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UPSC Mains examination comprises two language papers: one in English and another in an Indian language selected by the candidate. These papers are qualifying in nature, meaning they do not contribute to the final ranking but must be successfully cleared. The Indian language paper evaluates fundamental comprehension, writing abilities, and grammatical precision, aiming to confirm that candidates possess basic proficiency in a language other than English.

The Indian Language Papers 2025 have been conducted on 30 August 2025 in the first shift (9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon). The language paper carries a total weight of 300 marks, and candidates must score at least 25% to qualify. 

Also Read UPSC Mains Question Papers 2025  Download

UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Paper 2025 Overview

Paper A is a mandatory qualifying paper in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. It tests a candidate’s ability to read, write, and comprehend one of the 22 Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. It carries 300 marks, and candidates must score at least 25% (75 marks) to qualify, although these marks do not count toward the final merit ranking.

Also Read UPSC GS 1 Question Paper 2025 out

UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Paper PDFs 2025 Download

UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Papers 2025 PDF: UPSC Mains 2025 compulsory Paper completed on 30 August 2025. Aspirants can download and save the PDF directly from the table below and also explore the UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2025 on the IAS HUB YouTube Channel.

Also Read UPSC Mains GS 2 Paper 2025 Analysis Out

Compulsory Language Paper UPSC Pattern 

These papers test a candidate’s ability to comprehend and express themselves clearly and correctly in English and their selected Indian language.

Paper A – Indian Language (300 Marks)

Candidates must choose a language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Typical question types:

• Comprehension of given passages
• Precis (summary) writing
• Word usage and vocabulary
• Short essay writing
• Translation (from English to the Indian language and vice versa)

Note 1: Exempted for candidates from Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Note 2: Candidates with benchmark disabilities (hearing impairment) who their board has officially exempted from studying a second or third language may be exempted from Paper A. Such candidates must submit a self-declaration to claim this exemption.

Paper B – English (300 Marks)

This paper is compulsory for all aspirants.

Typical question types:

• Comprehension of passages
• Precis writing
• Vocabulary and usage
• Short essay writing

Qualifying Criteria for Compulsory Language

A minimum of 75 out of 300 marks (25%) is required in both Paper A and Paper B to qualify.

Though these marks aren’t counted toward the final rank, they act as a precondition for checking the merit papers. That means, unless a candidate qualifies for both papers, their answers for GS, Essay, and Optional Subjects will not be evaluated at all.

Also Read UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper 2025 Analysis 

UPSC Compulsory English Language Paper 2025 PDF

UPSC Compulsory English Language Paper 2025 has been concluded on 30 August. Aspirants can download and save the PDF directly from the table below and also explore the UPSC Essay Paper Analysis 2025 on the IAS HUB YouTube Channel.

UPSC Compulsory Hindi Language Paper 2025 PDF

UPSC Compulsory Hindi Language Paper 2025 is completed on 30 August. Aspirants can download and save the PDF directly from the table below and also explore the UPSC compulsory language Paper Analysis 2025 on the IAS HUB YouTube Channel.

UPSC Compulsory Urdu Language Paper 2025 PDF

UPSC Compulsory Urdu Language Paper 2025 is completed on 30 August. Aspirants can download and save the PDF directly from the table below and also explore the UPSC compulsory language Paper Analysis 2025 on the IAS HUB YouTube Channel.

UPSC Compulsory Indian Language PYQs- 5 Years

UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for the UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Paper for the last 5 years, along with a PDF for Download, is given below:

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UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Paper 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the UPSC Compulsory Indian Language Paper (Paper A)?

Paper A is a mandatory qualifying paper in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. It tests a candidate’s ability to read, write, and comprehend one of the 22 Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. It carries 300 marks, and candidates must score at least 25% (75 marks) to qualify.

Q2. Which languages can I choose for Paper A?

Aspirants can choose one of the following 22 languages from the Eighth Schedule: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.

Q3. What is the syllabus for the Compulsory Indian Language Paper?

Syllabus of compulsory Indian language, set at Class 10 level, includes: Comprehension(Understanding and answering questions). Precis Writing (Summarising a passage concisely). Usage and Vocabulary( Testing knowledge of words and their usage). Short Essay (approximately 600 words) on a given topic and Translation.

Q4. What is the exam pattern for Compulsory Indian language Paper A?

The compulsory Indian language Paper is descriptive, requiring written answers in the chosen language’s script with a Duration of 3 hours, a Total of 300 marks. The Paper is a qualifying requirement with 75 Marks (25% of the total marks)

Q5. Who is exempted from the Compulsory Indian language Paper A?

Candidates from the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim are exempted. Additionally, candidates with benchmark disabilities (hearing impairment sub-category) may be exempted if they provide a self-declaration or certificate from their education board/university.