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History Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025

Complete syllabus guide for History Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.

PAPER—I: World History

1. Industrial Revolution

  • 1.1 Evolution of industrial capitalism
  • 1.2 Changes in social and economic structure
  • 1.3 Industrialization in other countries
  • - USA
  • - Germany
  • - Russia
  • - Japan
  • 1.4 Socialist industrialization
  • 1.5 Impact on colonial economy and society

2. Nation-State System

  • 2.1 Rise of nationalism in 19th century
  • 2.2 Nationalism: state-building in Germany and Italy
  • 2.3 Disintegration of Empires in face of the emergence of nationalities
  • 2.4 Socialist Revolution 1917-1921
  • 2.5 Fascist Counter-Revolution, Italy and Germany
  • 2.6 The Chinese Revolution and its path to communism

3. Imperialism and Colonialism

  • 3.1 South and South-East Asia
  • 3.2 Latin America and South Africa
  • 3.3 Australia
  • 3.4 Imperialism and free trade: Rise of neo-imperialism
  • 3.5 Colonial System: Exploitation, Rise of colonial resistance
  • 3.6 Factors leading to decolonization
  • 3.7 End of Colonialism

4. World Wars

  • 4.1 First and Second World Wars as Total Wars
  • 4.2 Societal implications
  • 4.3 World War I: Causes and consequences
  • 4.4 World War II: Causes and consequences
  • 4.5 The Holocaust
  • 4.6 Nuclear weapons and the new global power structure
  • 4.7 Emergence of two power blocs
  • 4.8 Emergence of Third World and non-alignment

5. Post World War II

  • 5.1 Emergence of two power blocs
  • 5.2 UNO and the global disputes
  • 5.3 Cold War
  • 5.4 Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Chile
  • 5.5 The collapse of the Soviet Union
  • 5.6 Unipolar World
  • 5.7 Middle East: Arab-Israeli Conflict
  • 5.8 Rise of Islamic fundamentalism
  • 5.9 International Terrorism

PAPER—II: Indian History

1. Ancient India

  • 1.1 Prehistoric Cultures
  • 1.2 Indus Valley Civilization
  • 1.3 Vedic Culture
  • 1.4 Mauryan Empire
  • 1.5 Gupta Empire
  • 1.6 Early Medieval India
  • 1.7 Art, Architecture and Culture
  • 1.8 Philosophy and Religion
  • 1.9 Trade and Commerce

2. Medieval India

  • 2.1 Delhi Sultanate
  • 2.2 Provincial Dynasties
  • 2.3 Vijayanagar Empire
  • 2.4 Mughal Empire
  • 2.5 Maratha Power
  • 2.6 Economy and Society
  • 2.7 Art, Architecture and Culture
  • 2.8 Religious Movements
  • 2.9 Trade and Commerce

3. Modern India

  • 3.1 European Trading Companies
  • 3.2 British Conquest of India
  • 3.3 Colonial Economy
  • 3.4 Land Revenue Systems
  • 3.5 Drain of Wealth
  • 3.6 Economic Impact of British Rule
  • 3.7 Transport and Communication
  • 3.8 Indian Renaissance
  • 3.9 Social and Religious Reform Movements

4. Indian National Movement

  • 4.1 Early Nationalist Response
  • 4.2 Indian National Congress
  • 4.3 Swadeshi Movement
  • 4.4 Revolutionary Movements
  • 4.5 Gandhian Movements
  • 4.6 Left Movement
  • 4.7 Muslim Politics and Partition
  • 4.8 Peasant and Workers Movements
  • 4.9 Princely States and Integration

5. Post Independence India

  • 5.1 Nehru Era
  • 5.2 State Reorganization
  • 5.3 Foreign Policy and NAM
  • 5.4 Economic Development and Planning
  • 5.5 Land Reforms
  • 5.6 Green Revolution
  • 5.7 Political Developments post-1964
  • 5.8 Social Movements
  • 5.9 Regional Aspirations
  • 5.10 Contemporary India

Recommended Study Resources

Essential Books

  • • India's Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma
  • • India's Medieval Past by R.S. Sharma
  • • Modern India by Bipan Chandra
  • • India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
  • • World History by Norman Lowe

Reference Materials

  • • A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum
  • • Ancient India by R.C. Majumdar
  • • Medieval India by Satish Chandra
  • • NCERT History Books (Class 11th and 12th)
  • • Oxford History of India

Journals and Magazines

  • • History Today Magazine
  • • The Indian Historical Review
  • • Journal of Asian Studies
  • • Economic and Political Weekly
  • • Social Scientist

Practice Materials

  • • Previous Years' UPSC History Papers
  • • Insights IAS History Notes
  • • Model Question Papers
  • • History MCQs and Timeline Practice
  • • Map Work Practice Materials