UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination) is one of the toughest exams in India, and history is an important part of the syllabus. History is divided into three parts: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern. The history section carries a weightage of 500 marks out of 2000 marks in the UPSC CSE exam.


History plays a crucial role in the UPSC CSE exam. It helps to understand the culture, traditions, and socio-economic conditions of the past. It also helps to analyze the present and make informed decisions about the future. History provides insights into the evolution of society, governance, and political systems.


The history section of UPSC CSE includes the following topics:

Ancient India
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Vedic Period
- Buddhism and Jainism
- Mauryan Empire
- Gupta Empire
- Post-Gupta Period

Medieval India
- Delhi Sultanate
- Mughal Empire
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Maratha Empire
- Bhakti Movement
- Sufi Movement

Modern India
- British Rule in India
- Indian Freedom Struggle
- India after Independence


To prepare for history in UPSC CSE, candidates can follow the below-mentioned strategies:

- Read NCERT textbooks on history for classes 6th to 12th.
- Read standard reference books like 'India's Struggle for Independence' by Bipan Chandra, 'A Brief History of Modern India' by Rajiv Ahir, and 'India's Ancient Past' by RS Sharma.
- Watch documentaries and videos on history for better understanding.
- Attempt previous years' question papers to get a better idea about the exam pattern and types of questions asked.


History is an important part of the UPSC CSE exam, and candidates must prepare for it thoroughly. It helps to understand the past, analyze the present, and make informed decisions about the future. With the right preparation strategy, candidates can score well in the history section of the exam.