What to Cover in NCERTs for History UPSC | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

NCERT History books are essential resources for UPSC aspirants, particularly those with backgrounds in commerce or science. For the UPSC exam, History is an optional subject among 48 choices. The syllabus of History overlaps with both the IAS Prelims GS Paper 1 and IAS Mains GS Paper 1. Starting your history preparation with NCERT books is highly recommended to build a solid foundation. This article provides a list of History NCERT books for UPSC and explores how studying them can benefit you in cracking the exam.

NCERT History Book For UPSC - Class 6th to 12th History NCERTs

The History NCERT books cover everything from ancient to modern India. It's best to start with NCERTs from Class 6 to Class 12. The following table provides the list of NCERTs from Class 6th to 12th.

You can also study Old NCERTs History books from here .

Important Chapters in History NCERT For UPSC

In the NCERTs from Class 6th to 12th, there are several important chapters that UPSC aspirants should study thoroughly for History preparation. Below is a list of these important chapters in the History NCERT books for UPSC.

1. Class 6th NCERT 

NCERT Name: Our Pasts Part-1

Total No. Of Chapters: 11 Chapters

Important Chapters for UPSC :

• Chapter 2: From Hunting – Gathering to Growing Food
• Chapter 4: What Books and Burials Tell Us
• Chapter 7: Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War
• Chapter 10: New Empires and Kingdoms

2. Class 7th NCERT

NCERT Name: Our Pasts Part-2

Total No. Of Chapters: 10 Chapters

Important Chapters:

• Chapter 3: The Delhi Sultans
• Chapter 4: The Mughal Empire
• Chapter 7: Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities
• Chapter 8: Devotional Paths to the Divine
• Chapter 10: Eighteenth-Century Political Formations

3. Class 8th NCERT

NCERT Name: Our Pasts Part-3

Total No. Of Chapters: 10 Chapters

Important Chapters:

• Chapter 2: From Trade to Territory
• Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
• Chapter 5: When People Rebel
• Chapter 8: Women, Caste and Reform
• Chapter 9: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s – 1947

4. Class 9th NCERT

NCERT Name: India and the Contemporary World – I

Total No. Of Chapters: 5 Chapters

Important Chapters:

• Chapter 1: The French Revolution
• Chapter 2: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution
• Chapter 3: Nazism and the Rise of Hitler

5. Class 10th NCERT

• NCERT Name: India and the Contemporary World – 2
• Chapters to Focus on: This book covers significant events in World History from the 18th century, including the industrial revolution, world wars, colonisation, decolonisation, and key events in modern Indian history. Candidates should focus on all key events and the contributions of individuals that had a major impact on the nation.

6. Class 11th NCERT

(a)NCERT Name: Themes in World History

Important Chapters:

• Chapter 2: Empires
• Chapter 4: Towards Modernisation

(b)Ancient India (RS Sharma)

• Total Chapters: 27
• Focus: Aspirants should start from Chapter 4 for a good understanding.

(c) Medieval India (Satish Chandra)

• Total Chapters: 18
• Focus: Skim through the entire book to develop a comprehensive understanding of the events.

(d) Modern India (Bipan Chandra)

• Total Chapters: 15
• Focus: It's advisable to read all chapters to gain a thorough understanding of the events.

7. Class 12th NCERT

(a) NCERT Name: Themes in Indian History – Part I

Important Themes:

• Theme 2: Early States and Economies
• Theme 3: Early Societies

(b)NCERT Name: Themes in Indian History – Part II

Total Themes: 6

Important Themes:

• Theme 5: Perceptions of Society
• Theme 6: Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts
• Theme 7: An Imperial Capital - Vijayanagara

(c) NCERT Name: Themes in Indian History – Part III

Total Themes: 6

Important Themes:

• Theme 13: Civil Disobedience and Beyond
• Theme 14: Politics, Memories, Experiences
• Theme 15: The Beginning of a New Era

NCERT History For UPSC - Important Tips

1. Build from the Basics: Think of NCERTs from Class VI to XII as your historical roadmap. These books lay down the foundational knowledge of India's history in clear and simple language. Starting here ensures you grasp fundamental concepts, pivotal events, and the movements that shaped our nation.

2. Note-taking Magic: Treat your study sessions like treasure hunts. Jot down key events, significant figures, and the essence of historical movements as you read through NCERTs. These notes will not only reinforce your memory but also serve as quick revision aids.

3. Context is King: History isn't just about dates and names; it's about understanding why things happened. Delve into the context behind each event or movement. For instance, the rise of nationalism in India was a response to British colonialism and the exploitation of resources. Knowing these contexts helps you connect the dots and remember historical sequences effortlessly.

4. Diversify Your Sources: Don't limit yourself to NCERTs alone. Expand your understanding by exploring other UPSC-recommended books, insightful articles, and scholarly journals. This broader perspective enriches your knowledge base beyond what's covered in NCERTs.

5. Master the Art of Answer Writing: UPSC demands concise, structured, and articulate answers. Start honing this skill early by practicing answer writing. Solve previous years' papers and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and refine your writing style.

By following these tips, you'll not only conquer the vast landscape of Indian history but also prepare yourself effectively for the challenges of the UPSC exam. Happy studying!