The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is widely considered the most prestigious and competitive examination in India. The examination is taken by thousands of candidates every year, but only a few manage to score high and qualify for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). While mastering Tamil literature may not seem like an obvious way to boost one’s chances of passing the exam, it can prove to be an effective method. Here are some tips for scoring high in UPSC by mastering Tamil literature.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Tamil Language
To master Tamil literature, it is essential to be familiar with the Tamil language. This means understanding the alphabets, grammar, and syntax. It is advisable to join a course or hire a tutor to learn the language systematically.
- Read Widely
Reading widely in Tamil literature will help you develop an understanding of various literary forms, styles, and themes. It will expand your vocabulary, enhance your comprehension skills and will also provide critical insights into the history, culture, and society of Tamil Nadu.
- Familiarize Yourself with Tamil Classics
Tamil literature has a rich and diverse tradition dating back to 2000 years. Some of the classic works in Tamil literature include Thirukkural, Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Purananuru, and Tholkappiyam. Familiarizing yourself with these works will give you a deep understanding of Tamil literary tradition and culture.
- Analyze Tamil Literary Criticism
The study of literary criticism will help you analyze the works you are reading and structure your answers in UPSC exams. It will help you understand the techniques, tools, and terminologies that are used in literary criticism and will guide you in writing better answers that reflect your deep understanding of the works.
- Practice Writing
Writing practice is essential to score high in UPSC exams. You should practice writing in Tamil as much as possible. You can start by summarizing Tamil literary works, analyzing their themes, critiquing them, or writing summaries of some of the complicated concepts.