) Patanni Prabhuta—KANHAIYALAL MUNSHI
(iii) Kavyani Shakti—RAMNARAYAN VISHWANATH PATHAK
(iv) Saurashtrani Rasdhar-Part 1—ZAVERCHAND MEGHANI
(v) Manvini Bhavai—PANNALAL PATEL
(vi) Dhvani—RAJENDRA SHAH
2. Adhunik yug
(vii) Saptapadi—UMASHANKAR JOSHI
(viii) Janantike—SURESH JOSHI
(ix) Ashwatthama—SITANSHU YASHASCHANDRA.
Source: UPSC Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE dated 04.02.2026 (Civil Services Examination, 2026), Section III, Part B: Syllabi. Always check the current year’s official notification before you begin preparation.