CSS 2019 – Urdu Literature: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide
Introduction
Urdu Literature is a selective optional in CSS, usually chosen by candidates with strong command of Urdu or those with a background in literature. It is considered a rewarding subject for those who can combine literary appreciation, critical analysis, and historical context. However, the examiner’s report for CE-2019 showed that most candidates underperformed because they relied on rote learning, ignored literary criticism, and failed to structure their answers academically.
Examiner Feedback (2019)
The examiner observed:
- Overall performance was below average.
- Many candidates reproduced memorized notes instead of presenting critical and original analysis.
- Answers lacked historical and literary context, with candidates failing to situate authors and poets within their times.
- Literary criticism and evaluation of texts were mostly missing.
- Many answers were narrative and descriptive, not analytical.
- Only a few well-prepared candidates who used references, criticism, and structured writing scored well【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L254-L260】.
Common Mistakes by Candidates
- Over-reliance on rote material
- Writing “what they remembered” instead of engaging critically with texts.
- Neglect of literary criticism
- Few cited critics like Shibli Nomani, Hali, Dr. Jameel Jalibi, or Intizar Hussain.
- Weak historical/literary context
- Ignoring how political, cultural, or social conditions shaped literary works.
- Narrative writing
- Describing poets’ biographies instead of analyzing themes, styles, and contributions.
- Poor organization
- Lack of headings, outlines, or examiner-friendly presentation.
Practical Preparation Strategies
- Study history of Urdu literature
- From classical poetry (Mir, Ghalib) to modern prose (Prem Chand, Qurat-ul-Ain Hyder) and contemporary trends.
- Use literary criticism
- Reference critics and analytical works: Shibli Nomani’s Sher-ul-Ajam, Hali’s Muqaddama-e-Sher-o-Shaeri, Dr. Jameel Jalibi’s Tareekh-e-Adab-e-Urdu.
- Analyze, don’t narrate
- Instead of biography, focus on themes, stylistics, philosophical ideas, and socio-political impact.
- Cover all genres
- Poetry (ghazal, nazm, marsiya), prose (novels, short stories, essays, drama), and criticism.
- Incorporate context
- Connect literature with historical movements: Aligarh Movement, Progressive Writers Movement, Partition literature, post-modernism.
- Organize answers academically
- Intro → author/work → literary analysis → critical view → conclusion.
- Read authentic references
- Dr. Jameel Jalibi, Dr. Saleem Akhtar, Farman Fatehpuri, Muhammad Hasan Askari.
Encouraging Closing Note
The CSS 2019 examiner’s report confirms that Urdu Literature rewards critical analysis, not memorization. Candidates who wrote rote, narrative answers failed, while those who engaged with texts critically and referenced literary criticism stood out.
Remember: Literature is about ideas, style, and impact — not just dates and names. Show the examiner you can appreciate, analyze, and critique Urdu literature, and you will shine.
Stay motivated: every poet you analyze, every critic you reference, every movement you connect with history brings you closer to mastering this paper. With the right approach, Urdu Literature can become one of your most rewarding optionals.