The University grants commission of India conducts the exam for the Pali language in many slots and each of the paper deals with a different aspect of the language.The paper III covers both language and literature. It is a subjective and descriptive paper and the candidate need to write the different kinds of the letters and essays and prose’s to demonstrate their expertise in the field of writing in Pali and understanding the written text through the paragraphs and the questions asked based on the basis of that paragraph.

Importance of the paper

India is home to many religions and ethnicities like the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jainism’s, etc. And each group has its own set of beliefs rituals and language. Pali is the language in which the ancient holy texts of the Buddhists. Thus it is mostly taken up rather seriously and usually in a spirit of holiness. Thus the questions are asked with rather serious themes.

Some guidelines to be followed

• Answers to the questions are to be written in the Test Booklet itself.
• Test Booklet must be given back to the invigilator after the completion of your exam.
• You must not put any mark or write your name in any part of the Test Booklet.
• Only Black and Blue ball point pens are allowed.

Paper pattern

You will find 4 sections in Pali III paper and each section has some instructions to write the answers. In section-I there are 2 Essay type questions and word limit of answers for this section is 500 words. Section II has 3 questions and word limit is 300 words. Section III has 9 questions and word limit is 50 words. Section IV has 5 questions and word limit is 30 words.

Markings

Pali III paper holds 200 marks and has 4 sections. In first section, which is of 40 marks, each question holds 20 marks. In second section, which is of 45 marks, each question holds 15 marks. In third section, which is of 90 marks, each question holds 10 marks. In last section, which is of 25 marks, each question holds 5 marks.

Time allotted

You get 2 hours and 30 minutes to answer Pali III paper.

Recommended books

The most popular books are the Pali by Thannisaro Bhikku.