State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) General Hindi, Essay and Descriptive Skills Syllabus

Give the meaning of the lokokti 'naach na jaane aangan tedha'.

It means blaming external circumstances for one's own incompetence — a bad workman blames his tools.

What is 'Anek shabdon ke liye ek shabd' (one-word substitution)? Give the one word for 'jo kabhi na mare'.

It is replacing a phrase with a single precise word. 'Jo kabhi na mare' (one who never dies) = amar.

Give the one-word substitution for: 'jise jeeta na ja sake' and 'jise kshama na kiya ja sake'.

jise jeeta na ja sake = ajey; jise kshama na kiya ja sake = akshamya.

What are the most common categories of grammatical errors tested in Hindi error-correction questions?

Common error categories: ling (gender) errors, vachan (number) errors, kaarak/vibhakti (case marker) errors, kaal (tense) inconsistency, sentence-agreement errors, wrong word order, and incorrect use of upsarg/pratyay.

In Hindi sentence formation, what is the standard word order (syntax)?

Hindi follows Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order: karta (subject) + karm (object) + kriya (verb). Example: 'Ram phal khata hai.'

What is the correct strategy for solving an Unseen Passage (apathit gadyaansh) comprehension question?

Read the passage carefully (often twice), identify the central idea/theme, underline keywords, then read each question and locate answer evidence in the text; answer in your own concise words based only on the passage, not outside knowledge.

What is a 'Sheershak' in unseen passage comprehension, and how should it be framed?

Sheershak is the title to be given to the passage. It should be short, apt, and capture the central idea/main theme of the whole passage in a few words.

What is Précis (Sankshepan) writing?

Précis/Sankshepan is the art of compressing a passage into a brief, coherent summary that retains all essential ideas while omitting examples, repetition, and unnecessary detail.

What is the standard length rule for writing a précis?

A précis should generally be about one-third (1/3) the length of the original passage, retaining only the core ideas.

Name four essential characteristics (gun) of a good précis.

A good précis should be: (1) brief/concise, (2) complete in essential meaning, (3) written in one's own words and in the third person, and (4) clear, coherent, and grammatically correct. It should always have a suitable title.

In which tense and person is a précis conventionally written?

A précis is conventionally written in the third person and in the past tense (reported style), as a summary of what the author said.

What is 'Bhav-vistar' / 'Vichar-vistar' (Expansion of Ideas)?

Bhav-vistar is expanding a given short statement, proverb, or quotation into a full passage by explaining its meaning, deeper sense, and supporting it with examples, reasoning, and illustrations.

What is the recommended structure for writing an Expansion of Ideas (bhav-vistar)?

Begin by stating the literal meaning of the line, then explain its inner/figurative meaning, support it with examples and arguments, and close with a conclusion reinforcing the central thought — all in coherent paragraphs.

What are the two broad categories of letters (patra) in Hindi letter writing?

The two categories are Aupcharik patra (formal letters — to officials, editors, applications) and Anaupcharik patra (informal letters — to family, friends, relatives).

List the standard components/structure of a formal Hindi letter (aupcharik patra).

Components: sender's address & date; recipient's designation/address (sewa mein); vishay (subject); sambodhan (salutation, e.g., 'mahodaya'); body (mool vishay); closing courtesy (bhavdiya/aapka aagyakari); and sender's name/signature.

What is a 'Prarthna Patra' (application), and what is its typical purpose in official contexts?

A Prarthna patra is a formal application requesting something from an authority (e.g., leave, certificate, action). It is concise, uses respectful formal language, clearly states the request and reason, and follows formal letter format.

What is 'Karyalayi/Sarkari Patra-vyavahar' (official correspondence)?

It is formal communication between government offices/officials, characterized by standardized format, official numbers (patra sankhya), formal impersonal language, reference details, designation-based addressing, and a defined subject.

Name four common types of official/government correspondence (sarkari patra) in Hindi.

Common types: Sarkari patra (official letter), Adhisuchana (notification), Karyalay aadesh (office order), Gyapan/Memorandum, Anusmark (reminder), Paripatra (circular), and Adhsarkari patra (demi-official letter).

What is a 'Suchana' (Notice), and what key elements must it contain?

A Suchana is a brief formal announcement giving information to a target group. Key elements: name of issuing organization, the word SUCHANA/notice heading, date, a clear subject, the body (what/when/where/why), and the issuer's name & designation.

What is the key difference between a notice (suchana) and a circular (paripatra)?

A Suchana (notice) is a public/general announcement displayed for information to many; a Paripatra (circular) is an internal communication circulated among specific offices/employees to convey instructions or policy, often requiring acknowledgement.

What is a 'Prativedan' (Report) in Hindi descriptive writing?

A Prativedan is a factual, objective written account of an event, inquiry, or situation, presenting observations, facts, and findings in an organized manner, usually with a heading, date/place, body of facts, and the reporter's name.

What qualities distinguish a good report (prativedan)?

A good report is objective/factual (no personal opinion or exaggeration), accurate, concise, well-organized, written in formal language, and clearly structured with a title, relevant facts, and conclusion.

What is the topic-sentence-based structure of a well-written paragraph (anuchchhed)?

A good paragraph has one central idea, opening with a topic sentence, followed by supporting/explanatory sentences and examples developing that idea, and a closing sentence — maintaining unity and coherence throughout.

What are the three essential structural parts of an essay (nibandh)?

An essay has three parts: Prastavana (Introduction), Vishay-vistar/Madhya bhag (Body), and Upsanhar (Conclusion).

What is the purpose of the Introduction (prastavana) of an essay?

The introduction introduces the topic, grabs the reader's attention, gives background/context, and states the central idea or thesis the essay will develop — setting the tone for the whole piece.

What is the role of the Body (madhya bhag) of an essay?

The body is the main part where the topic is developed in detail through logically sequenced paragraphs, each presenting one aspect with facts, arguments, examples, and analysis, maintaining coherence and flow between paragraphs.

What is the role of the Conclusion (upsanhar) of an essay?

The conclusion summarizes the main points, draws a logical inference or balanced opinion, and closes the essay effectively — without introducing new arguments — often ending with a thought, suggestion, or quotation.

What qualities make for an effective essay on a social/contemporary issue in a PSC exam?

Effective essays show: a clear thesis, balanced/multi-dimensional analysis, factual accuracy with relevant data/examples, logical structure (intro-body-conclusion), coherence, neutral and mature language, and a constructive conclusion with solutions or balanced viewpoint.

How should a candidate plan an essay before writing it in an exam?

First brainstorm and note all relevant points/dimensions (social, economic, political, etc.), organize them into a logical outline (introduction, body sub-themes, conclusion), arrange points in sequence, then write — ensuring time-bound coverage and balance.

When writing essays on contemporary issues, why is a balanced viewpoint important, and how is it achieved?

A balanced viewpoint shows maturity and analytical depth, avoiding bias. It is achieved by presenting both advantages and disadvantages/multiple perspectives of an issue and arriving at a reasoned, moderate conclusion supported by facts.