"Discover everything you need to know about English Literature optional for UPSC. Learn about the syllabus, books, notes, topper strategies, and more in this comprehensive guide."
English Literature is one of the most popular optional subjects for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is a subject that not only helps you explore the rich world of literary works but also enhances your analytical and writing skills, which are crucial for the UPSC exam.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about English Literature optional, including its syllabus, books, notes, previous year question papers (PYQs), topper strategies, and more. Whether you are a beginner or someone looking to refine your preparation, this guide will help you navigate through the subject with ease.
English Literature optional offers a vast range of literary works that enhance analytical and critical thinking skills. It also helps in improving language proficiency, which is beneficial for essay writing and answer presentation in the UPSC exam. Here are some reasons why English Literature is a great choice as an optional subject for the UPSC exam:
English Literature Optional Syllabus includes poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction from different literary periods. Focuses on literary movements, themes, and critical analysis of texts. Requires in-depth study of prescribed works and their historical and cultural contexts. (Answers must be written in English)
Syllabus is designed to test a first-hand and critical reading of texts from 1600-1900. Candidates are also required to show adequate knowledge of the following topics and movements:
English Literature optional syllabus is divided into two papers, each covering different aspects of the subject. Here is a brief overview of the syllabus:
English Literature Optional Paper I Syllabus | ||
Section | Author/Poet/Playwright | Works/Poems |
Section A | William Shakespeare | King Lear, The Tempest |
John Donne | Canonization, Death be not proud, The Good Morrow, On his Mistress going to bed, The Relic | |
John Milton | Paradise Lost (Books I, II, IV, IX) | |
Alexander Pope | The Rape of the Lock | |
William Wordsworth | Ode on Intimations of Immortality, Tintern Abbey, Three years she grew, She dwelt among untrodden ways, Michael, Resolution and Independence, The World is too much with us, Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour, Upon Westminster Bridge | |
Alfred Tennyson | In Memoriam | |
Henrik Ibsen | A Doll’s House | |
Section B | Jonathan Swift | Gulliver’s Travels |
Jane Austen | Pride and Prejudice | |
Henry Fielding | Tom Jones | |
Charles Dickens | Hard Times | |
George Eliot | The Mill on the Floss | |
Thomas Hardy | Tess of the d’Urbervilles | |
Mark Twain | The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn |
English Literature Optional Paper II Syllabus | ||
Section | Author | Works/Topics |
General Topics | Modernism, Poets of the Thirties, Stream-of-consciousness Novel, Absurd Drama, Colonialism and Post-Colonialism, Indian Writing in English, Marxist, Psychoanalytical and Feminist approaches to literature, Post-Modernism. | |
Section A | William Butler Yeats | Easter 1916, The Second Coming, A Prayer for my Daughter, Sailing to Byzantium, The Tower, Among School Children, Leda and the Swan, Meru, Lapis Lazuli, Byzantium. |
T.S. Eliot | The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, Journey of the Magi, Burnt Norton. | |
W.H. Auden | Partition, Musee des Beaux Arts, In Memory of W.B. Yeats, Lay your Sleeping Head, My Love, The Unknown Citizen, Consider, Mundus Et Infans, The Shield of Achilles, September 1, 1939, Petition. | |
John Osborne | Look Back in Anger. | |
Samuel Beckett | Waiting for Godot. | |
Philip Larkin | Next, Please, Deceptions, Afternoons, Days, Mr. Bleaney. | |
A.K. Ramanujan | Looking for a Cousin on a Swing, A River, Of Mothers, Among Other Things, Love Poem for a Wife 1, Small-Scale Reflections on a Great House, Obituary. (Available in “Ten Twentieth Century Indian Poets,” edited by R. Parthasarathy, Oxford University Press) | |
Section B | Joseph Conrad | Lord Jim. |
James Joyce | Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. | |
D.H. Lawrence | Sons and Lovers. | |
E.M. Forster | A Passage to India. | |
Virginia Woolf | Mrs. Dalloway. | |
Raja Rao | Kanthapura. | |
V.S. Naipaul | A House for Mr. Biswas. |
English Literature Optional Books cover essential literary works, historical contexts, and critical analyses required for the UPSC syllabus. They help in understanding various genres, themes, and literary movements, aiding effective preparation. Choosing the right books is crucial for your preparation. Here are some recommended books for English Literature optional:
Preparing your own notes is one of the best ways to retain information. However, if you are short on time, you can refer to the notes provided by toppers or coaching institutes. Here are some tips for making effective notes:
English Literature optional question paper is divided into two papers, each carrying 250 marks. The questions are a mix of theoretical and analytical types. Here are some tips for attempting the question paper:
Here is a list of the last five years of English Literature Optional PYQ (Previous Year Question Papers) that aspirants can download and use in their preparation.
UPSC English Literature Optional Previous Year Question Papers | |
Year | Paper |
2024 | Download Paper 1 |
Download Paper 2 | |
2023 | Download Paper 1 |
Download Paper 2 | |
2022 | Download Paper 1 |
Download Paper 2 | |
2021 | Download Paper 1 |
Download Paper 2 | |
2020 | Download Paper 1 |
Download Paper 2 |
Yes, English Literature is a good optional for UPSC, especially for candidates who have a strong command of the English language and a passion for literature. Here are some reasons why:
English Literature Optional UPSC Strategy focuses on thorough reading of prescribed texts and understanding literary themes and contexts. Regular practice of answer writing and critical analysis helps in effectively presenting arguments in the exam. Here are some tips for preparing for English Literature optional:
English Literature is a highly rewarding optional subject for the UPSC exam. With the right strategy, resources, and dedication, you can score well in this subject. Make sure to cover the entire syllabus, practice answer writing, and revise regularly. Use the recommended books, notes, and previous year question papers to enhance your preparation. By following these tips, you can master English Literature and increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam.
Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!
Some of the best books for English Literature optional are "A History of English Literature by Edward Albert," "Literary Criticism: An Introduction by Terry Eagleton," and "The Norton Anthology of English Literature."
To prepare for English Literature optional, understand the syllabus, make a study plan, practice answer writing, and revise regularly. Use recommended books and previous year question papers.
The syllabus for English Literature optional is divided into two papers: Paper-I (History of English Literature and Literary Criticism) and Paper-II (Detailed Study of English Literary Texts).
To write effective answers, structure your answers well, use headings and subheadings, and support your answers with examples. Practice writing answers within the time limit.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
theIAShub is dedicated to shaping the next generation of civil
servants by providing a transformative preparation platform tailored
to the unique challenges of UPSC CSE. From mastering the
foundational concepts for Prelims to crafting impactful answers for
Mains and excelling in the Personality Test, we ensure every
aspirant is equipped with the skills and strategies required to
succeed.
With a perfect blend of online and offline learning options, our
programs are designed to deliver personalized guidance and
cutting-edge resources. theIAShub’s renowned Test Series for GS
Prelims, Mains, CSAT, Essay, and Optional Subjects empowers
aspirants through continuous evaluation and improvement, fostering a
deep understanding and readiness for every stage of the examination.
At theIAShub, our mission is to inspire, guide, and empower aspirants to transform their potential into tangible success. Through our innovative mentorship ecosystem, aspirants receive individualized feedback, actionable strategies, and focused attention that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As pioneers in UPSC preparation, we combine expertise, innovation, and commitment to create an unparalleled learning experience. Whether through engaging workshops, insightful resources, or interactive sessions, theIAShub fosters a community where aspirants not only prepare for exams but also develop the mindset of future leaders dedicated to nation-building.
Join theIAShub and become part of a transformative journey, where your aspirations meet the guidance, support, and excellence needed to succeed in the world of civil services.