The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to select candidates for various posts in the Indian government. The exam consists of three stages, i.e., Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test. One of the optional subjects offered in the Mains exam is Tamil. In this article, we will analyze the UPSC Tamil Optional Question Paper in detail.
The UPSC Tamil Optional Question Paper is designed to test the candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the language. The paper comprises two sections, A and B, each carrying equal marks. Section A consists of questions related to prose, poetry, grammar, and literary criticism. Section B focuses on the study of texts covering the period from the Sangam Age to the modern era.
The questions in Section A are generally conceptual and require thorough understanding and analysis of the literary works. The candidates are expected to have a good knowledge of Tamil grammar and language structure as well. The questions in this section may include an analysis of a given poem or prose extract, a discussion of a particular literary genre, or a critical appreciation of a specific author’s work.
Section B examines the candidate’s knowledge of Tamil literature throughout the ages. The questions in this section may deal with the Sangam Age, the medieval period, and the modern era. The candidates are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of the major works of Tamil literature, including the works of Sangam poets, Bhakti poets, and modern writers.
The level of difficulty of the UPSC Tamil Optional Question Paper generally varies from year to year. However, the paper has always been challenging, and the candidates need to have a good grasp of the Tamil language and its literature to score well in the exam.
To prepare for the UPSC Tamil Optional Question Paper, the candidates should read and analyze the texts thoroughly. They can also take help from renowned books and authors who specialize in Tamil literature. Additionally, they should practice writing essays and answer writing to improve their language and writing skills.
