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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.
There will be three questions as indicated in the Question Paper which must be answered in Sanskrit. The
Remaining questions must be answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium of examination opted by the
candidate.
1. Significant features of the grammar, with particular stress on Sanjna, Sandhi, Karaka, Samasa, Kartari
and Karmani vacyas (voice usages) (to be answered in Sanskrit).
2. (a) Main characteristics of Vedic Sanskrit language
(b) Prominent feature of classical Sanskrit language
(c) Contribution of Sanskrit to linguistic studies
3. General Knowledge of :—
(a) Literary history of Sanskrit
(b) Principal trends of literary criticism
(c) Ramayana
(d) Mahabharata
(e) The origin and development of literary geners of :
Mahakavya
Rupaka (drama)
Katha
Akhyayika
Campu
Khandakavya
Muktaka Kavya.
4. Essential of Indian Culture with stress on :
(a) Purusãrthas
(b) Samskãras
(c) Varnãsramavyavasthã
(d) Arts and fine arts
(e) Technical Sciences.
5. Trends of Indian Philosophy
(a) Mïmansã
(b) Vedãnta
(c) Nyaya
(d) Vaisesika
(e) Sãnkhya
(f) Yoga
(g) Bauddha
(h) Jaina
(i) Carvãka
6. Short Essay (in Sanskrit)
7. Unseen passage with the questions (to be answered in Sanskrit).
Question from Group 4 is to be answered in Sanskrit only. Questions from Groups 1, 2 and 3 are to be
answered either in Sanskrit or in the medium opted by the candidate.
General study of the following groups :—
Group 1 (a) Raghuvamsam—Kalidasa
(b) Kumarasambhavam—Kalidasa
(c) Kiratarjuniyam—Bharavi
(d) Sisupalavadham—Magha
(e) Naisadhiyacaritam—Sriharsa
(f) Kadambari—Banabhatta
(g) Dasakumaracaritam—Dandin
(h) Sivarajyodayam—S.B. Varnekar
Group 2 (a) Isãvãsyopanisad
(b) Bhagavadgitã
(c) Sundarakanda of Valmiki’s
Ramayana
(d) Arthasastra of Kautilya
Group 3 (a) Svapanavasavadattam—Bhasa
(b) Abhijnanasakuntalam—Kalidasa
(c) Mricchakatikam—Sudraka
(d) Mudraraksasam—Visakhadatta
(e) Uttararamacaritam—Bhavbhuti
(f) Ratnavali—Sriharshavardhana
(g) Venisamharam—Bhattanarayana
Group 4 Short notes in Sanskrit on the following :—
(a) Meghadutam—Kalidasa
(b) Nitisatakam—Bhartrhari
(c) Pancatantra—
(d) Rajatarangini—Kalhana
(e) Harsacaritam—Banabhatta
(f) Amarukasatakam—Amaruka
(g) Gitagovindam—Jayadeva.
This section will require first hand reading of the following selected texts :— (Questions from Groups 1 & 2
are to be answered in Sanskrit only) Questions from Groups 3 and 4 are to be answered either in Sanskrit
or in the Medium opted by the candidate.
Group 1 (a) Raghuvamsam—CantoI, Verses 1 to 10
(b) Kumarasambhavam—Canto I, Verses1 to 10
(c) Kiratarjuniyaue—Canto I, Verses 1 to 10
Group 2 (a) Isavasyopanisad—Verses—1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 and 18
(b) Bhagavatgita II Chapter Verses13 to 25
(c) Sundarakandam of Valmiki Canto15, Verses 15 to 30 (Geeta Press Edition)
Group 3 (a) Meghadutam—Verses 1 to 10
(b) Nitisatakam—Verses 1 to 10 (Edited by D.D. Kosambi Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Publication)
(c) Kadambari—Sukanasopadesa (only)
Group 4 (a) Svapnavasavadattam Act VI
(b) Abhijnansakuntalam Act IV Verses 15 to 30 (M.R. Kale Edition)
(c) Uttararamacaritam Act I Verses 31 to 47 (M.R. Kale Edition).
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.