Punjabi is a 100-mark Group VII regional-language optional covering the language's history, grammar, and its classical and modern literary tradition.
Core topic areas
The syllabus combines language mechanics with the region's literary and Sufi poetic tradition.
- History and development of the Punjabi language
- Punjabi grammar and structure
- Classical Punjabi literature and Sufi poetry (Baba Farid, Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah, Shah Hussain)
- Modern Punjabi prose and poetry
- Translation between Punjabi and Urdu or English
- Literary criticism and analysis
A subject built on close reading
Strong answers quote directly from the classical poets under discussion rather than paraphrasing their themes generically; examiners expect candidates to demonstrate familiarity with the actual verse, not just summarised biography of the poet.
Preparation approach
Read primary texts from at least two or three major classical poets in the original alongside standard critical commentary, keep a working file of key verses by theme, and practice timed literary-analysis answers rather than relying on memorised summaries alone.
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Frequently asked questions
Punjabi is a 100-mark Group VII regional-language optional subject, examined in a single paper covering language, grammar, and classical and modern literature.
Yes. The syllabus expects direct engagement with primary texts and verse from major classical and modern Punjabi writers, not summaries alone, since answers are expected to quote and analyse specific passages.
Group VII also contains Journalism, Psychology, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Sindhi and Pashto, each worth 100 marks; a candidate chooses only one 100-mark subject from this group.