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UPSC History Syllabus 2025 – Prelims & Optional Syllabus PDF

Last updated on February 20th, 2025 Posted on January 24, 2025 by  1818
UPSC History Syllabus 2025

The History Optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a favored choice among aspirants from diverse academic backgrounds, including humanities, science, and engineering. Its vast scope, analytical depth, and strong overlap with the General Studies syllabus make it a strategic option for those aiming to score well. This article aims to study in detail the UPSC History Prelims and Optional syllabus, effective preparation strategies, and develop a comprehensive understanding of India’s and the world’s historical evolution.

About History Optional Syllabus

  • The UPSC History syllabus encompasses a vast range of topics, covering ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, as well as significant aspects of world history.
  • It requires aspirants to critically examine historical sources, evaluate diverse perspectives, and gain a holistic understanding of the evolution of societies, cultures, and institutions over time.
  • Mastering the History subject demands a balanced approach, combining factual accuracy with strong analytical skills.
  • For those opting for History as an optional subject, the syllabus provides an opportunity to understand historical events, eras, and themes in-depth.
  • It allows aspirants to engage deeply with the complexities of human history, analyze the interconnections between historical developments, and understand their impact on present-day society.
  • Also, the History syllabus offers strong overlap with the General Studies papers, particularly in areas like Indian Heritage and Culture, Modern India, and World History.
  • This makes it a strategic choice for aspirants aiming to optimize their preparation.

UPSC History Syllabus for Prelims

  • The History syllabus for UPSC Prelims, as outlined in the official notification, includes “The History of India and the Indian National Movement.”
  • This broad and comprehensive description can often leave aspirants wondering what specific topics to focus on.
  • To simplify this, the UPSC History Prelims syllabus can be systematically decoded, highlighting all the essential areas required for the IAS Prelims General Studies (GS) Paper 1.

The comprehensive UPSC History Syllabus for Prelims GS Paper 1 has been mentioned below:

  • Ancient History of India – Pre-History Period; Indus Valley Civilization; Vedic Period; Rise of Heterodox Sects such as Buddhism, Jainism, etc; Pre-Mauryan Period, Mauryan Period & Post-Mauryan Period; Gupta Period; Post-Gupta Period, etc.
  • Medieval History of India – Early Medieval India; Delhi Sultanate; Mughal Period; Maratha Kingdom etc.
  • History of Modern India – Period from the decline of Mughals upto establishment of British Rule in India; Revolt of 1857; Rise of Nationalism; India’s Freedom Struggle etc.

UPSC History Optional Syllabus for Paper 1

The UPSC History Optional Paper 1 covers ancient and medieval Indian history, offering aspirants a chance to explore India’s rich historical and cultural heritage in depth. It is a high-scoring paper for those who can grasp key events, timelines, and the broader historical context. However, its vast syllabus requires consistent effort, structured preparation, and an ability to critically analyze historical developments. Understanding the social, economic, and cultural aspects of various periods, along with interpreting historical sources, is crucial to doing well in this paper.

The UPSC History Optional Syllabus for Paper 1 has been mentioned below:

1. Sources:

  • Archaeological sources:
  • Exploration, excavation, epigraphy, numismatics, monuments.
  • Literary sources:
  • Indigenous: Primary and secondary; poetry, scientific literature, literature, literature in regional languages, religious literature.
  • Foreign account: Greek, Chinese and Arab writers.

2. Pre-history and Proto-history:

  • Geographical factors; hunting and gathering (paleolithic and mesolithic); Beginning of agriculture (Neolithic and chalcolithic).

3. Indus Valley Civilization:

  • Origin, date, extent, characteristics-decline, survival and significance, art and architecture.

4. Megalithic Cultures:

  • Distribution of pastoral and farming cultures outside the Indus, Development of community life,
  • Settlements, Development of agriculture, Crafts, Pottery, and Iron industry.

5. Aryans and Vedic Period:

  • Expansions of Aryans in India:
  • Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature; Transformation from Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period; Political, social and economical life; Significance of the Vedic Age; Evolution of Monarchy and Varna system.

6. Period of Mahajanapadas:

  • Formation of States (Mahajanapada): Republics and monarchies; Rise of urban centres; Trade routes;
  • Economic growth; Introduction of coinage; Spread of Jainism and Buddism; Rise of Magadha and Nandas.
  • Iranian and Mecedonian invasions and their impact.

7. Mauryan Empire:

  • Foundation of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta, Kautilya and Arthashastra; Ashoka; Concept of
  • Dharma; Edicts; Polity, Administration, Economy; Art, architecture and sculpture; External contacts;
  • Religion; Spread of religion; Literature.
  • Disintegration of the empire; sungas and Kanvas.

8. Post-Mauryan Period (Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western Kshatrapas):

  • Contact with outside world; growth of urban centres, economy, coinage, development of religions,
  • Mahayana, social conditions, art, architecture, culture, literature and science.

9. Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan and South India:

  • Kharavela, The Satavahanas, Tamil States of the Sangam Age; Administration, Economy, land grants, coinage, trade guilds and urban centres; Buddhist centres; Sangam literature and culture; Art and architecture.

10. Guptas, Vakatakas and Vardhanas:

  • Polity and administration, Economic conditions, Coinage of the Guptas, Land grants, Decline of urban centres, Indian feudalism, Caste system, Position of women, Education and educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi, Literature, scientific literature, art and architecture.

11. Regional States during Gupta Era:

  • The Kadambas, Pallavas, Chalukyas of Badami; Polity and Administration, Trade guilds, Literature; growth of Vaishnava and Saiva religions. Tamil Bhakit movement, Shankaracharya; Vedanta; Institutions of temple and temple architecture; Palas, Senas, Rashtrakutas, Paramaras, Polity and administration; Cultural aspects. Arab conquest of Sind; Alberuni, The Chaluky as of Kalyana, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pandyas; Polity and Administration; Local Government; Growth of art and architecture, religious sects, Institution of temple and Mathas, Agraharas, education and literature, economy and society.

12. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History:

  • Languages and texts, major stages in the evolution of art and architecture, major philosophical thinkers and schools, ideas in Science and Mathematics.

13. Early Medieval India, 750-1200:

  • Polity: Major political developments in Northern India and the peninsula, origin and the rise of Rajputs.
  • The Cholas: administration, village economy and society “Indian Feudalism”.
  • Agrarian economy and urban settlements.
  • Trade and commerce.
  • Society: the status of the Brahman and the new social order.
  • Condition of women.
  • Indian science and technology.

14. Cultural Traditions in India, 750-1200:

  • Philosophy: Skankaracharya and Vedanta, Ramanuja and Vishishtadvaita, Madhva and Brahma Mimansa.
  • Religion: Forms and features of religion, Tamil devotional cult, growth of Bhakti, Islam and its arrival in India, Sufism.
  • Literature: Literature in Sanskrit, growth of Tamil literature, literature in the newly developing languages, Kalhan’s Rajtarangini, Alberuni’s India.
  • Art and Architecture: Temple architecture, sculpture, painting.

15. The Thirteenth Century:

  • Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions – factors behind Ghurian success.
  • Economic, Social and cultural consequences.
  • Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans.
  • Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban.

16. The Fourteenth Century:

  • “The Khalji Revolution”.
  • Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian and economic measure.
  • Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects, agrarian measures, bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughluq.
  • Firuz Tugluq: Agrarian measures, achievements in civil engineering and public works, decline of the Sultanate, foreign contacts and Ibn Battuta’s account.

17. Society, Culture and Economy in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries:

  • Society: composition of rural society, ruling classes, town dwellers, women, religious classes, caste and slavery under the Sultanate, Bhakti movement, Sufi movement.
  • Culture: Persian literature, literature in the regional languages of North India, literaute in the languages of South India, Sultanate architecture and new structural forms, painting, evolution of a composite culture.
  • Economy: Agricultural Production, rise of urban economy and non-agricultural production, trade and commerce.

18. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century-Political Developments and Economy:

  • Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Bengal, Kashmir (Zainul Abedin), Gujarat.
  • Malwa, Bahmanids.
  • The Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Lodis.
  • Mughal Empire, first phase: Babur, Humayun.
  • The Sur Empire: Sher Shah’s administration.
  • Portuguese colonial enterprise, Bhakti and Sufi Movements.

19. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century- Society and culture:

  • Regional cultures specificities.
  • Literary traditions.
  • Provincial architectural.
  • Society, culture, literature and the arts in Vijayanagara Empire.

20. Akbar:

  • Conquests and consolidation of empire.
  • Establishment of jagir and mansab systems.
  • Rajput policy.
  • Evolution of religious and social outlook. Theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy.
  • Court patronage of art and technology.

21. Mughal Empire in the Seventeenth Century:

  • Major administrative policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb.
  • The Empire and the Zamindars.
  • Religious policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb.
  • Nature of the Mughal State.
  • Late Seventeenth Century crisis and the revolts.
  • The Ahom kingdom.
  • Shivaji and the early Maratha Kingdom.

22. Economy and society, in the 16th and 17th Centuries:

  • Population Agricultural and craft production.
  • Towns, commerce with Europe through Dutch, English and French companies : a trade revolution.
  • Indian mercantile classes. Banking, insurance and credit systems.
  • Conditions of peasants, Condition of Women.
  • Evolution of the Sikh community and the Khalsa Panth.

23. Culture during Mughal Empire:

  • Persian histories and other literature.
  • Hindi and religious literatures.
  • Mughal architecture.
  • Mughal painting.
  • Provincial architecture and painting.
  • Classical music.
  • Science and technology.

24. The Eighteenth Century:

  • Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire.
  • The regional principalities: Nizam’s Deccan, Bengal, Awadh.
  • Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas.
  • The Maratha fiscal and financial system.
  • Emergence of Afghan power Battle of Panipat, 1761.
  • State of, political, cultural and economic, on eve of the British conquest.

UPSC History Optional Syllabus for Paper 2

The UPSC History Optional Paper 2 focuses on Modern Indian history and World History, covering key events, movements, and transformations from the 18th century to the present. It requires a thorough understanding of India’s freedom struggle, colonial policies, and their socio-economic impacts, along with global events like revolutions, world wars, and decolonization. Aspirants need to connect historical events with broader changes in society and the world along with relevant historical debates, interpretations, and contemporary perspectives through books, journals, and academic articles.

The UPSC History Optional Syllabus for Paper 2 has been mentioned below:

1. European Penetration into India:

The Early European Settlements; The Portuguese and the Dutch; The English and the French East
India Companies; Their struggle for supremacy; Carnatic Wars; Bengal-The conflict between the English and the Nawabs of Bengal; Siraj and the English; The Battle of Plassey; Significance of Plassey.

2. British Expansion in India:

Bengal-Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim; The Battle of Buxar; Mysore; The Marathas; The three Anglo-Maratha Wars; The Punjab.

3. Early Structure of the British Raj:

The Early administrative structure; From diarchy to direct contol; The Regulating Act (1773); The Pitt’s
India Act (1784); The Charter Act (1833); The Voice of free trade and the changing character of British colonial rule; The English utilitarian and India.

4. Economic Impact of British Colonial Rule:

  • Land revenue settlements in British India; The Permanent Settlement; Ryotwari Settlement; Mahalwari Settlement; Economic impact of the revenue arrangements; Commercialization of agriculture; Rise of landless agrarian labourers; Impoverishment of the rural society.
  • Dislocation of traditional trade and commerce; De-industrialisation; Decline of traditional crafts; Drain of wealth; Economic transformation of India; Railroad and communication network including telegraph and postal services; Famine and poverty in the rural interior; European business enterprise and its limitations.

5. Social and Cultural Developments:

The state of indigenous education, its dislocation; Orientalist-Anglicist controversy, The introduction of western education in India; The rise of press, literature and public opinion; The rise of modern vernacular literature; Progress of Science; Christian missionary activities in India

6. Social and Religious Reform Movements in Bengal and Other Areas:

Ram Mohan Roy, The Brahmo Movement; Devendranath Tagore; Iswarchandra Vidyasagar; The Young Bengal Movement; Dayanada Saraswati; The social reform movements in India including Sati, widow remarriage, child marriage etc.; The contribution of Indian renaissance to the growth of modern India; Islamic revivalism-the Feraizi and Wahabi Movements.

7. Indian Response to British Rule:

Peasant movement and tribal uprisings in the 18th and 19th centuries including the Rangpur Dhing (1783), the Kol Rebellion (1832), the Mopla Rebellion in Malabar (1841-1920), the Santal Hul (1855), Indigo Rebellion (1859-60), Deccan Uprising (1875) and the Munda Ulgulan (1899-1900); The Great Revolt of 1857 — Origin, character, casuses of failure, the consequences; The shift in the character of peasant uprisings in the post-1857 period; the peasant movements of the 1920s and 1930s.

8. Factors leading to the birth of Indian Nationalism; Politics of Association; The Foundation of the Indian National Congress; The Safety-valve thesis relating to the birth of the Congress; Programme and objectives of Early Congress; the social composition of early Congress leadership; the Moderates and Extremists; The Partition of Bengal (1905); The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal; the economic and political aspects of Swadeshi Movement; The beginning of revolutionary extremism in India.

9. Rise of Gandhi; Character of Gandhian nationalism; Gandhi’s popular appeal; Rowlatt Satyagraha; the Khilafat Movement; the Non-cooperation Movement; National politics from the end of the Non-cooperation movement to the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement; the two phases of the Civil Disobedience Movement; Simon Commission; The Nehru Report; the Round Table Conferences; Nationalism and the Peasant Movements; Nationalism and Working class movements; Women and Indian youth and students in Indian politics (1885-1947); the election of 1937 and the formation of ministries; Cripps Mission; the Quit India Movement; the Wavell Plan; The Cabinet Mission.

10. Constitutional Developments in the Colonial India between 1858 and 1935.

11. Other strands in the National Movement.

The Revolutionaries: Bengal, the Punjab, Maharashtra, U.P. the Madras Presidency, Outside India.
The Left; The Left within the Congress: Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, the Congress Socialist Party; the Communist Party of India, other left parties.

12. Politics of Separatism; the Muslim League; the Hindu Mahasabha; Communalism and the politics of partition; Transfer of power; Independence.

13. Consolidation as a Nation; Nehru’s Foreign Policy; India and her neighbours (1947-1964); The linguistic reorganisation of States (1935-1947); Regionalism and regional inequality; Integration of Princely States; Princes in electoral politics; the Question of National Language.

14. Caste and Ethnicity after 1947; Backward Castes and Tribes in post-colonial electoral politics; Dalit movements.

15. Economic development and political change; Land reforms; the politics of planning and rural reconstruction; Ecology and environmental policy in post-colonial India; Progress of Science.

16. Enlightenment and Modern ideas:

  • Major Ideas of Enlightenment: Kant, Rousseau.
  • Spread of Enlightenment in the colonies.
  • Rise of socialist ideas (up to Marx); spread of Marxian Socialism.

17. Origins of Modern Politics:

  • European States System.
  • American Revolution and the Constitution.
  • French Revolution and Aftermath, 1789-1815.
  • American Civil War with reference to Abraham Lincoln and the abolition of slavery.
  • British Democratic politics, 1815-1850: Parliamentary Reformers, Free Traders, Chartists.

18. Industrialization:

  • English Industrial Revolution: Causes and Impact on Society.
  • Industrialization in other countries: USA, Germany, Russia, Japan.
  • Industrialization and Globalization.

19. Nation-State System:

  • Rise of Nationalism in 19th century.
  • Nationalism: State-building in Germany and Italy.
  • Disintegration of Empires in the face of the emergence of nationalities across the World.

20. Imperialism and Colonialism:

  • South and South-East Asia.
  • Latin America and South Africa.
  • Australia.
  • Imperialism and free trade: Rise of neo-imperialism.

21. Revolution and Counter-Revolution:

  • 19th Century European revolutions.
  • The Russian Revolution of 1917-1921.
  • Fascist Counter-Revolution, Italy and Germany.
  • The Chinese Revolution of 1949.

22. World War:

  • 1st and 2nd World Wars as Total Wars: Societal implications.
  • World War I: Causes and Consequences.
  • World War II: Causes and Consequences.

23. The World after World War II:

  • Emergence of Two power blocs.
  • Emergence of Third World and non-alignment.
  • UNO and the global disputes.

24. Liberation from Colonial Rule:

  • Latin America-Bolivar.
  • Arab World-Egypt.
  • Africa-Apartheid to Democracy.
  • South-East Asia-Vietnam.

25. Decolonization and Underdevelopment:

  • Factors constraining Development; Latin America, Africa.

26. Unification of Europe:

  • Post War Foundations; NATO and European Community.
  • Consolidation and Expansion of European Community
  • European Union.

27. Disintegration of Soviet Union and the Rise of the Unipolar World:

  • Factors leading to the collapse of Soviet Communism and Soviet Union, 1985-1991.
  • Political Changes in East Europe 1989-2001.
  • End of the Cold War and US Ascendancy in the World as the lone superpower.

Download UPSC History Optional Syllabus PDF

Our team has compiled the complete UPSC History Optional Syllabus in a detailed and easy-to-read PDF format. Click the link below to download the UPSC History Optional Syllabus PDF.


UPSC History Optional Exam Pattern

UPSC History Optional Paper 1250 Marks
UPSC History Optional Paper 2250 Marks
UPSC History Optional Duration3 Hours Each

UPSC History Optional Syllabus 2025 Preparation Strategy

To prepare effectively for the UPSC History Optional Syllabus, the following points need to be noted:

  • Understand the Syllabus: To begin by thoroughly familiarising yourself with the syllabus by breaking it down into key periods, themes, and topics, ensuring no area is overlooked.
  • Gather Study Material: To collect standard history books, reference materials, and previous years’ question papers and supplement your preparation with NCERTs, scholarly works, and journals for comprehensive coverage.
  • Build Conceptual Clarity: To start with foundational texts to understand key events, timelines, and historical themes.
  • Create Effective Notes: To prepare concise, well-organized notes for each topic and to ensure your notes are easy to revise, with timelines, key points, and comparisons clearly highlighted.
  • Focus on Primary and Secondary Sources: To study primary sources like inscriptions, official records, and historical texts and complement these with secondary sources, such as books by renowned historians, to gain multiple perspectives.
  • Leverage Maps for Better Understanding: To use maps to study geographical changes, ancient trade routes, and empire boundaries, especially for ancient and medieval history.
  • Understand Historiography: To study the evolution of historical interpretations and compare the viewpoints of different historians.
  • Link History to Current Affairs: To relate historical events and themes to contemporary issues.
  • Practice Answer Writing: To regularly practice writing answers using previous years’ papers and mock tests along with focus on structuring your answers, maintaining coherence, and adhering to word limits.
  • Focus on Presentation Skills: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and timelines to present information effectively. A visually appealing answer can leave a positive impression on the examiner.
Related Course
History Optional Foundation Course

In conclusion, the UPSC History Optional subject offers a rich blend of analytical depth and comprehensive understanding, making it highly relevant for both the examination and gaining insights into India’s cultural and historical heritage. With consistent effort, conceptual clarity, and a focus on historical perspectives, aspirants can effectively leverage this subject to secure high scores and develop a nuanced understanding of the past.

Other Related UPSC Optional Syllabus
UPSC Economics Optional Syllabus
UPSC Geography Optional Syllabus
UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus
UPSC Mathematics Optional Syllabus
UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus
UPSC PSIR Optional Syllabus

Other Useful Links
UPSC CSE Notification 2025: Important Updates and FAQs
UPSC Syllabus 2025
UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is History a good optional for UPSC?

Yes, history is a good optional for UPSC due to its vast overlap with General Studies, its relevance in essays and interviews, and its rich content that helps develop analytical skills.

Is History difficult for UPSC?

History can be challenging due to its extensive syllabus and the need for analytical understanding, but with proper planning and consistent preparation, it becomes manageable.

Is History optional not scoring?

History is scoring if studied strategically. A strong grasp of concepts, timelines, and historiography, coupled with good answer presentation, can help aspirants secure high marks.

What is the best way to study History for UPSC?

To start with NCERTs for a strong foundation, use standard reference books for in-depth knowledge, and focus on creating concise notes, practicing answer writing, and regular revision.

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