The Indian language requirement
The Civil Services Mains includes a compulsory paper in an Indian language chosen by the candidate, and this page is about the Bengali version from 2015. It is an archived copy of the question paper, around four megabytes in size, written in Bengali. There is no answer key. The paper is meant to confirm that the candidate can read and write the language competently, not to test literature in depth.
Quick facts
- Examination: Civil Services (Main), 2015
- Paper: Bengali, compulsory language paper
- Language: Bengali
- File size: about 3.8 MB
- Contents: questions only
What these papers usually include
Compulsory language papers generally combine comprehension of a passage, a précis, an essay, translation between the language and English, and a section on grammar and usage. The balance can shift from year to year, so the 2015 paper shows you how the pieces were arranged. Read it with an eye for the type of essay topics and the length expected of translations, as both influence the way you plan your time.
| Skill area | Practice idea |
|---|---|
| Comprehension | Read one editorial weekly and answer questions on it |
| Précis | Cut a page to a third without losing the thread |
| Essay | Write one short essay every three days |
| Translation | Convert a paragraph each way and compare |
Why not to ignore it
The language papers are qualifying: a candidate must secure the minimum marks, but those marks do not count for ranking. The risk is that a strong performer in the other papers can still be affected if this paper is not cleared, so even a candidate fluent in Bengali should take one or two timed sittings.
Syllabus fit
The scheme for this paper tests functional command of the language in standard prose, meaning clarity, correctness and the ability to write at the level of a graduate. It is not tied to specific books, so reading widely in newspapers and magazines is the best preparation.
Extra hints
Keep your handwriting steady and neat, since long answers in a script that is not your daily medium can become untidy. Practise with a pen at the same speed you will need in the hall.
Who should use it
Candidates who selected Bengali as their language paper and those who coach them will gain from this file.
Planning the hall time
Decide beforehand how long the comprehension, summary and essay will each get, and stick to the plan during practice. Candidates often overspend on the first section and then hurry through translation, where small slips cost marks. A written timetable pinned above the desk keeps the habit alive.
Printed material
Competer lists printed UPSC previous year paper compilations for readers who prefer to practise on paper.
