History Books For UPSC - Among all the subjects that are included in the UPSC Syllabus, History is one of the most important ones. In the UPSC CSE Exam, the history subject is divided into Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and World History. Many questions are asked from these sections in the IAS Prelims & Mains exams. Candidates can also choose history as an optional subject in the mains exam. So, to excel in this subject it becomes necessary to have the Best History Books for UPSC exam. In this article, we have provided the list of best history books for UPSC. We request aspiring candidates to have a look at this UPSC History Booklist.

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Weightage of Indian History in UPSC Exam

History forms a significant component in the UPSC Prelims GS Paper-1. Nearly 10 to 13 questions are asked from Indian History (Ancient, Medieval and Modern) in the GS Paper 1. In the Mains GS Paper-1, knowledge of history is equally significant from the point of view of Indian heritage, culture, modern history, and world history. UPSC aspirants must refer to expert suggested UPSC History Books to structure their preparation. Refer to standard textbooks and NCERT History Books as well as the expert recommendations provided in this article to cover Important History Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains exams. 

History Books For UPSC Prelims & Mains

Candidates should be well-prepared for the history subject for the IAS Prelims, Mains and Optional in case they opt for it. It is essential for you to possess a comprehensive list of books for UPSC as per the syllabus to avoid confusion and enhance your IAS Preparation. Let us look at the table below for IAS history books with content that is simple & understandable.

Top Indian History Books for UPSC Prelims Exam

As mentioned above, 10-15 questions are expected from the Indian History section in the UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1. These include questions on Ancient, Medieval and Modern History periods. Refer to the important UPSC History Books for Indian History provided in the table below -

Top Indian History Books for UPSC Mains Exam

Indian History is an important component in the UPSC Mains GS Paper 1. Questions are typically based on Modern History. Follow the expert recommended UPSC History Books provided in the table below to prepare for this subject -

Importance of History Books For UPSC

History Books play a pivotal role in UPSC exam preparation, offering valuable insights which are essential for understanding contemporary issues, governance, and societal structures. These books are indispensable tools for aspirants aiming to excel in the UPSC examination. Check out the importance of these books below.

• Contextual Understanding: History books provide a historical context that helps candidates comprehend the evolution of societies, governance, and cultures.
• Comprehensive Coverage: A well-rounded collection of history books covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian and world history.
• Connectivity: Historical knowledge helps aspirants draw connections between past events and contemporary challenges.
• Answer Writing: Historical insights enrich answer-writing skills, enabling candidates to provide well-rounded responses.
• Cultural Awareness: History books foster cultural sensitivity, crucial for diverse administrative roles.
• Ethical Insights: Historical accounts often contain ethical dilemmas, offering a foundation for ethical decision-making.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: History intersects with other subjects, enhancing a candidate's interdisciplinary approach to issues.

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