BSSC Urdu Translator Syllabus 2020

Introduction

The Central Superior Services (CSS) examination includes a specialized stream for candidates who wish to serve as Urdu translators in the civil service. The 2020 syllabus outlines the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the written exam and the subsequent interview. This page provides a concise but thorough breakdown of the syllabus, recommended preparation strategies, and useful resources.

Exam Structure

The Urdu Translator stream consists of two written papers followed by a vivavoce. Both papers are 2hours long and carry 100 marks each.

• PaperI Urdu Language (Written): Tests grammar, composition, and literary appreciation.
• PaperII Translation (Urdu English): Candidates translate passages both ways, demonstrating precision, cultural awareness, and command of terminology.

The vivavoce assesses the candidates overall suitability, communication skills, and knowledge of current affairs.

PaperI Urdu Language

1. Urdu Grammar and Syntax

• Parts of speech, verb forms, and tenseaspectmood.
• Subjectobjectverb structure, agreement, and case markers.
• Complex constructions relative clauses, participial phrases, and nominal sentences.

2. Composition

• Essay writing argumentative, expository, and reflective essays (300500 words).
• Letter writing formal, semiformal and informal letters.
• Summary writing condensing passages while retaining meaning.
• Precision writing brief statements of facts in 3040 words.

3. Literature and Poetry

• Major literary periods: Classical (Mughal), Modern (Progressive), Contemporary.
• Key poets and prose writers (e.g., Iqbal, Ghalib, Faiz, Saadat Hasan Manto).
• Analysis of selected poems: themes, symbolism, meters (Bahr), and rhyme schemes.

4. Vocabulary & Idioms

• Common Urdu idioms and proverbs with English equivalents.
• Synonyms and antonyms for highfrequency academic words.

PaperII Translation

1. Translation Techniques

• Wordforword vs. senseforsense translation.
• Maintaining register and tone.
• Handling cultural references, proper nouns, and technical terminology.

2. Types of Texts

• Literary passages poetry, short stories, and drama excerpts.
• Legal and administrative documents ordinances, letters, official notices.
• Scientific and technical material basic physics, economics, and medical terminology.
• Media texts news reports, editorials, and feature articles.

3. Practice Guidelines

• Read the source text thoroughly before attempting translation.
• Identify the core meaning, then reconstruct the target text in natural Urdu/English.
• Preserve formatting, numbers, dates, and acronyms accurately.
• Proofread for grammatical correctness, spelling, and punctuation.

Recommended Preparation Strategy

1. Foundation Building Review standard Urdu grammar books (e.g., Urdu Grammar by R.A.Siddiqui) and refresh English grammar to aid bidirectional translation.
2. Reading Habit Read Urdu newspapers (e.g., Jang, Express) and English dailies (e.g., The Dawn) daily to familiarize yourself with contemporary language usage.
3. Literary Exposure Study anthologies of Urdu poetry and prose; practice summarising and analysing key themes.
4. Translation Drills Translate at least one 150word passage per day in both directions. Use a timer to simulate exam conditions.
5. Mock Tests Attempt past BSSC Urdu Translator papers. Review answers critically and note recurring error patterns.
6. Vocabulary Expansion Maintain a personal glossary of technical terms (legal, medical, scientific) with Urdu equivalents.
7. Feedback Loop Join study groups or online forums where peers can review each others translations.

Useful Resources

• Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) website Official notifications, syllabus PDFs, and sample papers.
• Urdu Translation Handbook by Mohammad Aslam Practical guide to translation strategies.
• Online dictionaries: UrduDictionary.org and Lexico for English synonyms.
• BBC Urdu and Deutsche Welle Urdu Audiovisual material for listening practice.
• University textbooks on Urdu literature (e.g., History of Urdu Literature by Muhammad Sadiq).

Key Tips for Exam Day

• Read each question carefully; underline key instructions.
• Allocate time: 30 minutes for planning, 1hour30minutes for writing.
• Start with the passage you find easiest to build confidence.
• Leave the last 10 minutes for proofreading.
• Maintain legible handwriting; illegibility can cost marks.

Conclusion

The BSSC Urdu Translator syllabus 2020 demands a blend of strong linguistic foundations, literary insight, and precise translation skills. Systematic preparationgrounded in regular reading, disciplined practice, and analysis of past paperswill significantly improve your chances of success. Keep the recommended study schedule consistent, seek constructive feedback, and stay updated with any changes announced by the FPSC.