JPSC Paper 2 Syllabus is one of the most important parts of the JPSC Mains examination because Paper II is a 150-mark Language and Literature paper whose marks are counted in merit. Every candidate appearing in JPSC Mains has to choose one language from the 15 options prescribed by JPSC.

Candidates can choose regional and tribal languages such as Nagpuri, Khortha, Santhali, Mundari, Kurux, Kurmali, Panchpargania, Ho and Khadia, along with Hindi, English, Bengali, Urdu, Sanskrit and Odia.

Get all JPSC Notes https://learnpro.in/jpsc-notes/

For the complete examination structure, candidates can also use the JPSC Syllabus and JPSC Notes.

JPSC Paper 2 Syllabus Overview

The most important point is that Paper II is not qualifying. A candidate’s Paper II score directly contributes to the final Mains merit.

JPSC Paper 2 Syllabus Language List

JPSC provides 15 Language and Literature options:

Among JPSC candidates, the most searched regional options are usually Nagpuri, Khortha, Santhali and Mundari, followed by Kurmali, Kurux, Ho and Panchpargania.

JPSC Nagpuri Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Nagpuri syllabus is given across Gazette pages 45–46 in the uploaded document.

Section I

Part A – Nagpuri Language

1. Origin and development of Nagpuri language
2. Characteristics of Nagpuri language
3. Nagpuri Grammar
   • Sangya – Noun
   • Sarvanam – Pronoun
   • Vachan – Number
   • Purush – Person
   • Ling – Gender
   • Kaal – Tense
   • Kriya – Verb
   • Visheshan – Adjective
   • Upsarg – Prefix
   • Pratyay – Suffix
   • Karak
   • Avyay
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Origin, development and characteristics of Devanagari script

Part B – Nagpuri Folk Literature

1. General introduction to Nagpuri folk literature
2. Forms/sub-forms, historical elements and depiction of nature
3. Life philosophy, rasa, shilpa, different forms of folk songs
4. Important Nagpuri folk-song traditions including forms such as:
   • Jhumar
   • Mardani Jhumar
   • Janani Jhumar
   • Bangla Jhumar
   • Pawas
   • Udasi
   • Fagua
   • Pachrangi
   • Dumkach
   • Lahsua etc.
5. Origin and development of Nagpuri folk stories:
   • creation stories;
   • animal-bird stories;
   • brother-sister stories;
   • love stories;
   • friends;
   • strange and miscellaneous stories.
6. Nagpuri folk/performing literature:
   • folk songs;
   • idioms;
   • riddles;
   • children’s songs/बालगीत;
   • खेल गीत;
   • मंत्र etc.

Part C – Nagpuri Written Literature

1. Periodisation of Nagpuri literature
   • Ancient period
   • Medieval period
   • Modern period
2. History and development of Nagpuri poetry
   • Geet
   • Kavita
   • Khand Kavya
   • Mahakavya
3. History and development of Nagpuri prose
   • Story
   • Novel
   • Drama
   • Autobiography
   • Biography
   • Travelogue
   • Essay
   • Review/Criticism
   • Other Nagpuri prose forms
4. Explanation of passages from poetry and prose

Section II

Part D – Nagpuri Writers and Literature

The syllabus specifically requires familiarity with important Nagpuri poets, writers, dramatists and critics and their works.

The Gazette names writers including:

• Hanuman Singh
• Barju Ram
• Mahant Ghasi
• Ghasi Ram
• Kanchan
• Dhani Ram Bakhshi
• Peter Shanti Navrangi
• Yogendra Nath Tiwari
• Prafulla Kumar Rai
• Sharad Prasad Sharma
• Sahni Upendra Pal Nahan
• Visheshwar Prasad Keshari
• Naiemuddin Mirdaha
• Lal Ranvijay Nath Shahdeo
• Uday Narayan Tiwari
• Mrityunjay Nath Sharma
• Prahlad Kumar Rai
• B. P. Keshri/related prescribed writers
• and other writers listed in the official syllabus.

The syllabus also includes influence of other Indian literatures on the development of Nagpuri literature.

Part E – Nagpuri Essay

Essay in Devanagari on subjects such as:

• current/contemporary issues;
• cultural issues;
• social issues;
• traditional arts;
• music, instruments and dance;
• History and Geography related to Jharkhand.

Part F – Precis Writing

Precis of a given prose passage in Nagpuri.

Part G – Translation

Translation of a given Hindi prose passage into Nagpuri.

Part H – Comprehension

A passage/extract is given and the candidate has to answer questions in Nagpuri.

JPSC Khortha Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Khortha syllabus appears on Gazette pages 53–54.

Section I

Part A – Khortha Language

1. Origin and development of Khortha
2. Characteristics of Khortha language
3. Khortha Grammar
   • Sangya
   • Sarvanam
   • Vachan
   • Purush
   • Ling determination
   • Kaal
   • Kriya
   • Visheshan
   • Upsarg
   • Pratyay
   • Karak
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Script-related problems, characteristics and development
6. Relationship and differences between Khortha and other languages of Jharkhand

Part B – Khortha Folk Literature

1. General introduction, characteristics and importance of Khortha folk literature
2. Definition, characteristics and importance of Khortha folk songs
3. Classification of folk songs and their varieties
4. Origin, development, classification and importance of Khortha folk tales
5. Lokgatha
6. Khortha miscellaneous folk literature:
   • Lokokti
   • Muhavara
   • Paheli
   • Balgeet
   • Mantra

Part C – Khortha Written Literature

1. Periodisation

• Ancient period
• Medieval period
• Modern period

2. Development of Khortha Poetry

• Geet
• Kavita

3. Development of Khortha Prose

• Story
• Novel
• Drama
• Autobiography
• Biography
• Travelogue
• Essay
• Sketch/word-picture
• Memoir

4. Explanation

Explanation of prescribed poetry and prose passages.

Section II

Part D – Khortha Writers and Literature

The syllabus requires the study of:

• influence of other Indian literatures on Khortha literature;
• major Khortha poets, writers and artists and their works.

The Gazette specifically names authors such as:

• Shri Niwas Panuri
• Bhubaneswar Datt Sharma
• A. K. Jha
• Shyam Sundar Mahato
• Vishwanath Dashondhi Raj
• Vishwanath Nagar
• Shivnath Pramanik
• Kumari Shashi
• Dr. Vinod Kumar
• Dr. B. N. Ohdar

and other prescribed writers.

Part E – Khortha Essay

Essay in Devanagari on:

• contemporary issues;
• cultural issues;
• social issues;
• economic issues;
• geographical issues.

Part F – Khortha Precis

Precis of the given prose passage.

Part G – Translation into Khortha

Translation of a Hindi prose passage into Khortha in Devanagari script.

Part H – Khortha Comprehension

Questions based on a given passage/extract, to be answered in Khortha.

JPSC Santhali Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Santhali syllabus spans Gazette pages 41–42.

Section I

Part A – Santhali Language

1. Origin and development of Santhali
2. Characteristics of Santhali
3. Grammar:
   • noun;
   • pronoun;
   • number;
   • person;
   • gender;
   • tense;
   • verb;
   • adjective;
   • prefix;
   • suffix;
   • case;
   • indeclinables.
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Origin, characteristics and development of script
6. Relationship of Santhali with cognate languages

Part B – Santhali Folk Literature

1. General introduction
2. Types and sub-types of folk literature
3. Historical elements
4. Nature depiction
5. Philosophy of life
6. Metre and style
7. Folk songs
8. Folk tales
9. Lokgatha
10. Miscellaneous forms including:

• Lokokti
• Muhavara
• Paheli
• Balgeet
• Mantra

Part C – Santhali Written Literature

Periodisation:

• Ancient: literature before 1854
• Medieval: 1854–1946
• Modern: 1947 onwards

Also:

• history and development of Santhali poetry;
• song and poetry;
• history and development of prose;
• story;
• novel;
• drama;
• autobiography;
• biography;
• travelogue;
• essay;
• miscellaneous Santhali literature;
• explanation of prescribed poetry and prose.

Section II

Santhali Writers and Literature

Study of:

• influence of other Indian literatures on Santhali literature;
• prescribed Santhali poets, writers and dramatists and their works.

The official syllabus names 11 important literary figures.

It also includes:

Essay

Essay in Santhali in Devanagari script on:

• contemporary issues;
• cultural issues;
• social issues;
• economic issues;
• geographical issues.

Precis

Precis of a prose passage.

Translation

Translation of a Hindi prose passage into Santhali.

Comprehension

Answering questions in Santhali based on a given passage.

JPSC Mundari Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Mundari syllabus is on Gazette pages 47–48.

Section I – Mundari Language

1. Origin and development of Mundari
2. Characteristics of Mundari
3. Mundari grammar:
   • noun;
   • pronoun;
   • number;
   • person;
   • gender;
   • tense;
   • verb;
   • adjective;
   • prefix;
   • suffix;
   • suffixes/प्रत्यय;
   • case;
   • indeclinables.
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Devanagari and Mundari script – origin, characteristics and development

Mundari Folk Literature

1. General introduction, types/sub-types and historical elements
2. Nature depiction
3. Mundari folk songs:
   • life philosophy;
   • rasa;
   • alankar;
   • folk-song forms;
   • rituals and festivals
4. Origin and development of folk tales
5. Mundari miscellaneous literature:
   • Lokokti
   • Muhavara
   • Paheli
   • Balgeet
   • खेल गीत

Mundari Written Literature

Periodisation

• Ancient
• Medieval
• Modern

Poetry

• Geet
• Kavita

Prose

• Story
• Novel
• Drama
• Autobiography
• Biography
• Travelogue
• Essay
• Miscellaneous Mundari literature

Explanation

Explanation of poetry and prose passages.

Section II – Writers

Prescribed writers include names such as:

• Dr. Ramdayal Munda
• Prof. Dulay Chandra Munda
• Kande Munda
• Budu Babu

and their prescribed works, together with influence of other Indian literatures on Mundari literature.

Essay

Essay on:

• contemporary issues;
• cultural issues;
• social issues;
• economic issues;
• geographical issues.

Precis

Precis in Mundari.

Translation

Translation from Hindi into Mundari.

Comprehension

Questions from a given passage to be answered in Mundari.

JPSC Kurux Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Kurux syllabus appears on Gazette pages 49–50.

Section I

Kurux Language

1. Origin and development
2. Characteristics
3. Grammar:
   • noun;
   • pronoun;
   • number;
   • person;
   • gender;
   • tense;
   • verb;
   • adjective;
   • prefix;
   • suffix;
   • case;
   • indeclinables.
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Devanagari and Tolong Siki – origin, development and characteristics
6. Relationship with cognate languages

Kurux Folk Literature

• General introduction
• Types and sub-types
• Historical elements
• Nature depiction
• Life philosophy
• Metre
• Folk songs
• Folk stories
• Lokgatha
• Miscellaneous forms:
  • Lokokti
  • Muhavara
  • Paheli
  • Balgeet
  • Mantra

Kurux Written Literature

Periodisation given in the syllabus:

• Ancient: 1868–1900
• Medieval: 1901–1951
• Modern: 1952 onwards

Also:

• development of poetry;
• songs and poems;
• development of prose;
• stories;
• drama;
• novel;
• autobiography;
• biography;
• travel writing;
• essay;
• miscellaneous Kurux literature;
• explanation of poetry and prose.

Section II

Study of:

• influence of other Indian literatures on Kurux;
• ten prescribed Kurux poets/writers/dramatists and their works.

Also:

• essay on contemporary, cultural, social, economic, geographical and political subjects;
• precis;
• Hindi-to-Kurux translation;
• comprehension.

JPSC Kurmali Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Kurmali syllabus is given on Gazette pages 51–52.

Section I – Kurmali Language

1. Origin and development
2. Nature and characteristics
3. Regional variations
4. Origin, characteristics and development of Devanagari
5. Kurmali grammar and sentence structure

Kurmali Folk Literature

• folk songs;
• idioms;
• proverbs;
• riddles;
• classification and importance of folk tales;
• Lokgatha.

Kurmali Written Literature

Periodisation:

• Ancient
• Medieval
• Modern

Poetry:

• characteristics of poetry;
• modern songs;
• modern poetry.

Prose:

• Story
• Novel
• Drama
• Essay
• Memoir
• Criticism

Explanation of prescribed prose and poetry.

Section II

Study of major Kurmali poets, writers and dramatists specifically listed by the Commission.

Also:

• influence of other literatures;
• essay on contemporary, cultural, social and economic subjects;
• precis;
• translation from Hindi into Kurmali;
• comprehension.

JPSC Panchpargania Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official syllabus spans Gazette pages 43–44.

Section I – Language

1. Origin and development
2. Characteristics
3. Grammar:
   • noun;
   • pronoun;
   • number;
   • person;
   • gender;
   • tense;
   • verb;
   • compound;
   • adjective;
   • prefix;
   • suffix;
   • case;
   • indeclinables.
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Origin, characteristics and development of Devanagari
6. Relationship with cognate languages

Folk Literature

• General introduction
• Types and sub-types
• Historical elements
• Nature depiction
• Folk songs
• Life philosophy
• Rasa
• Metre
• Alankar
• Ritual and festival songs
• Origin and development of folk tales
• Creation stories
• God-goddess stories
• Animal stories
• Brother-sister stories
• Lokgatha
• Miscellaneous folk literature

Written Literature

Periodisation:

1. Ancient
2. Medieval
3. Modern
4. Contemporary

Poetry:

• Geet
• Kavita
• Khand Kavya
• Mahakavya

Prose:

• Story
• Novel
• Drama
• Autobiography
• Biography
• Travelogue
• Essay
• Memoir
• Sketch
• Criticism

The syllabus also gives marks for explanation of poetry and prose extracts.

Section II

• Influence of other Indian literatures
• Prescribed Panchpargania poets, writers and dramatists
• Essay
• Precis
• Translation
• Comprehension

JPSC Khadia Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official syllabus is on Gazette pages 55–56.

Section I – Khadia Language

1. Origin and development
2. Characteristics
3. Grammar:
   • noun;
   • pronoun;
   • number;
   • person;
   • gender;
   • tense;
   • verb;
   • adjective;
   • prefix;
   • suffix;
   • case;
   • indeclinables.
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Origin, characteristics and development of Devanagari and Khadia script
6. Relationship with cognate languages

Khadia Folk Literature

• General introduction
• Types/sub-types
• Historical elements
• Nature depiction
• Folk songs
• Life philosophy
• Rasa
• Alankar
• Festival and ritual songs
• Origin and development of folk tales
• Creation stories
• Animal-bird stories
• Surya stories
• Village stories
• Brother-sister stories
• Lokgatha
• Miscellaneous literature:
  • Lokokti
  • Muhavara
  • Paheli
  • Balgeet
  • खेल गीत
  • Mantra

Written Literature

Official periodisation:

• Beginning to 1934
• 1935–1979
• 1979 to present

The paper includes:

• history and development of poetry;
• poetry and songs;
• history and development of prose;
• story;
• novel;
• drama;
• autobiography;
• biography;
• travelogue;
• essay;
• miscellaneous Khadia literature;
• explanation of prose and poetry.

Section II

The official syllabus lists 10 important Khadia authors/literary figures, followed by:

• essay;
• precis;
• Hindi-to-Khadia translation;
• comprehension.

JPSC Ho Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Ho syllabus appears on Gazette pages 57–58.

Section I – Ho Language

1. Origin and development of Ho
2. Characteristics
3. Grammar:
   • noun;
   • pronoun;
   • number;
   • person;
   • gender;
   • tense;
   • verb;
   • adjective;
   • prefix;
   • suffix;
   • case;
   • many-one word forms;
   • synonyms.
4. Word formation, sentence structure and regional forms
5. Devanagari and Warang Chiti – origin, development and characteristics
6. Relationship with cognate languages

Ho Folk Literature

• General introduction
• Types and sub-types
• Historical facts
• Nature depiction
• Folk songs
• Life philosophy
• Rasa
• Alankar
• Forms of folk songs
• Festival and ritual traditions
• Origin and development of folk stories
• Creation stories
• Animal-bird stories
• Sun stories
• song stories
• brother-sister stories
• Lokgatha
• miscellaneous literature:
  • Lokokti
  • Muhavara
  • Paheli
  • Balgeet
  • Mantra

Ho Written Literature

Periodisation:

• Ancient
• Medieval
• Modern

Poetry:

• Kavita
• Geet

Prose:

• Story
• Novel
• Drama
• Autobiography
• Biography
• Travelogue
• Essay
• miscellaneous Ho literature.

Also:

• explanation of poetry and prose.

Section II

The Gazette names 12 important Ho poets, writers, dramatists and critics whose works form part of the syllabus.

It further includes essays on:

• contemporary issues;
• culture;
• society;
• economy;
• literature;
• religion;
• issues relating to martyrs;
• historical subjects.

Plus:

• precis;
• Hindi-to-Ho translation;
• comprehension.

JPSC Hindi Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official Hindi syllabus occupies Gazette pages 39–40 of the uploaded PDF.

Section I

History of Hindi Language

• origin and development of Hindi;
• Apabhramsha and Avahattha;
• Old Hindi;
• language families;
• classification of language families;
• development of Hindi grammar;
• development of Devanagari;
• qualities and defects of Devanagari;
• word formation;
• vocabulary;
• dialects;
• official language;
• Hindi as a contact language.

Poetics

• definition of poetry;
• characteristics of poetry;
• purpose of poetry;
• poetic inspiration;
• साधारणीकरण;
• Rasa;
• Chhand;
• Alankar.

Applied Hindi

• functional Hindi;
• official Hindi;
• Hindi as a language of mass communication;
• commercial Hindi.

Grammar

• noun;
• pronoun;
• verb;
• adjective;
• case;
• compound;
• idioms;
• indeclinables;
• Sandhi;
• compound forms;
• polysemous words.

Section II – History of Hindi Literature

The syllabus covers:

• problems and traditions of literary historiography;
• literary philosophy;
• periodisation;
• Adikal;
• Bhaktikal;
• Ritikal;
• modern period;
• Chhayavad;
• Pragativad;
• Prayogvad;
• Nai Kavita;
• development of prose;
• story;
• novel;
• drama;
• one-act play;
• criticism;
• essay;
• memoir;
• sketch;
• biography.

Prescribed Literary Texts

The Gazette then gives a specific list of poets, poetry selections, plays, novels and stories, including writers such as:

• Kabir
• Surdas
• Tulsidas
• Bihari
• Jaishankar Prasad
• Nirala
• Agyeya
• Bharatendu Harishchandra
• Mohan Rakesh
• Premchand
• Phanishwar Nath Renu
• Yashpal
• Bhisham Sahni
• Usha Priyamvada
• Om Prakash Valmiki
• Chandradhar Sharma Guleri

and prescribed works/selections.

It also includes an essay on contemporary, social, political and natural/environmental subjects.

JPSC English Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official English syllabus occupies Gazette pages 37–38.

Part I – History of English Language

1. Indo-European family of languages
2. Teutonic verbal system and Teutonic accent
3. First Sound Shifting or Grimm’s Law
4. Old English:
   • dialects;
   • characteristics;
   • vocabulary.
5. Middle English:
   • dialects;
   • characteristics;
   • rise of Standard English.

Poetry

Definition, characteristics, purpose and forms:

• lyric;
• sonnet;
• ode;
• ballad;
• free verse;
• blank verse;
• rhymed verse.

Poetic terms:

• alliteration;
• resonance;
• rhyme scheme;
• metre and types.

Comprehension

A passage of approximately 1,000 words.

Grammar

• noun;
• verb;
• adjective;
• adverb;
• article;
• preposition;
• subject-verb agreement;
• narration;
• voice;
• transformation;
• clause;
• single-word substitution;
• correction of errors;
• pairs of words;
• idioms and phrases.

Part II – English Literature

History of English Literature

British, American, Colonial and Post-Colonial Writing from the 14th century to the 21st century, including:

• poetry;
• drama;
• prose;
• novel;
• criticism;
• biography;
• autobiography;
• short story.

Fiction and Drama

Prescribed:

• Kanthapura – Raja Rao
• A Passage to India – E. M. Forster
• Macbeth – William Shakespeare
• Arms and the Man – G. B. Shaw

Poetry

Prescribed selections include:

• The Quality of Mercy – Shakespeare
• The Little Black Boy – William Blake
• The Solitary Reaper – William Wordsworth
• Mutability – P. B. Shelley
• I Think Continually of Those Who Were Truly Great
• Heaven of Freedom – Rabindranath Tagore
• A Soul’s Prayer – Sarojini Naidu

Prose

• On Habits – A. G. Gardiner
• India Again – E. M. Forster
• Playing the English Gentleman – Mahatma Gandhi
• Of Studies – Francis Bacon
• Mr. Know All – Somerset Maugham
• The Homecoming – Rabindranath Tagore
• The Cherry Tree – Ruskin Bond

Essay

Essay on a socio-economic or current topic.

The Gazette also states that the paper contains questions related to English grammar.

JPSC Bengali Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

The official syllabus includes:

Part I

History of Bengali Language

• Origin and development of Bengali
• Origin and development of Bengali script
• Old Aryan → Middle Indo-Aryan → Modern Indo-Aryan/Bengali
• Chronological development from Proto-Indo-European to Bangla

Bengali Language

• Upabhasha
• Shabda Bhandar
• Dhvani Paribartan

History of Bengali Literature

• Charyapada
• Andhakar Yug
• Krittibas
• Maladhar Basu
• Sri Krishna Kirtan and Chandidas
• Vidyapati

Part II

Prescribed prose, poetry and drama include:

• Meghnad Vada Kavya – Madhusudan Dutta
• Muchiram Gurer Jibanchorit – Bankimchandra
• Achalayatan – Rabindranath
• Srikanta, Vol. I – Sarat Chandra
• Vaishnava Padavali selections.

Grammar includes:

• Bhabasamprasaran;
• Sarangsha;
• Pratibedan.

Also included:

• development of prose, poetry, drama, criticism and novel;
• major fiction writers including Bankimchandra, Tagore, Sarat Chandra, Bibhutibhushan, Tarashankar and Manik.

JPSC Urdu Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

Part I

1. Different theories regarding origin of Urdu
2. Origin and development of Urdu script
3. Benefits of linguistics

Prose Fiction

Prescribed:

Nirmala – Premchand

Short stories include works of writers such as:

• Krishan Chander
• Rajinder Singh Bedi
• Saadat Hasan Manto
• Ghayas Ahmad Gaddi
• Sheen Akhtar

Part II – Urdu Poetry

Includes prescribed Ghazals of:

• Ghalib
• Meer Taqi Meer
• Hasrat Mohani

and prescribed poems by:

• Iqbal
• Akbar Allahabadi
• Wahab Danish
• Jameel Mazhari

Grammar

• Opposite
• Gender
• Letter
• Application
• Meanings
• Singular-Plural
• Summary

JPSC Sanskrit Syllabus

Total Marks: 150

Section I

Linguistics

• origin and development of Sanskrit;
• development up to Middle Indo-Aryan languages;
• principles regarding origin of language;
• phonology;
• morphology;
• sentence science;
• semantics;
• classification of languages.

Vedic Sanskrit Literature

• Vedic Samhitas;
• Brahmanas;
• Aranyakas;
• Upanishads.

Classical Sanskrit Literature

• Puranas;
• Ramayana;
• Mahabharata;
• later Sanskrit literature;
• Mahakavya;
• drama;
• prose literature;
• Champu.

Sanskrit Grammar

• sounds;
• vowels and consonants;
• Sandhi;
• Samasa;
• Karaka;
• Upapada Vibhakti;
• nominal forms;
• verbal forms;
• Krit suffixes;
• Taddhita suffixes;
• feminine suffixes.

Section II

• Sanskrit essay writing
• General introduction to Indian philosophy:
  • Astika and Nastika systems;
  • Vedanta;
  • Sankhya;
  • Buddhist philosophy etc.
• Indian culture and its features
• Varnashrama system
• Samskaras

The Gazette also specifies portions of:

• Valmiki Ramayana
• Rigveda
• Shukla Yajurveda
• Bhagavad Gita
• Kiratarjuniya
• Kadambari
• Mrichchhakatikam
• Uttararamacharitam

JPSC Paper 1 vs Paper 2

Many candidates confuse Paper I and Paper II.

The difference is simple:

JPSC Paper 1 Qualifying Marks

Paper I contains:

• General Hindi – 50 marks
• General English – 50 marks

Candidates must obtain at least 30 marks out of 100 combined.

The marks are not counted in merit after qualifying.

JPSC Mains Paper 3 Syllabus

Paper III carries 200 marks and covers:

History + Geography

Preparation should include:

• Indian History;
• Jharkhand History;
• Indian Geography;
• Jharkhand Geography.

For state-specific preparation, use JPSC Notes and Jharkhand History.

JPSC Mains Paper 4 Syllabus

Paper IV carries 200 marks and covers:

• Indian Constitution;
• Indian Polity;
• Public Administration;
• Good Governance.

The paper requires conceptual understanding as well as practical governance examples.

JPSC Mains Paper 5 Syllabus

Paper V carries 200 marks and broadly covers:

• Indian Economy;
• Globalisation;
• Sustainable Development.

Candidates should use economic data and Jharkhand-specific examples in descriptive answers.

JPSC Mains Paper 6 Syllabus

Paper VI carries 200 marks and includes:

• General Science;
• Environment;
• Technology Development.

Jharkhand-specific environmental topics can be particularly useful in Mains answers.

Complete JPSC Mains Pattern

Which JPSC Paper 2 Language Is Best?

There is no single best language.

The best choice depends on:

• writing fluency;
• grammar knowledge;
• literature background;
• availability of books;
• previous-year question papers;
• availability of guidance;
• ability to complete the paper within time.

The biggest mistake is choosing a language because someone says:

“Nagpuri is scoring”

or

“Khortha is easy.”

A language is easy only when you are strong in both language and literature.

JPSC Nagpuri vs Khortha

Candidates frequently compare Nagpuri and Khortha.

The decision should be based on:

Do not choose between them based only on what your friends select.

JPSC Santhali vs Mundari

The same principle applies to Santhali and Mundari.

A candidate should ask:

• Which language can I write more accurately?
• In which language do I know more literature?
• Which syllabus can I complete confidently?
• Which language has better material available to me?
• Which previous paper can I answer better?

The answer to these questions should determine the choice.

How to Choose JPSC Paper 2 Language

Before finalising your language, follow this simple process.

Step 1: Download the syllabus

Read every topic.

Step 2: Check previous papers

Look at at least two or three Paper II question papers.

Step 3: Attempt one paper

Try writing actual answers.

Step 4: Check literature knowledge

Ask whether you already know the major:

• poets;
• writers;
• texts;
• literary periods.

Step 5: Check material availability

Do not choose a paper for which you cannot find reliable preparation material.

Spoken Language vs Written Literature

This is the biggest problem with regional-language selection.

A candidate may speak Nagpuri, Khortha or Mundari every day but may never have studied:

• formal grammar;
• literary terminology;
• history of literature;
• major writers.

Therefore:

Native speaker ≠ automatically prepared candidate

Paper II is an academic literature examination.

JPSC Paper 2 Preparation Strategy

Divide preparation into four parts.

1. Language and Grammar

Prepare:

• grammar rules;
• sentence formation;
• language development;
• vocabulary.

2. Literary History

Prepare:

• major periods;
• important writers;
• literary movements;
• development of prose and poetry.

3. Prescribed Literature

Prepare:

• authors;
• themes;
• characters;
• literary significance;
• important passages.

4. Previous Questions

Repeated themes from PYQs should receive special attention.

Use JPSC Previous Year Question Papers alongside the syllabus.

How Much Time to Give JPSC Paper 2?

Paper II should run parallel to General Studies preparation.

A practical daily allocation for many candidates can be:

60–90 minutes daily

This can be increased if the candidate has a weak literature background.

Do not postpone Paper II until after Papers III–VI are complete.

JPSC Nagpuri Preparation Strategy

For Nagpuri, maintain separate notes for:

• grammar;
• history of language;
• history of literature;
• poets;
• prose writers;
• prescribed books;
• PYQs.

Keep authors and works in a separate revision table.

For example:

This makes final revision much faster.

JPSC Khortha Preparation Strategy

For Khortha, use the same structure.

Prepare:

Language Development

↓

Grammar

↓

Literary History

↓

Major Writers

↓

Important Works

↓

PYQs

Candidates who speak Khortha at home should devote extra attention to formal written expression.

JPSC Santhali Preparation Strategy

Santhali candidates should particularly focus on:

• correct formal writing;
• grammar;
• literary history;
• authors;
• prescribed poetry and prose.

A separate revision sheet for writers and works can significantly improve recall.

JPSC Mundari Preparation Strategy

Mundari candidates should maintain a clear distinction between:

• oral traditions;
• formal literary syllabus;
• grammar;
• prescribed works.

Only syllabus-relevant material should dominate exam preparation.

Can I Change JPSC Paper 2 Language Later?

Candidates should treat the selected Paper II language very seriously at the application stage. Once the examination process reaches the relevant stage, changing the selected subject may not be permitted.

Therefore, check the notification and application instructions carefully before submitting the final choice.

Is JPSC Paper 2 Optional?

The paper is compulsory, but the language is optional.

Every candidate has to write Paper II.

The candidate chooses one language from the prescribed list.

This is different from the traditional UPSC-style optional-subject system.

Does JPSC Have Optional Subjects?

Under the current JPSC Civil Services Mains structure, the six-paper system does not use the conventional optional subject format where candidates select History, Geography, Sociology, etc.

The principal candidate choice is the Language and Literature subject in Paper II.

Best JPSC Paper 2 Strategy in One Line

Choose the language in which you can combine:

Strong Writing + Strong Literature + Good Material + PYQ Practice

not merely the language you speak most often.

JPSC Mains Preparation Resources

Useful LearnPro pages include:

• JPSC Syllabus
• JPSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern
• JPSC Notes
• JPSC Previous Year Question Papers
• Jharkhand History
• Regional Dynasties of Jharkhand
• Tribes of Jharkhand

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is JPSC Paper 2?

JPSC Paper II is a 150-mark Language and Literature paper in the Civil Services Mains examination.

2. Is JPSC Paper 2 qualifying?

No. Paper II marks are counted in merit.

3. How many languages are available in JPSC Paper 2?

Candidates can choose from 15 languages.

4. What are the JPSC Paper 2 language options?

The options are Odia, Bengali, Urdu, Sanskrit, English, Hindi, Santhali, Panchpargania, Nagpuri, Mundari, Kurux, Kurmali, Khortha, Khadia and Ho.

5. Can I choose Nagpuri in JPSC Mains?

Yes. Nagpuri Language and Literature is available.

6. Can I choose Khortha in JPSC Mains?

Yes. Khortha Language and Literature is an official Paper II option.

7. Is Santhali available in JPSC Paper 2?

Yes.

8. Is Mundari available?

Yes.

9. Is Kurux available?

Yes.

10. Is Kurmali available?

Yes.

11. Can I choose Ho?

Yes.

12. Is Panchpargania included?

Yes.

13. Is Khadia available?

Yes.

14. Can I choose Hindi?

Yes, but Paper II Hindi is Hindi Language and Literature, not General Hindi.

15. Can I choose English?

Yes. Candidates may choose English Language and Literature.

16. How many marks does JPSC Paper 2 carry?

150 marks.

17. Are JPSC Paper 2 marks counted in final merit?

Yes.

18. What is JPSC Paper 1?

Paper I contains General Hindi and General English and carries 100 marks.

19. Is Paper 1 qualifying?

Yes.

20. What are the qualifying marks in JPSC Paper 1?

Candidates need 30 marks out of the combined 100 marks.

21. How many marks do JPSC Mains Papers 2–6 carry?

Together they carry 950 merit-counted marks.

22. What is JPSC Paper 3?

Paper III covers History and Geography.

23. What is JPSC Paper 4?

Paper IV covers Indian Constitution, Polity, Public Administration and Good Governance.

24. What is JPSC Paper 5?

Paper V covers Indian Economy, Globalisation and Sustainable Development.

25. What is JPSC Paper 6?

Paper VI covers General Science, Environment and Technology Development.

26. Which is the easiest JPSC Paper 2 language?

There is no universally easiest option. It depends on the candidate’s writing ability, literature background and preparation material.

27. Is Nagpuri a good option?

It can be a good option for candidates with strong Nagpuri writing skills and knowledge of Nagpuri literature.

28. Is Khortha a good option?

Yes, for candidates who are comfortable with formal Khortha writing and literature.

29. Should I choose my mother tongue?

Only if you can also handle the formal grammar and literary syllabus.

30. Where can I get the full JPSC syllabus?

Use JPSC Syllabus and JPSC Notes.

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