Mains Language PapersIndian Language — Paper A (Qualifying)

Short Essay (Regional)

लघु निबंध (क्षेत्रीय)

Short Essay (Regional) is part of the UPSC Mains Language Papers syllabus, under Indian Language — Paper A (Qualifying). It appeared in Mains Language Papers question papers in 4 of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023).

How often is Short Essay (Regional) asked in UPSC Mains?

Asked in 4 of 10 years, including 2 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

  1. 2016: not asked
  2. 2017: asked
  3. 2018: not asked
  4. 2019: asked
  5. 2020: not asked
  6. 2021: asked
  7. 2022: not asked
  8. 2023: asked
  9. 2024: not asked
  10. 2025: not asked

About the Mains Language Papers paper

The two language papers — Paper A (an Indian language) and Paper B (English) — carry 300 marks each. They are qualifying: you need 25% in each, and the marks are not added to your rank. See all 12 Mains Language Papers topics.

Related topics to study next

Syllabus: UPSC Civil Services notification. Topic breakdown, subtopics and PYQ years: GS Score UPSC Syllabus 2026-27 booklet. Sources & credits

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