//php print_r(get_the_ID()); ?>
PWOnlyIAS October 29, 2024 03:09 3723 0
Indian History Books for UPSC will help candidates to study for history subject for prelims, mains and optional. Let us look in detail about history books!
Indian history books for UPSC can be divided into ancient history, medieval history and modern history. In addition, world history and art and culture have to be studied as part of the subject for the UPSC exam.
Indian history books for UPSC are classified as NCERT books and reference books. The NCERT books are considered the core books for UPSC exam as they cover the majority part of the subject of Indian history.
You can get more information about Indian history books for UPSC by reading on. This will be helpful for you to complete the syllabus!
Indian history books for UPSC will cover both the stages of the exam and will be useful for prelims, mains as well as optional subject. The overview of Indian history books for UPSC is provided here.
Indian History Subject | Prelims: General Studies Paper
Mains: GS 1, Optional |
Different History Books | NCERT books
Reference Books |
Availability | Hardcover and Digital Format |
Indian History holds a significant position in both the UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS Paper 1) exams. For Prelims, history questions typically range from 10 to 13 questions every year, covering Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History sections. In the Mains GS Paper 1, history covers around 100–125 marks focusing heavily on Modern Indian History, especially significant events like the freedom struggle, colonial impact, and social reform movements. A strong foundation in Indian History not only boosts scores in GS but also provides context for other parts of the syllabus, such as polity, art, and culture.
Selecting the right Indian history books for UPSC can shape your preparation by providing clarity on complex events and movements. A well-structured collection of books should cover Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History comprehensively, each period building a foundation for the next. Understanding historical developments in India helps the aspirants in forming a contextual base that enhances critical thinking for answer writing.
Furthermore, with the right resources, candidates can gain perspectives on India’s vast cultural heritage, including art, architecture, and societal evolution, all of which are vital to scoring well in the exam. Here are some of the important and toppers recommended material and Indian history books for UPSC Examination 2025:
Indian history books for UPSC prelims are majorly NCERT publications. These books cover the whole subject in a comprehensive way. The details of the books are below.
Ancient History |
|
Medieval History |
|
Modern History |
|
Art and Culture |
|
Indian history books for UPSC mains will cover the history subject, which is part of GS paper 1 of the exam. These books will help candidates answer questions asked from ancient, medieval, modern and world history. The list of important history books for UPSC mains is given here.
Subject | Name of Books |
Ancient History and Indian Art and Culture |
|
Medieval History |
|
Modern History |
|
Post Independence History |
|
World History |
|
Candidates opting for history as an optional subject will need to study the subject in more detail compared to the GS 1 paper. Hence, Indian history books for UPSC optional cover a large number of reference texts. Here are some of the important books for history optional.
Subject | Name of Books |
Ancient History |
|
Medieval History |
|
Modern History |
|
Post Independence History |
|
World History |
|
Candidates who are unable to cope with the vastness of history can opt for books that have been designed specially for them. Physics Wallah offers you history books that will build your foundation and help understand the subject in a better way. Here are the best Indian history books for UPSC by Physics Wallah.
Subject | Books Name |
NCERT Wallah History Notes | |
UPSC Sampoorna | |
UPSC Udaan 3.0 for Prelims |
PW and OnlyIAS have become popular resources for UPSC aspirants due to our exam-oriented approach and simplified explanations. The PW materials are structured to meet the demands of both Prelims and Mains, often focusing on high-yield topics like the freedom struggle and key historical events. While providing content tailored to cover intricate topics with clarity, making it easier for candidates to retain information and approach the exam confidently.
Best Indian History Books for UPSC | |
Subject | Book Title |
Complete History Books | PW ONLYIAS UPSC Wallah History Combo Set |
UPSC UDAAN Prelims Wallah | UPSC UDAAN Prelims Wallah Combo Set |
Sign up for the PWOnlyIAS Online Course by Physics Wallah and start your journey to IAS success today!
UPSC Exam 2025 Related Articles
UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam
UPSC Notification 2025
UPSC Preparation 2025
UPSC Eligibility 2025
UPSC Exam Pattern
UPSC Syllabus
<div class="new-fform">
</div>
Latest Comments