How to Prepare for History?

History as a subject is very vast. It can be divided into various sections – Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History, Post-Independence India, World History and Art & Culture. But for Prelims, you need to cover only 4 Sections during the UPSC exam preparation: Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History, and Art and Culture. 

The importance of History is immense in the Prelims paper of UPSC. It is way more significant for the state PCS exams. As a subject, History is a static one and not many changes generally happen in its content. Therefore, one must refer to History PYQs as they are often repeated in Prelims Exam. 

Within the subject, the input-output ratio of efforts given also varies e.g, it is maximum for Modern India and least for Medieval. However, nowadays, UPSC is asking questions even from Medieval History.

As far as the preparation resources for History are concerned, it is important to stick to the standard sources. One can start his/her preparation by reading the relevant 11th and 12th Class History NCERTs (PrepSummary) for building the basic concepts. After that, one can and should refer to Hemant Jha Sir Video lectures available on the PrepLadder app and video notes on the respective subjects for better understanding of the concepts. 

Also read: Approach for General Studies Paper I for Preliminary Exam

One should also read the important topics deeply from where UPSC generally asks questions. For example, two questions from Buddhism and Jainism comes in the Prelims exam every year. Other areas like Constitutional Developments, Government of India Act 1935, Labour movements, Gandhian Phase of Freedom Struggle, Sangam Literature, Bhakti Movement etc. are also important for the Prelims Exam Perspective. So it is advisable to read them in detail. 

Also read the contribution of tribals in freedom struggle of india and elevate your IAS preparation.

Apart from them, one should also have a sense of chronology as many questions have been asked in the Past to arrange the events of History. For this, one can go for PrepLadder History Treasures. 

Enhance your civils preparation and revision with the video lecture on Stupa Architecture by Hemant Jha Sir, our DREAM TEAM faculty for History:

Importance of Mock Tests

It is very important to evaluate your preparation by solving practice test papers. Both sectional and full-length test papers should be attempted. One should also try to practise the elimination technique while attempting the test paper. Moreover, one should simulate exam-like conditions while attempting the test. 

Finally, one should revise the notes as many times as possible. As revision is the key to success, so, one can go through the PrepLadder Rapid Revision 2022 which can help you in revising the important concepts very quickly.

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