History Books for UPSC

Here is the list of Indian History books recommended for the IAS Mains exam, categorized accordingly:

These books provide comprehensive coverage of Indian history topics and are important for UPSC Mains exam preparation.

Indian History Books for UPSC

The recommended books for UPSC History preparation are important resources for understanding various periods and aspects of Indian and world history. Here is a list of the books for Ancient, Medieval, World, and Modern History:

Ancient History Books for UPSC:

1. NCERT Class XI Ancient India
2. NCERT Class XII Theme in Indian History- I
3. The Wonder That Was India – A.L. Basham
4. Old NCERT- India’s Ancient Past – RS Sharma

Medieval History Books for UPSC:

1. Old NCERT- History of Medieval India- Satish Chandra
2. A History of South India by K.A. Nilkantha Sastri
3. The Agrarian System of Mughal India 1556-1707 by Irfan Habib
4. Ashoka & Decline of the Maurya by Romila Thapar
5. The Mughal Empire by J.F. Richards
6. Indian Feudalism by R.S. Sharma

World History Book for UPSC:

1. Europe Since 1815 – W.C. Craig
2. Europe Since 1870 – James Joll
3. Europe Since Napoleon – David Thompson
4. The Story of Civilization, Part 2 by Arjun Dev, NCERT
5. Contemporary World History for class XII (Old NCERT Book)
6. Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe

Modern History Books for UPSC:

1. A Brief History of Modern India
2. NCERT Class XI Modern India by Bipan Chandra
3. India After Gandhi by Ramchandra Guha
4. History Of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
5. Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
6. From Plassey to Partition
7. History of Modern World by Jain and Mathu
8. Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe

Best Indian History Books For History Optional

Here is a list of recommended Indian History books for those opting for History as an optional subject:

1. A New Look at Modern Indian History From 1707 to the Modern Times by Alka Mehta and B L Grover S
2. Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe (Best book for World History UPSC)
3. The Penguin History Of Early India: From The Origins To AD 1300 by Romila Thapar
4. Age of Revolution 1789-1848 by Eric Hobsbawm
5. History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra (Medieval history book for UPSC exam)
6. History Of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
7. India’s Ancient Past by Ram Sharan Sharma
8. Modern Indian History by Bipan Chandra
9. Age Of Capital: 1848-1875 (History of Civilization) by Eric Hobsbawm
10. Age of Capital by E.J. Hobsbawm
11. Age of Empires by E.J. Hobsbawm
12. Age of Revolution by E.J. Hobsbawm
13. Contemporary World History (NCERT) by Arjun Dev
14. Europe Since 1815 by W.C. Craig
15. Europe Since 1870 by James Joll
16. Europe Since Napoleon by David Thompson
17. Industry & Empire by E.J. Hobsbawm
18. The Social Basis of Democracy & Dictatorship by B.J. Moore
19. The Mainstream of Civilization by Strayer, Gatzke & Harbison
20. The Story of Civilization, Vol. 2 (NCERT) by Arjun Dev

History is a popular optional subject due to its significant overlap with the General Studies syllabus in UPSC Mains. These books provide in-depth knowledge and analysis of various historical periods and are invaluable resources for History optional aspirants.

Preparation tips to Crack UPSC 

Cracking the UPSC exam requires diligent preparation and strategic planning. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the UPSC exam pattern, including the stages (Prelims, Mains, and Interview), types of questions, and marking scheme.
2. Know the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the UPSC syllabus for each stage of the exam. Divide your preparation according to the syllabus topics and prioritize areas where you need more focus.
3. Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject and revision. Stick to your timetable and maintain consistency in your preparation.
4. Refer to Standard Books: Use recommended UPSC preparation books and study materials for each subject. NCERT books are excellent resources for building a strong foundation in various topics.
5. Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online sources. Focus on relevant national and international events, government policies, and socio-economic developments.
6. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year UPSC question papers to understand the exam pattern, time management, and question types. It also helps in identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
7. Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests and practice papers to evaluate your preparation level and improve your problem-solving skills. Analyze your performance and work on areas that need improvement.
8. Revision: Regular revision is crucial to retain information and reinforce concepts. Allocate dedicated time for revision sessions to consolidate your learning and ensure better retention.
9. Answer Writing Practice: Practice answer writing for Mains exam questions, focusing on clarity, structure, and coherence. Develop a habit of writing concise and well-structured answers within the given time limit.
10. Stay Healthy and Positive: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, proper sleep, and balanced nutrition. Stay positive and motivated throughout your preparation journey, believing in your abilities to succeed.