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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.
Answers must be written in Tamil
Major Indian Language Families—The place of Tamil among Indian Languages in general and
Dravidian in particular—Enumeration and Distribution of Dravidian languages.
The language of Sangam Literature—The language of medieval Tamil : Pallava Period only—Historical study
of Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs—Tense markers and case markers in Tamil.
Borrowing of words from other languages into Tamil—Regional and social dialects—difference between
literary and spoken Tamil.
Tolkappiyam-Sangam Literature—The division of Akam and Puram—The secular characteristics of Sangam
Literature—The development of Ethical literature—Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.
The bridal mysticism in Alwar hymns—Minor literary forms (Tutu, Ula, Parani, Kuravanji).
Social factors for the development of Modern Tamil Literature; Novel, Short Story and New Poetry—The
impact of various political ideologies on modern writings.
Approaches to criticism : Social, psychological, historical and moralistic—the use of criticism—the various
techniques in literature; Ullurai, Iraicchi, Thonmam (Myth) Otturuvagam (allegory), Angadam (Satire),
Meyappadu, Padimam (image), Kuriyeedu (Symbol), Irunmai (Ambiguity)—The concept of comparative
literature-the principle of comparative literature.
Ballads, Songs, proverbs and riddles—Sociological study of Tamil folklore. Uses of translation—Translation
of Tamil works into other languages-Development of journalism in Tamil.
Concept of Love and War—Concept of Aram-the ethical codes adopted by the ancient Tamils in their
warfare-customs beliefs, rituals, modes of worship in the five Thinais.
The Cultural changes as revealed in post sangam literature—cultural fusion in the medieval period (Jainism
and Buddhism). The development of arts and architecture through the ages (Pallavas, later Cholas, and
Nayaks). The impact of various political, social, religious and cultural movements on Tamil Society. The
role of mass media in the cultural change of contemporary Tamil society.
Answers must be written in Tamil
The paper will require first-hand reading of the text prescribed and will be designed to test thecritical ability
of the candidate.
(1) Kuruntokai (1—25 poems)
(2) Purananuru (182—200 poems)
(3) Tirukkural Porutpal : Arasiyalum Amaichiyalum (from Iraimatchi to Avaianjamai).
(1) Silappadikaram : Madhurai Kandam only.
(2) Kambaramayanam : Kumbakarunan Vadhai Padalam.
(1) Tiruvasagam : Neetthal Vinnappam
(2) Tiruppavai : (Full Text).
Modern Literature
(1) Bharathiar : Kannan Pattu
(2) Bharathidasan : Kudumba Vilakku
(3) Naa. Kamarasan : Karappu Malarkal
Prose
(1) Mu. Varadharajanar : Aramum Arasiyalum
(2) C. N. Annadurai : Ye! Thazhntha Tamilagame.
(1) Akilon ; Chittairappavai
(2) Jayakanthan : Gurupeedam
(3) Cho : Yaurkkum Vetkamillai
(1) Muthuppattan kathai Edited by Na. Vanamamalai, (Publication : Madurai Kamaraj University).
(2) Malaiyaruvi, Edited by Ki. Va Jagannathan (Publication : Saraswathi Mahal, Thanjavur).
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.