History is one of the most popular optional subjects for aspirants who takes the Civil Services in Examination. Selecting a good optional subject is a vital decision and it plays a compelling role in a candidate’s overall score.

UPSC History Syllabus- Download IAS History Optional Syllabus

In IAS fraternity, it is believed that Vajirao Institute offers the best coaching for history optional subject for UPSC.. Vajirao IAS offers coaching for such optional subjects which have maximum syllabus overlap/connection and strategic relevance with the compulsory papers of General Studies. The optional subject teachers are the subject experts from the best universities/colleges who are committed to student's success in exam. Special focus is given on answer writing methodology and a goal-oriented teaching program is designed to help the students crack IAS exam. Vajirao's In-depth history subject classroom coaching conducted, best designed so that even a student without the background knowledge of the subject can easily start his/her preparation.

History Syllabus For UPSC | Micro topics For History

Indian Heritage & Culture
Indian Art Forms
Literature
Architecture
Indian Heritage & Culture
Middle of the Eighteenth Centurytillthe Present
The Freedom Struggle
The Revolt of 1857
Growth of Nationalism in India (1858–1905)
Growth of Militant Nationalism & Revolutionary Activities (1905–18)
Beginning of Mass Nationalism (1919–39)
Towards Freedom & Partition (1939–47)
Post-Independence Consolidation
Nation Building
Foreign Policy
Economy
Polity
Social
History of the World
Industrial Revolution
World War I
World Between the Two Wars
World War II
Decolonization & Redrawing of National Boundaries
Concept, Types,and Social Impact of Political Philosophies

Strategy to Prepare History Syllabus for UPSC

Since a large part of the syllabus overlaps between Prelims and Main, it is advisable to cover the history syllabus for UPSC holistically. The following strategy may be helpful for you to prepare a history subject:

  • #1 Build a solid foundation

    Read NCERTs of Classes VIII to XII to build a strong foundation in History. You can further develop your understanding by reading NIOS/IGNOU notes. The information provided in small boxes in the NCERTs must also be read as direct questions are asked from those snippets in Prelims.

  • #2 Glance through the PYQs

    This will help you get an idea of the type of questions that are asked. It will also guide you in fine-tuning your preparation strategy, and making it more effective. Further, you will be able to look for question-based information from the pool of information.

  • #3 Cover the topic syllabus-wise

    In History, it is important to learn the events sequentially; so, cover them syllabus-wise. Stick to the syllabus, especially in this subject. Even while reading the reference books, it is important to read just those chapters that are relevant to the UPSC CSE syllabus. History syllabus for UPSC is extremely vast, hence, must be covered strictly according to the syllabus provided for the Mains exam.

  • #4 Mock tests

    Write as many mock tests as you can while covering this subject as much as possible. Practice answer-writing for Main, and get your answers evaluated by your mentor to assess your preparation and analyze your mistakes. Keep repeating the process!

Recommended booklist to cover History syllabus for UPSC

The recommended booklist to cover history syllabus for UPSC CSE Prelims and Main are:

  • NCERTs (Class VIII to XII)

  • NIOS/IGNOU Notes

  • India's Ancient Past by R. S. Sharma

  • History of Medieval India: From 647 A.D. to the Mughal Conquest by Satish Chandra

  • History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra

  • India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

  • Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania