Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims, Topic Wise Questions, PDF Download

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims helps in understanding question patterns. Analyzing Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims year-wise helps aspirants focus on key topics for efficient exam preparation.

vishal pathaniya

April 04, 2025

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims, Topic Wise Questions, PDF Download

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims: The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is known for its unpredictability, especially in the Prelims stage. Among the subjects covered in the General Studies Paper-I, Modern History holds a significant place. Analyzing Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims can help aspirants understand the types of questions asked, recurring themes, and weightage given to different topics over the years. Read on to get an in-depth analysis of Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims Overview, covering past trends, topic-wise distribution, and preparation strategies.

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims Overview

Modern History questions in UPSC Prelims primarily focus on events, movements, and personalities from the late 18th century to India’s independence in 1947. The subject encompasses British expansion, socio-religious movements, constitutional developments, and the Indian freedom struggle.

The UPSC Prelims Modern History questions tend to range from factual to analytical, requiring candidates to have a thorough understanding of historical events. Reviewing the UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Modern History PDF Download can be instrumental in exam preparation.

The table below provides a structured overview of Modern History PYQs in UPSC Prelims, including the year-wise question trend, major topics covered, and the difficulty level of questions.

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims Overview

Aspect Details
Time Period Covered Late 18th century to India’s independence in 1947
Question Trend (Last 7 Years) 3-14 questions per year
Nature of Questions Factual, Analytical, Statement-based
Most Common Topics Freedom Struggle, British Policies, Constitutional Developments, Revolts & Movements, Social Reforms
Repeated Themes Gandhian Movements, Acts & Laws, Important Personalities, Tribal & Peasant Revolts, Role of British Officials
Sources for Preparation NCERTs, Spectrum, Bipin Chandra, Previous Year Question Papers
Year with Maximum Questions 2018 (14 questions)
Year with Minimum Questions 2023 (3 questions)
Expected Questions in 2025 Around 5-8 questions, based on trends
Difficulty Level Moderate to Difficult
Best Strategy for Preparation PYQ Analysis, Topic-wise Study, Revision with MCQs

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Previous Years Papers And Solutions

UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Modern History PDF Download

Aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination can significantly benefit from analyzing previous years’ questions. The UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Modern History PDF provides a structured compilation of past questions, helping candidates understand recurring themes, question patterns, and important topics. 

By referring to the UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Modern History PDF, aspirants can refine their preparation strategy, focus on high-yield topics, and improve accuracy in solving Modern History questions in UPSC Prelims. 

Download the latest Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims PDF to enhance your exam readiness.

UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Modern History

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Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024 with Answers

The Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024 with Answers are expected to align with previous years’ trends. Below are examples of questions from the recent UPSC Prelims exam:

Question 1

With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements:

  1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces and Princely States.
  2. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the federal legislature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)   1 only

 

(b)   2 only

 

(c)   Both 1 and 2

 

(d)   Neither 1 nor 2 

 

Ans: (a)  1 only

 

Question 2

With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:

  1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
  2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)   1 only

 

(b)   2 only

 

(c)   Both 1 and 2

 

(d)   Neither 1 nor 2


Ans: (b)  2 only

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years

The number of Modern History questions in UPSC Prelims has fluctuated over the years. The table below presents a year-wise analysis:

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years
Year Number of Questions
2024 2
2023 3
2022 4
2021 9
2020 8
2019 5
2018 14
2017 7

While UPSC has reduced the number of Modern History questions, the subject remains crucial due to its weightage in the Mains examination.

Repeated Themes of Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims

Despite variations in the number of questions, certain themes frequently appear in the UPSC Prelims. Below are some recurring topics:

Repeated Themes of Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims
Themes Significance
Freedom Movement 2-3 questions from the Gandhian period
The advent of Europeans 1-2 questions from the pre-Independence period
Tribal and Peasant Revolts 1-2 questions
Personalities from the Freedom and Renaissance Movement 1-2 questions
Constitutional Development 1-2 questions
British Imperialism 1-2 questions

Analyzing Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims Year-wise Trend helps in understanding these patterns and preparing accordingly.

Topic-wise Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims

A structured approach to Topic-wise Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims ensures efficient preparation. Below is a categorized question analysis:

1. Freedom Movements

Question: With reference to 8th August 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
(b) The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.
(c) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
(d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.
Answer: (a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.

2. Famous Personalities

Question: Who among the following is associated with ‘Song from Prison,’ a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
(d) Sarojini Naidu
Answer: (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

3. Constitutional Developments

Question: With reference to the proposals of the Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:

  1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.
  2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution, would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (b) 2 only

Studying Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years provides a strategic advantage.

How to Prepare for Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims

Aspirants should follow a structured approach to qualify for the Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims Year-wise Trend analysis. Here are some preparation tips:

  1. Analyze PYQs: Reviewing the UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Modern History PDF Download will help in understanding recurring themes.
  2. Refer to Standard Books: NCERTs and reference books like “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum and “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra are important.
  3. Focus on Timeline-Based Study: Chronological understanding of events helps in remembering facts better.
  4. Make Notes on Personalities & Events: UPSC frequently asks questions about important personalities, their contributions, and landmark events.
  5. Solve Mock Tests: Attempting full-length mock tests will help in time management and accuracy.
  6. Revise Frequently: Revising Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024 with Answers and previous years’ questions can significantly boost confidence.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

 

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims FAQs

The Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims helps aspirants analyze recurring themes and focus on essential topics for exam preparation.

Candidates can access the UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Modern History PDF from official UPSC sources or the link given above.

Analyzing the Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims Year-wise Trend helps in understanding UPSC’s evolving question patterns.

Key topics include British policies, freedom movements, constitutional developments, and the role of significant leaders in India’s independence.

Reviewing Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years provides insight into frequently asked topics and changing trends.

Focus on key themes like the Indian freedom struggle, social reform movements, and British economic policies, as they are commonly repeated.

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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