Cambridge O Level First Language Urdu (3247)
Read deeply, write powerfully and explore Urdu poetry and prose — First Language Urdu is for students who think and dream in Urdu.
Checked against the official Cambridge syllabus for exams in 2027 and 2028–2029 (same papers; new set texts from 2028) · 18 October 2026
1.Quick facts
2.Why study Urdu (First Language)?
Cambridge's aims for this course, in plain words. It helps you to:
- Write accurately, appropriately and effectively.
- Understand and respond well to what you read.
- Enjoy and appreciate the variety of the Urdu language.
- Build general skills like analysis, synthesis and drawing inferences.
Based on the 'Aims' in the official syllabus.
3.Why these topics?
Reading with understanding
Comprehension questions on a non-literary text of about 400 words — understanding facts, opinions and the meanings between the lines.
Composition
One composition of 300–400 words from a choice of argumentative, discursive, descriptive and narrative titles.
Unseen literature
A poetry or prose extract you have never seen — how does the writer create effects?
Set poetry and prose
Essays on the prescribed poems and prose texts listed in the syllabus for your exam year.
4.Topic map
- 1.1 Part 1 Reading: comprehension on a ~400-word text (25 marks)
- 1.2 Part 2 Writing: one composition of 300–400 words (25 marks)
- 2.1 Part 1 Unseen passage (20 marks)
- 2.2 Part 2 Poetry — one essay on set texts (15 marks)
- 2.3 Part 3 Prose — one essay on set texts (15 marks)
5.Exam pattern
Both papers are marked by Cambridge and all answers are written in Urdu. Set texts rotate — check the list for your exam year.
6.What examiners reward
Half the qualification is literature — read the set texts several times and know them well.
7.Grades
A*, A, B, C, D, E. 'Ungraded' means below E and is not shown on the certificate.
What it took in June 2026
| Grade | Marks out of 100 | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 93 | 93% |
| A | 87 | 87% |
| B | 80 | 80% |
| C | 73 | 73% |
| D | 54 | 54% |
| E | 35 | 35% |
Minimum marks out of 100 in June 2026 — note how high the top grades are.
A high grade shows real mastery of written Urdu and its literature.
8.How to score well
- Know your set poems and prose texts closely — set texts may not be taken into the exam.
- Learn short quotations to support your literature essays.
- For unseen passages, comment on how the writer creates effects, not just what happens.
- Plan compositions: clear structure, rich vocabulary, accurate grammar.
- Read Urdu newspapers and essays to build reading speed.
9.Books & resources
10.Common mistakes
- Retelling the story instead of discussing the writer's craft.
- Too few quotations in literature essays.
- Compositions outside the 300–400 word range.
- Studying the wrong year's set texts.
Tips from our teachers.
11.Study plan
- Term 1Reading comprehension skills; start the set poetry.
- Term 2Compositions of all four types; continue set poetry.
- Term 3Set prose; unseen-passage practice.
- Final monthsTimed papers; quotation revision; essay plans for each set text.
Cambridge designs O Level courses for about 130 guided learning hours.
12.Where it can take you
Excellent Urdu opens doors in media, education and public life in Pakistan.
Typical subject requirements — always check each university's own entry rules.
13.Urdu (First Language) in the real world
A great literary tradition
Urdu literature includes giants such as Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal and Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
Reading between the lines
Recognising implicit meanings and attitudes — a Paper 1 skill — helps you read news and opinion critically.
14.Frequently asked questions
First or Second Language Urdu?
Cambridge recommends First Language Urdu (3247) for students with first-language competence. Others should consider Second Language Urdu (3248).
Can I take the set texts into the exam?
No — set texts may not be taken into the examination.
When can I sit the exam?
June only.
Do the set texts change?
Yes — they rotate, and Cambridge has updated the list for 2028–2029. Always use the list for the year you sit the exam.
15.Study it with us
Live online classes with experienced Cambridge teachers, weekly quizzes and assignments in your portal, past-paper practice, and progress reports your parents can see.
16.Official sources
- Official syllabus 3247 for exams in 2027 (PDF)
- Official syllabus 3247 for exams in 2028 and 2029 (PDF)
- Grade threshold table, June 2026 (PDF)
Cambridge says its syllabuses and specimen materials are the final authority on the content and structure of its exams. Always check you are using the syllabus for the year you sit the exam.