Which All Languages Can the UPSC Exam Be Given In?
Are you preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam and wondering which languages you can choose? At Bubna’s IAS, the best IAS coaching institute in Surat, we support aspirants by offering guidance in a wide range of languages. Here’s everything you need to know about the language options available for the UPSC examination.
UPSC Exam: Language Options at a Glance
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is the gateway to prestigious services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. India’s linguistic diversity is respected in the UPSC exam, and candidates have the flexibility to appear in the exam in multiple languages, ensuring that language is not a barrier for deserving candidates.
Language Options in UPSC Prelims and Mains Examination
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Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Prelims exam is objective in nature and consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). These papers are available in:
- English
- Hindi
Most questions are bilingual, though some technical questions may be available only in English. At Bubna’s IAS in Surat, we prepare our students for the Prelims in both languages, depending on their preference.
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Mains Examination
The Mains examination is where UPSC offers greater language flexibility. The exam comprises Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subject papers, which can be written in English or any of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Here’s a complete list of languages in which the Mains exam can be written:
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Bodo
- Dogri
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Maithili
- Malayalam
- Manipuri
- Marathi
- Nepali
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Santali
- Sindhi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
Candidates at Bubna’s IAS have the advantage of receiving expert guidance in their chosen medium, including language-specific tips and techniques to excel in the written exams.
- Compulsory Indian Language Paper (Paper A)
In the Mains examination, candidates must take a qualifying Indian Language paper. They can choose from the list of languages mentioned above, except English. However, candidates from certain states (like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim) are exempt from this requirement.
At Bubna’s IAS, we provide dedicated support to help you master the language paper and achieve the qualifying marks.
Can the UPSC Interview Be Given in Any Language?
Yes! UPSC allows candidates to appear for the Personality Test (Interview) in:
- English
- Hindi
- Any Eighth Schedule language (if the candidate has chosen that language as the medium of Mains examination).
Candidates are also allowed to use an interpreter during the interview if they prefer to speak in their regional language. Bubna’s IAS offers mock interviews in both English and regional languages to help students prepare confidently for this crucial stage of the exam.
Choosing the Right Language for UPSC
Choosing the appropriate language for the UPSC exam is an important decision. Here’s what you should consider:
- Comfort and fluency: Choose the language in which you can comfortably express your thoughts and ideas.
- Availability of study material: Ensure there are sufficient books, notes, and coaching available in your chosen language.
- Writing practice: The language you choose should be one in which you can regularly practice writing answers, as descriptive answers are essential in the Mains exam.
At Bubna’s IAS in Surat, we guide you in making the right decision based on your language proficiency and access to resources. Whether you prefer Gujarati, Hindi, or English, we offer complete language support for every stage of your preparation.
Language Preference Data for UPSC Exam:
- English: Around 60-65% of candidates choose English as their medium, especially for the Mains exam and Interview stage. English remains the dominant language due to the availability of extensive study materials, coaching, and resources.
- Hindi: Roughly 25-30% of candidates opt for Hindi, particularly from the northern states of India. Hindi is also commonly chosen as the language for the Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
- Regional Languages:
- Around 5-10% of candidates choose regional languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution for their Mains exam. This includes languages like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, and others.
- Regional language candidates usually come from states where these languages are predominantly spoken, and UPSC offers provisions for these candidates to appear in their local language during the Mains exam.
- Interview Language Choices:
- Although the majority of candidates opt for English or Hindi in the Personality Test, a small percentage also chooses regional languages. The UPSC allows candidates to use an interpreter during the interview if they wish to speak in a regional language.
Recent Language Trends:
- In recent years, there’s been a slight increase in the number of candidates opting for Hindi and regional languages, largely due to increased availability of study materials in these languages.
- For the Prelims examination, the vast majority of candidates (~80%) attempt the exam in English, while around 20% use Hindi or other regional languages.
More UPSC info and FAQs : click here
Why Choose Bubna’s IAS in Surat for UPSC Preparation?
At Bubna’s IAS, we believe that language should never be a barrier to success. Here’s why our coaching institute stands out:
- Multilingual Support: We provide preparation guidance in multiple languages, ensuring that every aspirant, whether from a Hindi, Gujarati, or English background, gets the best coaching experience.
- Experienced Faculty: Our faculty is well-versed in guiding students from different linguistic backgrounds and helps them excel in both Prelims and Mains.
- Comprehensive Study Material: We offer study materials in English, Hindi, and other regional languages, tailored to meet the needs of every candidate.
- Personalized Mentorship: Our mentors help students choose the right language for the exam based on their strengths and offer continuous language-specific support throughout their journey.
By preparing with us, you can confidently choose the language that suits you best and aim for success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Are you ready to prepare for the UPSC exam in your preferred language? Join Bubna’s IAS today and receive top-notch coaching and guidance in English, Hindi, Gujarati, or any other language. With our expert faculty and personalized mentorship, we’ll help you clear all stages of the UPSC exam with confidence!
Contact us at Bubna’s IAS to get started on your UPSC preparation today.
