• sahitya-classes
• October 1, 2024
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Hello, are you preparing for the UPSC exam? Then, you must understand the UPSC syllabus and exam pattern to prepare for one of the toughest exams in India. So, if you’re an UPSC aspirant then you must definitely read this blog to understand the basics of the UPSC exam. Also, if you’ve chosen English Literature as your optional subject, then you have landed at the right place!

What Does UPSC Stand For?

UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission. It is the central agency in India which is solely responsible for conducting various examinations for appointments to the civil services. So, it acts as the gatekeeper to a range of prestigious government positions that can shape the future of the country.

What Kind of Exams Does UPSC Conduct?

The UPSC is best known for conducting the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is held every year to recruit candidates for various civil services like:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• And many more!

But wait, there’s more! UPSC also conducts exams for other services like the Indian Engineering Services (IES), Indian Forest Service (IFS), and various other specialized positions.

Why is UPSC So Important?

You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal about UPSC?” Well, passing the UPSC exams is considered one of the toughest achievements in India. Here’s why it is considered as important exam:

1. Diverse Opportunities: Successfully clearing the UPSC exams opens doors to a variety of roles in the government sector, allowing you to contribute to nation-building in different capacities.

2. Prestige and Respect: Civil servants in India are highly respected and play crucial roles in implementing government policies and ensuring law and order. Being part of this elite group brings a sense of pride.

3. Impact on Society: Working in civil services allows individuals to make a significant impact on society. From policy formulation to grassroots-level implementation, the reach of civil servants is vast.

If you are interested in accessing the latest hardcopy and softcopy notes, course syllabus, previous years’ question papers, answer keys, crash courses, Google Drive Course, and wish to receive personal guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey, please fill out the form!

What’s the UPSC Exam Structure Like?

The UPSC Civil Services Examination consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination: This is an objective-type exam comprising two papers. It acts as a screening test.
2. Mains Examination: This stage includes nine papers, including essay writing and general studies, and is more comprehensive.
3. Interview: The final stage is the personality test or interview, where candidates are assessed on their personality, knowledge, and suitability for civil service.

UPSC English Literature optional syllabus

If you have chosen English Literature as your optional subject then, you must cover 14 novels, 5 plays, and around 60 poems. The UPSC English Literature syllabus consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks. The UPSC English syllabus for Paper I covers topics like Shakespeare, the Renaissance, the 18th century, Romantic and Victorian Poetry while Paper II will include topics like contemporary literature, literary theory, and Indian writing in English. The UPSC English Literature optional syllabus tests your capability to conduct literary analysis, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of cultural, historical, and social contexts.

If you’re preparing for the UPSC exam, then you can also enroll in BPSC coaching classes. Sahitya Classes provides the best English Literature UPSC coaching online through its comprehensive Google Drive Course. After enrolling in the course, you will get best English Literature UPSC notes along with personalized guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey. The journey may be tough, but with the right preparation strategy, a solid understanding of the UPSC exam pattern, and access to the best UPSC coaching centres in Delhi, you can clear this exam and embark on a rewarding career. For better understanding of the UPSC English Literature syllabus and course content, join Sahitya Classes now!

FAQs

1. What is the syllabus for the UPSC English Literature optional?
The UPSC English Literature syllabus consists of two papers:
Paper I:

• Section A: Poetry and Drama (from Chaucer to Shakespeare, metaphysical poetry, Milton, and more)
• Section B: Novel and other forms of fiction (works by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Henry Fielding, etc.)

Paper II:

• Section A: Poetry, drama, and fiction from the late 19th century onwards (including works by T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats, Virginia Woolf, etc.)
• Section B: Critical study of texts (including modern and contemporary works such as by George Orwell, Joseph Conrad, and others).

2. Which authors are covered in the UPSC English Literature optional syllabus?
You need to read these key authors including:
• Poetry & Drama: Chaucer, Shakespeare, John Donne, T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats

• Novelists: Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Henry Fielding, Virginia Woolf

• Modern Works: George Orwell, Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene

3. What are the advantages of choosing English Literature as an optional in UPSC?

• Strong interest and background in literature help in understanding and analyzing texts.
• A relatively static syllabus, unlike dynamic GS papers.
• It helps improve writing skills, which is useful for essay writing.

4. Are there any overlaps between the English Literature syllabus and General Studies (GS) papers?

There is minimal overlap between the English Literature syllabus and GS papers. However, reading English literature enhances critical thinking, essay writing, and analytical skills, which can be beneficial across other papers.

5. How much time is needed to cover the English Literature syllabus?

Ideally, 4-6 months of dedicated preparation is required to complete the UPSC English Literature optional syllabus, depending on one’s familiarity with the subject. Regular reading, analysis, and practice are crucial.

If you are interested in accessing the latest hardcopy and softcopy notes, course syllabus, previous years’ question papers, answer keys, crash courses, Google Drive Course, and wish to receive personal guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey, please fill out the form!