How to prepare for History Optional for UPSC CSE?

As Theodore Roosevelt put it wisely, “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” Studying history optional for UPSC CSE is a process of learning about history of everything- history of political systems, history of religions, history of cultures and many other things. The subject has a nostalgia of school time education associated with it for all the aspirants. Aspirants who have graduated from any stream remember studying about the Indian National Movement in their schools.

As a UPSC CSE optional subject, ‘History’ has a large chunk of overlap with the GS Papers in both Prelims and Mains. On an average, 20 questions from history appear in the UPSC CSE Prelims every year. Out of 20, 6 questions were framed from the history section in GS Paper I, UPSC CSE Mains, 2022. Preparing history as an optional subject for UPSC CSE saves a lot of time in GS preparation as well. There are many factors that one must consider before deciding deciding to prepare history as an optional subject for UPSC CSE.

Why should one choose History as an optional subject for UPSC CSE?

  • Maximum overlap with UPSC CSE General Studies Papers in Prelims and Mains make ‘History’ a desirable optional subject that can help aspirants efficiently prepare for the examination.
  • Studying history broadens the knowledge base of aspirants and makes them more aware of the events happening around them. This adds value to their answers, not just in optional and GS papers, but enriches their Essays as well.
  • Learning about the socio-economic history of India and the world helps aspirants in UPSC CSE Interview or Personality Test as well.
  • Aspirants preparing for History as an optional subject for UPSC CSE do not have to prepare relevant current affairs for the subject. It is a static subject and there is no added burden of preparing theories and thinkers as well.
  • A lot of repetitions can be observed in ‘History’ as an optional subject. The repetitions of themes and topics help aspirants in effective revision of the entire syllabus in lesser time compared to other optional subjects.
  • History optional subject for UPSC CSE has been consistent in terms of results secured by the aspirants. It remains one of the most stable optional subjects in terms of marking schemes observed every year.

How to prepare History optional for UPSC CSE?

  • After analyzing previous years’ papers, it can be observed that most of the questions can be answered by preparing 60% of the prescribed syllabus well. Aspirants should highlight the important and often repeated segments of the subject and prepare them well.
  • Same books and resources should be studied for both the history syllabus in GS Papers and the syllabus of history optional subject. Ancient India by R S Sharma, Modern India by Bipan Chandra, Spectrum, Medieval India by Satish Chandra and Modern World History by Anwar-ul-Haq will be helpful for both Prelims and Mains (Optional and GS Papers).
  • As it is a static subject and does not need any further updation, answer writing practice for history optional should be started earlier. Final revision for UPSC CSE Mains should be done by writing answers for previous years’ papers.
  • Maps should be prepared consistently for history as an optional subject for UPSC CSE.
  • Chronological order of events prepared for the history optional subject should be used in other areas of Mains GS Papers. Interlinking topics from history optional subject of UPSC CSE to GS Papers can improve aspirants’ overall scores.

History Optional Foundation Course for CSE-2024

  • History Optional Foundation Course provides quality guidance by renowned faculty for the subject - Mr. Hemant Jha.
  • The course divides the subject into three major areas- major periods, micro-issues associated with these periods and non-conventional issues.
  • Course offers separate classes for map related questions ensuring that this segment is prepared well by the aspirants.
  • Course facilitates daily answer writing practice and daily feedback on the answers polishing the answer writing skills for the aspirants.
  • A thoroughly researched and well-designed study material is provided to the aspirants enrolling for the course.
  • Discussion on previous years’ papers help students in strategizing their preparation for UPSC CSE.
  • Focus on individual attention and regular doubt clearing classes strengthen the aspirants’ command over the subject.
ENROLL For the Course
 
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