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The UPSC Manipuri Compulsory Paper 2026 is a qualifying Indian Language (Paper A) in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination for candidates who choose Manipuri. Learn the latest syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility, qualifying marks, official PDF, previous year papers, and preparation strategy to comfortably clear this mandatory paper.
UPSC Manipuri Compulsory Paper (Paper A) is a qualifying language paper in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination for candidates who opt for Manipuri as their Indian language. Although the marks obtained in this paper are not included in the final merit list, candidates must secure the prescribed qualifying marks. Failure to do so means the Essay, General Studies, and Optional papers will not be evaluated.
Understanding the latest exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility criteria, and practising previous years’ question papers can help candidates prepare effectively. Regular practice in essay writing, translation, grammar, and comprehension is usually sufficient to qualify this paper with confidence.
UPSC Manipuri Compulsory Paper is Paper A of the Civil Services (Main) Examination for candidates who choose Manipuri as their Indian language. It is a qualifying paper that tests your ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in Manipuri.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 |
| Paper | Paper A – Indian Language (Manipuri) |
| Nature of Paper | Qualifying |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Qualifying Marks | 75 Marks (25%) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Medium | Manipuri |
You need to appear for the Manipuri Compulsory Paper only if you have selected Manipuri as your Indian Language (Paper A) in the UPSC Mains Examination.
However, as per UPSC rules, candidates belonging to the following states may be exempt from appearing in the Indian Language Paper, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification:
Always check the latest UPSC notification before claiming any exemption.
The Manipuri language paper is descriptive in nature and evaluates your writing ability, language understanding, grammar, translation, and comprehension skills.
| Component | Question Type | Marks |
| Essay Writing | One long essay | 100 |
| Reading Comprehension | Passage-based questions | 60 |
| Precis Writing | Summary writing | 60 |
| Translation | Manipuri ↔ English | 40 |
| Grammar & Language Usage | Short descriptive questions | 40 |
| Total | 300 |
You can download the official UPSC Manipuri Compulsory Paper syllabus PDF to keep the latest syllabus handy during your preparation. Referring to the official syllabus helps you cover every topic prescribed for the qualifying language paper.
| Subject | Download PDF |
| UPSC Manipuri Compulsory Paper Syllabus PDF | Download Official PDF |
The syllabus focuses on testing your practical command of the Manipuri language instead of advanced literature. The questions assess your ability to understand ideas, write clearly, and translate accurately.
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Essay Writing | Essay on social, cultural, educational or contemporary topics |
| Reading Comprehension | Passage reading, understanding, interpretation and answering questions |
| Precis Writing | Writing concise summaries while retaining the original meaning |
| Translation | English to Manipuri and Manipuri to English |
| Grammar & Language Usage | Sentence correction, grammar, vocabulary, idioms and correct language usage |
Practising previous year papers helps you understand the writing style, question pattern, and level of difficulty. It also improves your speed and confidence before the examination.
| Year | Question Paper |
| 2025 | (Download PDF) |
| 2024 | (Download PDF) |
| 2023 | (Download PDF) |
| 2022 | (Download PDF) |
| 2021 | (Download PDF) |
| 2020 | (Download PDF) |
| 2019 | Download PDF) |
| 2018 | (Download PDF) |
| 2017 | (Download PDF) |
| 2016 | (Download PDF) |
Previous year question papers help you understand the actual exam pattern and the type of descriptive questions asked in the examination. They also improve your writing speed and help you become more comfortable with essay writing, translation, grammar, and comprehension before the exam.
Regular practice helps you:
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Yes. The Manipuri Compulsory Paper (Paper A) is a qualifying paper in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination. You must secure the minimum qualifying marks for your remaining Mains papers to be evaluated.
You need to score at least 75 marks out of 300 (25%) to qualify the paper.
The paper generally includes essay writing, reading comprehension, precis writing, translation (Manipuri–English and English–Manipuri), grammar, vocabulary, and language usage.
Yes. Solving previous year papers helps you understand the question pattern, improve writing speed, strengthen translation skills, and practise answering descriptive questions within the allotted time.
You can download the official syllabus PDF from the UPSC notification. It contains the latest syllabus and topics prescribed for the Manipuri Compulsory Paper.
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