Prelims History Syllabus for UPSC Exam 2024

PWOnlyIAS April 13, 2024 06:46 7892 0

Master the UPSC Prelims History syllabus for the 2024 exam with a comprehensive understanding of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history. Explore the detailed syllabus, recommended booklist, and key FAQs to excel in this crucial subject area.

Prelims History Syllabus for UPSC Exam 2024

Prelims History is increasingly becoming trickier, thus making it unpredictable. A comprehensive detail of the prelims History syllabus is provided here. Let’s read the article for more details!

UPSC Prelims Syllabus: An Overview

The Union Public Service Commission Preliminary Examination, or UPSC Prelims, is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC. The Prelims consist of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT), both of which are objective-type multiple-choice exams.  

The detailed UPSC Prelims Syllabus is given in the table below:

General Studies Paper I General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
  • Current events of national and international importance. 
  • History of India and Indian National Movement.
  • Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. 
  • Indian History and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
  • Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. 
  • General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization. 
  • General Science.
  • Comprehension; 
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills; 
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability; 
  • Decision making and problem solving; 
  • General mental ability; 
  • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level).

 

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UPSC Prelims History Syllabus Complete Details

The UPSC Prelims History syllabus involves studying Indian history, beginning from Prehistoric times until the Independence period. As part of history, candidates will also have to study Art and Culture during the mentioned period. The detailed syllabus has been provided below:

Ancient History Prehistoric Times
  • Sources of Prehistory
  • Palaeolithic Age
  • Mesolithic Age
  • Neolithic Age 
  • Chalcolithic Age
  • Megalithic Age
  • Geographical Distribution and Characteristics
Indus Valley Civilization
  • IVC Geography 
  • Archaeological Findings
  • IVC Society and Culture
  • IVC Economy
  • Decline of IVC
Vedic Period and Later Vedic Period
  • Sources of Information
  • Geography of the Rig Vedic Period 
  • Political Organisation
  • Rig Vedic Society
  • Rig Vedic Economy
  • Religious Practices and Culture
Sangam Period
  • Sangam Dynasties
  • Sangam Literature
  • Sangam Trade
  • Sangam Polity, Society and Culture
  • Economy of Sangam Period
  • Sangam Art and Culture
Jainism
  • Early Tirthankaras
  • Teachings of Mahavira
  • Organisation and Sects of Jainism
  • Jain Literature
  • Jain Philosophy
  • Jain Councils, Spread and Royal Patrons
Buddhism
  • Life of Buddha
  • Teachings of Buddha
  • Sects of Buddhism
  • Buddhist Literature
  • Buddhist Councils
  • Causes for the Decline
Mahajanapadas
  • The 16 Mahajanapadas
  • Famous Dynasties and their Capitals
  • Society and Economy
  • Administration 
  • Decline of Mahajanapadas
Age of Mauryas
  • Sources of Information (Inscriptions, literature)
  • Famous Rulers
  • Administration
  • Society
  • Economy
  • Foreign Relations
  • Asoka’s reign
  • Decline of Mauryas
Post Mauryas
  • Satavahanas
  • Sungas and Kanvas
  • Sakas
  • Kushanas
Age of Guptas
  • Sources of Gupta Rule
  • Rulers and Guptas Chronology
  • Foreign Travellers Visit
  • Gupta Administration
  • Society Religion and Culture
  • Development of Urban centres in Gupta period
  • Economy
  • Science and Technology
  • Literature
  • Later Guptas
  • Other Contemporary Dynasties
Vardhana Dynasty
  • Harsha and Buddhism
  • Hiuen Tsang
  • Administration
  • Society and Culture
  • Battle of Narmada
Medieval History Early Medieval Dynasties
  • The Pratiharas (8th to 10th Century)
  • The Palas (8th to 11th Century)
  • The Senas (11th to 12th Century)
  • The Rajputs
  • Pallavas
  • Chalukyas
  • Rashtrakutas
South Indian Dynasties
  • Chola Rulers and Political History
  • Chola Administration and Socio-Economic Life
  • The Cheras (9th to 12th Century)
  • The Yadavas (12th to 13th Century)
Early Muslim Invaders
  • Mohhamed Bin Qasim
  • Mahmud of Ghazni
  • Muhammad Ghori
Sultanate Period
  • Slave Dynasty
  • Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 AD)
  • Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 AD)
  • Sayyid Dynasty
  • Lodi Dynasty
  • Mongol Invasions
  • Administration
  • Economy
  • Society and Culture
  • Weakening of the Sultanate
Emergence of Mughals
  • The 1st Battle of Panipat and Emergence of Babur
  • Babur’s Struggle with Rana Sanga
  • Babur’s Contributions
  • Humayun and the Afghans
  • The  Struggle with Sher Shah Suri
  • The Sur Empire (1540-56)
  • Contributions of Sher Shah
Consolidation of Power: Akbar’s Rule
  • The 2nd Battle of Panipat
  • Early Expansion of the Empire 
  • Relations with the Rajputs
  • Structure of Government
  • Land-Revenue System, the Dahsala System, the Mansabdari System and the Army
  • Din-i-Ilahi – State Policies and religious toleration
  • Akbar’s Contributions
  • Development of Art and Culture during Akbar’s era.
Post-Akbar Mughals
  • Jehangir’s Rule
  • Shah Jahan’s Rule
  • Emergence of Aurangzeb
  • Evolution of the Mughal Ruling Class
Emergence of Marathas
  • Rise of the Marathas – Early Career of Shivaji
  • Shivaji’s Administration
  • Aurangzeb and the Deccani States (1658-87)
  • Marathas and the Decean Rulers
  • The Marathas and their Policy of Expansion
  • Third Battle of Panipat
  • The Peshwas (1713-1818)
  • Other Maratha States 
Deccan Sultanate
  • Deccani States
  • Mughal Conquest of Deccan
  • Rise of Malik Ambar
  • Suzerainty by Bijapur and Golconda
  • Cultural Contribution of the Deccani States
Vijayanagara Empire
  • Sources of History
  • Administration
  • Social and Cultural Life
  • Chronology of Different Dynasties
  • Conflicts with the Bahmani Kingdom
  • Foreign Travelers to Vijayanagara
Rise of Regional Kingdoms
  • The Sikhs
  • The Jats
  • The Rajputs
  • Bengal Nawabs
  • Awadh Kingdom
Modern History Advent of Europeans
  • The Portuguese in India
  • The Dutch in India
  • The Danes in India
  • The English
  • The French
  • Anglo-French Rivalry
  • The carnatic Wars
British Expansionism
  • Battle of Plassey
  • Battle of Buxar
  • Anglo-Mysore wars
  • Anglo Maratha Wars
  • The Subsidiary Alliance System
  • Anglo-Sikh Wars
  • Doctrine of Lapse
  • Ring Fencing
British Administration and Constitution Development of India
  • Dual Governance
  • Impact of British Administration
  • Regulating Act 1773
  • Pitt’s India Act of 1784
  • Charter Act of 1793
  • Charter Act of 1813
  • Charter Act of 1833
  • Charter Act of 1853
  • Government of India Act 1858
  • The Indian Councils Act 1861
  • Indian Councils Act 1892
  • Morley – Minto Reforms 
  • Montague – Chelmsford Reforms
  • Government of India Act 1935
  • Indian Independence Act, 1947
Development of Education
  • Charter Act of 1813
  • Orientalist-Anglicist Controversy
  • Wood’s Dispatch (1854)
  • Hunter Education Commission (1882-83)
  • Indian Universities Act, 1904
  • Saddler University Commission (1917-19)
  • Hartog Committee (1929)
  • Wardha Scheme of Basic Education (1937)
  • Sergeant Plan of Education
  • Kothari Education Commission (1964-66)
  • Development of Vernacular Education
  • Development of Technical Education
Development of Press
  • Famous Publications and Journals
  • Vernacular Press Act, 1878
  • Freedom of Press
Indian Renaissance 
  • Factors causing Reforms
  • Hindu Reform Movements
  • Muslim Reforms Movement
  • Sikh Reform Movement
  • Parsi Reform Movement             
  • Impact of Reform Movements
Personalities Involved in Indian Social Reforms
  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy
  • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
  • Swami DayanandaSaraswati
  • Keshab Chandra Sen
  • Mahadev Govind Ranade
  • Annie Besant–Theosophical Society  
  • Syed Ahmad Khan
  • Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
  • Swami Vivekananda                          
  • Pandita Ramabai 
  • Jyotiba Phule
  • Dr.Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Peasant and Tribal Revolts in India
  • Bhil Uprising
  • Kol Uprising
  • Santhal Rebellion
  • Jaintia and Garo Rebellion
  • Rampa Rebellion
  • Munda Rebellion
  • Khonda Dora Uprisings
  • Tana Bhagat Movement
  • Champaran Satyagraha
  • Kheda Peasant Struggle
  • Bardoli Movement
  • Moplah Rebellion
  • Tebhaga Movement
  • Telangana Movement
Post Congress Era
  • Early Phase Indian National Congress
  • The Moderate Congress Era
  • The Extremist (1905-1920)
  • The Revolutionary Movement
  • Revolutionary Activities in different parts of the country
  • Revival of Revolutionary Nationalism
  • Revolutionary Activities Outside India
  • The Indian Independence Committee in Berlin
  • Differences between the Moderates and the Extremists
1st Phase of Indian National Movement
  • Partition of Bengal (1905)
  • Swadeshi Movement
  • Formation of Muslim League
  • Surat Split of Congress
  • Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
  • Ghadar Party
  • Komagata Maru Incident 
  • The Lucknow Pact 
  • Home Rule Movement 
  • August Declaration, 1917
2nd Phase of Indian National Movement
  • Emergence of Gandhi
  • Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
  • Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)
  • Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
  • The Government of India Act, 1919
  • The Jallianwala Bagh
    Massacre 
  • Khilafat Movement
  • The Non-Cooperation Movement
  • Chauri Chaura Incident
  • Bardoli Resolution
  • Swaraj Party and its Evaluation
  • Simon Commission (1927)
  • Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)
  • Nehru Report (1928)
  • Jinnah’s Fourteen Points
  • Lahore Session, 1929
Final Phase of Indian National Movement
  • Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1931)
  • First Round Table Conference, 1930
  • Gandhi-Irwin Pact, 1931
  • Karachi session of INC (1931)
  • Second Round Table Conference, 1931
  • Civil Disobedience Movement
  • Third Round Table Conference 
  • McDonald’s Communal Award
  • Poona Pact, 1932
  • Government of India Act, 1935
  • Rise of Subhas Chandra Bose
  • World War II and Indian Nationalism
  • Resignation of Congress Ministers (1939)
  • August Offer of 1940
  • Individual Satyagraha
  • Two-Nation Theory
  • Cripps Mission (1942)
  • Quit India Movement
  • Azad Hind Fauj
  • Indian National Army
  • INA Trials
  • Naval Rebellion
  • Rajagopalachari Formula, 1945
  • Desai – Liaqat Pact
  • Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
  • Wavell Plan
  • Jinnah’s Direct Action Resolution
  • Mountbatten Plan
  • Indian Independence Act of 1947
Governor Generals of India
  • A brief study of the Governor generals of British India

UPSC Prelims History Syllabus Booklist

Candidates preparing for prelims have to choose books that completely cover the UPSC prelims History syllabus. The syllabus is completely static and hence regular revision is of utmost importance. The complete booklist of History syllabus is given below:

Book Type Book Name
NCERT 
  • NCERT Class XI Ancient India
  • NCERT Class XII Theme in Indian History- I
  • NCERT Class XII Theme in Indian History- II
Reference Books
  • India’s Struggle For Independence by Bipan Chandra
  • India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha
  • Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
  • India’s Ancient Past by RS Sharma
  • History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra
  • History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
Other Sources Newspapers such as The Hindu and The Indian Express

 

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UPSC Prelims History Syllabus Marks Weightage

In recent years, UPSC prelims History syllabus has gained significant weightage. The questions are mainly factual, which requires basic understanding of ecology and environment. The detailed weightage of History questions is given below:

Year of Preliminary Examination Number of History Questions
2023 14
2022 14
2021 20
2020 20
2019 17
2018 22
2017 14
2016 15
2015 18
2014 20


As seen above, the UP
SC prelims history syllabus is wide and detailed. Candidates are required to complete the syllabus and revise it multiple times. Majority of questions will be factual, and hence a generic idea about the time-period is also necessary. 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Most of the questions require a basic idea about the chronology. Remembering all dates will be tedious and unnecessary.

Yes. Solving PYQs will help candidates identify the themes that are repeated multiple times in the exam.

No. Questions are not directly repeated in exams. However, themes and options are often repeated.

NCERT books are the best sources for UPSC Prelims History Syllabus. In addition, standard books mentioned above can also be read.

Initially, modern history had higher weightage in exams. Since the last couple of years, the weightage has shifted towards ancient and medieval history.
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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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