Odia 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 Odia)
Section A
History of Odia Language
(i) Origin and development of Odia Language—Influence of Austric, Dravidian, Perso— Arabic and
English on Odia Language.
(ii) Phonetics and Phonemics : Vowels, Consonants Principles of changes in Odia sounds.
(iii) Morphology : Morphemes (free, bound compound and complex), derivational and inflectional
affixes, case inflection, conjugation of verb.
(iv) Syntax : Kinds of sentences and their trans-formation, structure of sentences.
(v) Semantics—Different types of change in meaning. Euphemism.
(vi) Common errors in spellings, grammatical uses and construction of sentences.
(vii) Regional variations in Odia Language (Western, Southern and Northern Odia) and Dialects (Bhatri
and Desia).
Section B
History of Odia Literature
(i) Historical backgrounds (social, cultural and political) of Odia Literature of different periods.
(ii) Ancient epics, ornate kavyas and padavalis.
(iii) Typical structural forms of Odia Literature (Koili, Chautisa, Poi, Chaupadi, Champu).
(iv) Modern trends in poetry, drama short story, novel essay and literary criticism.
Paper II 250 marks
(Answers must be written in Odia)
Critical Study of texts—
The paper will require first hand reading of the text and test the critical ability of the candidate.
Section A
Poetry
(Ancient)
1. Sãralã Dãs—Shanti Parva from Mahãbhãrata.
2. Jaganãth Dãs—Bhãgabata, XI Skadhã—Jadu Avadhuta Sambãda.
(Medieval)
3. Dinakrushna Dãs—Raskallola—(Chhãndas—16 & 34)
4. Upendra Bhanja—Lãvanyabati (Chhãndas—1 & 2).
(Modern)
5. Rãdhãnath Rãy—Chandrabhãgã.
6. Mãyãdhar Mänasinha—Jeevan—Chitã.
7. Sãtchidananda Routray—Kabitã—1962.
8. Ramãkãnta Ratha—Saptama Ritu.
Section B
Drama :
9. Manoranjan Dãs—Kätha-Ghoda.
10. Bijay Mishra—Tata Niranjanä.
Novel :
11. Fakir Mohan Senãpati—Chhamãna Ãthaguntha.
12. Gopinãth Mohãnty—Dãnãpani.
Short Story :
13. Surendra Mohãnty—Marãlara Mrityu.
14. Manoj Dãs—Laxmira Abhisãra.
Essay :
15. Chittaranjan Dãs—Tranga O Tadit (First Five essays).
16. ChandraSekharRath—MunSatyadharmãKahuchhi (First five essays).
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.