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The UPSC Telugu Compulsory Paper 2026 is a qualifying language paper in the UPSC Mains examination, carrying 300 marks. It assesses essay writing, comprehension, translation, grammar, and language skills. Understanding the syllabus, exam pattern, and practising previous years' papers can help you comfortably secure the qualifying marks.
The UPSC Telugu Compulsory Paper 2026 is one of the qualifying language papers in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination. Although its marks are not included in the final merit list, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks for their General Studies, Essay, and Optional papers to be evaluated.
Understanding the latest exam pattern, syllabus, and question types helps candidates prepare strategically. With regular writing practice, grammar revision, and previous years’ question papers, this paper can be comfortably cleared alongside the preparation for other UPSC Mains subjects.
Before starting your preparation, it is useful to understand the basic details of the examination.
| Particular | Details |
| Examination | UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 |
| Paper | Indian Language (Telugu) – Paper A |
| Nature of Paper | Qualifying |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 75 Marks (25%) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Purpose | Tests proficiency in the Telugu language |
The Telugu Compulsory Paper follows the standard pattern prescribed by UPSC for all Indian Language papers. It focuses on your writing ability, language skills, comprehension, and translation rather than factual knowledge.
| Section | Marks |
| Essay Writing | 100 |
| Reading Comprehension | 60 |
| Precis Writing | 60 |
| Translation (English to Telugu & Telugu to English) | 40 |
| Grammar, Vocabulary and Usage | 40 |
| Total | 300 |
Key Points
The syllabus focuses on your understanding and practical use of the Telugu language. Instead of memorising facts, you are expected to demonstrate clear writing, comprehension, and translation skills.
The syllabus includes:
Regular writing practice is one of the most effective ways to prepare for every section of the syllabus.
Practising previous years’ question papers helps you understand the writing style, difficulty level, and the types of questions asked in the Telugu Compulsory Paper. It also improves your writing speed, answer presentation, and confidence before the examination.
| Year | Question Paper |
| 2025 | Download PDF |
| 2024 | Download PDF |
| 2023 | Download PDF |
| 2022 | Download PDF |
| 2021 | Download PDF |
Before choosing Telugu as your Indian Language paper, it is important to know whether you need to appear for it. UPSC has clear rules about who has to take the paper and who is exempt.
You need to appear for the UPSC Telugu Compulsory Paper if:
Some candidates are exempt from appearing for the Indian Language (Paper A) as per the UPSC rules. This exemption applies to candidates from certain states and categories notified by UPSC. You should check the latest UPSC notification to confirm whether the exemption applies to you.
Note: If you are exempt from the Indian Language paper, you will still have to appear for the English Language (Paper B) unless the official UPSC notification states otherwise.
Preparing for the Telugu Compulsory Paper does not require long study hours, but regular practice can make a significant difference. Since the paper is descriptive, improving your writing skills is just as important as understanding grammar.
Regular reading and writing practice will help you perform confidently in every section of the paper while meeting the qualifying requirement.
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Yes. The UPSC Telugu Compulsory Paper (Paper A) is a qualifying paper in the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination. You must secure at least 75 marks out of 300 (25%) for your General Studies, Essay, and Optional papers to be evaluated.
The paper is descriptive and carries 300 marks with a duration of 3 hours. It includes questions on essay writing, reading comprehension, precis writing, translation (English to Telugu and Telugu to English), grammar, vocabulary, and language usage.
The syllabus covers essay writing, reading comprehension, precis writing, translation in both directions, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, language usage, and short composition to assess your proficiency in Telugu.
You can prepare using Telugu grammar books, dictionaries, school-level Telugu textbooks, Telugu newspapers, and previous years' question papers. These resources help improve grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.
Yes. Solving previous years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern, improve writing speed, practise translation, and become familiar with the types of questions asked in the examination.
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