History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026: Topic-wise Analysis, Weightage & Answer Key

History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026: The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 was successfully conducted on 24 May 2026, and the General Studies Paper-I included a significant number of questions from History and Art & Culture. The History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026 tested candidates on Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History along with conceptual understanding, factual clarity, and current affairs integration.

This year, the Number of History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026 stood at 21, reaffirming the subject’s consistent importance in the examination. Candidates searching for the UPSC Prelims History Question Weightage 2026, topic-wise distribution, answer key, and difficulty analysis can check the complete details below.

UPSC Online Courses

History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026

In the UPSC Prelims 2026 General Studies Paper-I, History remained one of the most important sections. The questions were distributed across Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, and Art & Culture. Compared to previous years, the paper focused more on conceptual understanding and analytical interpretation rather than direct factual recall.

The History Question Distribution in UPSC Prelims 2026 was as follows:

• Ancient India: 10 Questions
• Medieval India: 2 Questions
• Modern India: 5 Questions
• Arts And Culture: 4 Questions

The paper reflected UPSC’s continued emphasis on linking static History with contemporary developments and cultural relevance.

How Many Questions Asked from History in UPSC Prelims 2026, Number of History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026, UPSC Prelims History Question Weightage 2026, History Question Distribution in UPSC Prelims 2026

UPSC Prelims History Question Weightage 2026

The UPSC Prelims History Question Weightage 2026 highlighted the increasing importance of Ancient Indian History and Art & Culture in the examination. Several questions tested candidates’ conceptual understanding, analytical ability, and application-based learning rather than simple factual memorisation. Aspirants looking to know How Many Questions Asked from History in UPSC Prelims 2026 and the complete History Question Distribution in UPSC Prelims 2026 can check the detailed topic-wise analysis below.

This distribution clearly shows that Ancient History carried the highest weightage in the examination.

Explore UPSC Foundation Courses

Explore UPSC Foundation Courses

Ancient Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026

Ancient Indian history highlights important cultural, religious, and economic developments through literary, archaeological, and historical evidence. Early Buddhist iconography used symbols like the empty seat to represent Buddha’s Mahaparinibbana. The Amaravati Stupa in the Krishna valley influenced South Indian and Southeast Asian art traditions. Sangam rulers like Senguttuvan and Nedunjeliyan belonged to Chera and Pandya dynasties respectively. 

2. What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography ?

(a) The meditation of the Buddha
(b) The Buddha’s First Sermon
(c) The Buddha’s Mahaparinibbana
(d) The Buddha’s Mahabhinishkramana

Answer: (a) The meditation of the Buddha

3. Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched ?

1. Vitasta : Chenab
2. Asikni : Jhelum
3. Parushni : Ravi
4. Yavyavati : Beas

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 3 only
(d) 4 only

Answer: (c) 3 only

4. Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct ?

1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

5. Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched ?

1. Senguttuvan : Chera
2. Udiyanjeral : Chola
3. Nedunjeliyan : Pandya

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 2 only

UPSC Online Classes

10. In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni (‘mistress of the field’) originate ?

(a) Rigveda
(b) Atharvaveda
(c) Ashtadhyayi
(d) Arthashastra

Answer: (a) Rigveda

13. Consider the following statements :

1. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., nishkama, satamana, ardhakakini.
2. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver.

Which of the statements have been associated with which of the following ?

1. Emergence of urban life
2. Transition to money economy

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

15. Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included ?

(a) Deva (gods)
(b) Yaksha (demi-gods)
(c) Manushya (humans)
(d) Tiryancha (animals and plants)

Answer: (b) Yaksha (demi-gods)

17. Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India :

1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595–596).
2. In the ninth century, place-values became general in inscriptions all over India.
3. The place-values has been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

18. Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:

1. There is a wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in houses, but spinning wheels are absent.
   
2. Weights and measurement scales with proper graduations have been discovered.
   
3. Many houses were built using baked bricks around spacious courtyards and had private wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms.

Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious household activity.
2. Statement II indicates the advanced scientific and measurement knowledge possessed by the Harappans.
3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explore UPSC Prarambh Course

Explore UPSC Prarambh Course

20. Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period :

1. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the surface.
   
2. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells.

Which of the following information support/supports the above statements ?

1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and aritra (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water.
2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu/kulisha (axe) and datra/srni (sickle).
3. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

35. Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information :

1. It has an antecedent drainage system.
2. It flows through three countries.
3. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
4. It does not form distributaries.

Select the answer from the following :

(a) Brahmaputra
(b) Indus
(c) Sutlej
(d) Teesta

Ans. (c) Sutlej

Medieval Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026

Although fewer in number, the Medieval Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026 were analytical in nature and focused on significant historical themes. The paper included questions from the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, with emphasis on administrative structure, political systems, and architectural developments, reflecting UPSC’s focus on conceptual clarity over factual memorisation.

14. Which of the following temples have a Nagara-style shikhara ?

1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 2 and 3

16. The Hallisaka painting in the Bagh Caves represents :

(a) A joyous folk dance
(b) Buddha in a meditative pose
(c) The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha
(d) Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean)

Answer: (a) A joyous folk dance

Click to Know UPSC Coaching Centres in India

Modern Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026

The Modern Questions in UPSC Prelims 2026 continued to dominate the history section, making it one of the most important areas for aspirants. Around 9 questions were asked from Modern Indian History, covering major topics such as the Indian National Movement, prominent freedom fighters, socio-religious reform movements, constitutional developments, and important British legislations, highlighting UPSC’s consistent emphasis on India’s struggle for independence and political awakening.

6. Which of the following factors contributed to the formation of the Forward Bloc by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939 ?

1. Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi.
2. The Congress Left was disunited and failed to support Bose.
3. The Communists did not support Bose in his endeavours.
4. The supporters of M.N. Roy and socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan preferred Congress unity to supporting Bose.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4

7. Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856 :

1. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts.
2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders.
3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 only

Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only

8. Consider the following assertion :

The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919.

Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ?

1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates.
2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger.
3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

12. The artificially fixed rupee-sterling exchange rate prescribed by the  Hilton-Young Commission (1926) was adopted by British Government for which one of the following reasons ?

(a) Aiding the flow of remittances from India and maintaining India’s creditworthiness
(b) Providing support to Indian importers
(c) Encouraging export of cotton produce from India
(d) Preventing depreciation of the Rupee in terms of gold

Answer: (a) Aiding the flow of remittances from India and maintaining India’s creditworthiness

Explore Degree Courses

Explore Degree Courses

19. Which one of the following statements about the Eka Movement and Bardoli Satyagraha is correct ?

(a) The Eka Movement was throughout supported and organized by the Congress while Bardoli Satyagraha was initially independent of Congress influence and was only in the last stages supported by the Congress.
(b) The Eka Movement was provided leadership by the taluqdars of Awadh, whereas the Bardoli Satyagraha was a movement of the landless labourers.
(c) The Bardoli Satyagraha was a campaign against the enhancement of land revenue, while the Eka Movement was a protest against excessive extraction of rents.
(d) The Eka Movement was located in the Varanasi and Mirzapur districts of the present-day U.P., while the Bardoli Satyagraha took place in Saurashtra.

Answer: (c) The Bardoli Satyagraha was a campaign against the enhancement of land revenue, while the Eka Movement was a protest against excessive extraction of rents.

Art & Culture Questions in UPSC 2026

The UPSC Prelims 2026 also included questions from Indian art, culture, and contemporary heritage topics. Questions were asked about renowned classical singer Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana and the similarity between Raga Bilawal and Dheera Shankarabharanam in Carnatic music. Cultural heritage was highlighted through the UNESCO-recognised Moidams of the Tai-Ahom kingdom, which served as royal burial grounds. The paper also covered current cultural affairs through the film Boomg, reflecting UPSC’s growing focus on blending traditional culture with recent achievements and international recognition.

9. Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the :

(a) Agra Gharana
(b) Gwalior Gharana
(c) Patiala Gharana
(d) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana

Answer: (d) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana

11. Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music ?

(a) Nat Bhairavi
(b) Kamavardhini
(c) Harikambhoji
(d) Dheera Shankarabharanam

Answer: (d) Dheera Shankarabharanam

27. Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct ?

1. They acted as army fortresses.
2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles.
3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles.
4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 4

Answer: (c) 3 only

50. Consider the following statements with regard to the film ‘Boomg’ :

1. The film has recently won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award in the Children’s and Family Film category.
2. The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.
3. This is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award in the Children’s and Family Film category.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 3 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

Click to Know UPSC OnlyIAS Coaching Centres

10-Year Trend Analysis of History Questions in UPSC Prelims

Over the past decade, History has remained a consistent and weighty component of the UPSC Prelims exam. While the number of questions fluctuates each year, the subject continues to test a candidate’s understanding of both factual recall and conceptual understanding. Analysing the trends helps aspirants focus on priority areas within the Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Art & Culture segments:

This trend shows that History consistently contributes 10–15 questions to the UPSC Prelims each year, making it a non-negotiable subject for aspirants.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

DOWNLOAD PDF