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UPSC Punjabi Compulsory Paper 2026 is a qualifying Indian Language (Paper A) in the UPSC Mains Examination for candidates who choose Punjabi. Learn the latest syllabus, exam pattern, qualifying marks, eligibility, and previous year papers to prepare effectively and ensure your remaining Mains papers are evaluated.
UPSC Punjabi Compulsory Paper (Paper A) is a qualifying language paper in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination for candidates who opt for Punjabi as their Indian language. Although its marks are not included in the final merit list, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks; otherwise, their Essay, General Studies, and Optional papers will not be evaluated.
Understanding the latest exam pattern, syllabus, qualifying criteria, and practising previous years’ question papers can help candidates prepare effectively and comfortably clear this paper.
The UPSC Punjabi Compulsory Paper is the Indian Language (Paper A) in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination for candidates who choose Punjabi as their qualifying language. A quick overview of the paper is given below:
| Particular | Details |
| Exam | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 |
| Paper | Indian Language (Punjabi) – Paper A |
| Nature | Qualifying |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Qualifying Marks | 75 Marks (25%) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Descriptive) |
| Purpose | Tests proficiency in the Punjabi language |
You need to appear for the Punjabi Compulsory Paper only if you have selected Punjabi as your Indian Language (Paper A) while filling out the UPSC Mains application form.
To perform well in the paper, you should have a good understanding of:
Candidates who are exempt from the Indian Language Paper under UPSC rules are not required to appear for this paper.
The Punjabi Compulsory Paper follows the standard exam pattern prescribed by UPSC for all Indian Language (Paper A) examinations. The paper is descriptive and tests different aspects of language proficiency instead of factual knowledge.
| Component | Question Type | Marks |
| Essay Writing | One long essay | 100 |
| Reading Comprehension | Passage-based questions | 60 |
| Precis Writing | Summary writing | 60 |
| Translation | Punjabi ↔ English | 40 |
| Grammar & Language Usage | Short descriptive questions | 40 |
| Total | 300 |
The syllabus focuses on your ability to use Punjabi correctly in different writing situations. The questions are designed to assess reading, writing, grammar, comprehension, and translation skills.
The major topics include:
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Essay Writing | Essay on social, cultural, national or current topics |
| Reading Comprehension | Passage reading and related questions |
| Precis Writing | Summarising a given passage |
| Translation | Punjabi to English and English to Punjabi |
| Grammar | Sentence correction, grammar rules, syntax |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases |
| Language Usage | Correct expression and sentence formation |
Preparing all these sections regularly helps improve writing accuracy and confidence during the examination.
Previous year question papers help you understand the writing pattern, question types, and level of difficulty. Solving them regularly also improves writing speed, presentation, and time management.
| 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) |
The UPSC Punjabi Compulsory Paper may be qualifying in nature, but it is an essential part of the UPSC Mains Examination. Understanding the exam pattern, practising previous year papers, and regularly improving your writing, grammar, and translation skills can help you qualify comfortably and move forward in the selection process.
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Yes. The Punjabi Compulsory Paper is a qualifying paper. You must score at least 75 marks out of 300 to qualify.
No. The marks are not added to the final UPSC merit list. However, qualifying the paper is mandatory.
Candidates who choose Punjabi as their Indian Language (Paper A) in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination must appear for this paper unless exempt under UPSC rules.
The examination is conducted for 3 hours in descriptive mode.
Yes. The paper includes translation from Punjabi to English and English to Punjabi.
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