Cambridge International A Level Urdu Language & Literature (9866)
Advanced reading, confident writing and the great works of Urdu literature — the new A Level Urdu that replaces 9686 from 2027.
Checked against the official Cambridge syllabus for exams in 2027, 2028 and 2029 · 18 October 2026
This syllabus replaces Cambridge A Level Urdu (9686), whose last exam series is November 2026. Students sitting A Level Urdu from 2027 take Urdu Language & Literature (9866), offered to centres in Pakistan.
1.Quick facts
2.Why study Urdu Language & Literature?
Cambridge's aims for this course, in plain words. It helps you to:
- Communicate effectively in Urdu at an advanced level (CEFR B2–C1).
- Explore and engage with the culture, society and literature of Urdu-speaking communities.
- Enjoy intellectual challenge and keep wanting to learn more.
- Develop intercultural awareness and an open approach to other languages and cultures.
- Build skills for higher education, work and life — communication, organisation, independence.
Based on the 'Aims' in the official syllabus.
3.Why these topics?
Reading
Read a range of texts and answer multiple-choice and matching questions — understanding detail, opinion and the meaning of new words from context.
Writing
Two essays of 300–400 words: one argumentative or discursive, one descriptive or narrative.
Literature
Two questions on set texts: a passage-based question and an essay — responding personally and critically to Urdu literature.
4.Topic map
- 1.1 Multiple-choice and matching questions on several texts
- 2.1 Argumentative/discursive essay (300–400 words)
- 2.2 Descriptive or narrative essay (300–400 words)
- 3.1 Section A: passage-based question on a set text
- 3.2 Section B: essay question on a set text
5.Exam pattern
All components are taken in the same exam series and marked by Cambridge. Dictionaries are not allowed. In Paper 3 you may take clean copies of the set texts (no notes, highlighting or underlining) into the exam room.
6.What examiners reward
Reading, writing and literature count about equally.
7.How to prepare
- Read set texts several times; you may take clean copies into Paper 3, but you must know them well.
- Practise both essay types under timed conditions (300–400 words each).
- Build advanced vocabulary and idioms; learn to work out new words from context.
- Read quality Urdu journalism and essays to strengthen Paper 1 skills.
- Check the set-text list for your exam year — set texts rotate.
8.Books & resources
9.Common mistakes
- Using the old 9686 materials without checking the new 9866 format.
- Writing outside the 300–400 word range.
- Retelling a literary text instead of analysing it.
Tips from our teachers.
10.Study plan
- Year 1Advanced reading and both essay types; begin set texts.
- Year 2Literature in depth (passage-based and essay questions); timed practice for all three papers.
- Final monthsSpecimen and past-paper practice; set-text revision.
Cambridge designs A Level courses for about 360 guided learning hours.
11.Where it can take you
Advanced Urdu is valuable across Pakistan's public and creative life.
Typical subject requirements — always check each university's own entry rules.
12.Urdu Language & Literature in the real world
A living literature
From Ghalib's ghazals to Iqbal's poetry and modern Urdu fiction, the literature paper connects you with a rich tradition.
International benchmark
Cambridge aligns this syllabus to CEFR levels B2–C1 — a recognised international standard of language ability.
13.Frequently asked questions
What happened to A Level Urdu 9686?
Cambridge is replacing it with 9866. The last 9686 exams are in November 2026; from 2027 students take 9866.
Is there an AS Level?
No — 9866 is a full A Level, and all three papers are taken in the same series.
What level of Urdu do I need?
Cambridge recommends having completed IGCSE or O Level Urdu, working at least at CEFR level B1.
Are there grade boundaries yet?
Not yet — the first exams are in 2027.
What about AS Urdu Language (8686)?
Cambridge's last June series for 8686 was June 2026; from 2027 it is offered only in November, to centres in Mauritius.
14.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.
15.Official sources
- Official syllabus 9866 for exams in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (PDF)
- Syllabus update, version 2 (PDF)
- Cambridge 9866 subject page
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.