History is a vital component of competitive examinations, particularly in the civil service domain. It is integral to the three phases of the UPSC civil service examination – Prelims, Mains, and Interviews. The relevance of history extends beyond the examination, as it provides essential context for administrative roles. This article will guide you on how to effectively study history for the UPSC exam, equipping you with strategies and insights to master this extensive subject.
History is included in the General Studies Paper I in the UPSC Mains and General Studies Paper in UPSC CSE Prelims. About 17-22% of questions in Prelims are asked from this subject.
Here's the detailed (topic-wise) syllabus of the subject which will help you in preparing it in a better way.
An analysis of previous question papers shows that the questions asked in the Prelims and Mains were moderate to tough in their difficulty level. Frequent questions are about Modern Indian History.
In the Prelims, history forms a part of the General Studies Paper I. The questions are objective, multiple-choice type, and cover a broad spectrum of historical topics, including:
The Mains examination takes a more detailed and analytical approach to history, comprising two optional papers for those who choose history as their optional subject. The areas covered include:
Following are some tips/strategies that students can follow and optimize for UPSC CSE History preparation-
1. What is the syllabus for History in UPSC Prelims and Mains? |
2. What are some recommended reference books for studying History for UPSC? |
3. What are the sources of history for UPSC preparation? |
4. Can you provide an overview of the UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains history question papers? |
5. What are some preparation tips for History in UPSC CSE (IAS) Prelims and Mains? |
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