Best World History Book for UPSC IAS Exam
The world history book for UPSC preparation must be selected according to the syllabus. Find out the best world history book for UPSC Mains and history optional papers.
Deeksha Dixit31 May, 2024
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World History Book for UPSC: In the UPSC Civil Service exam, events of world history are covered in GS Paper 1 and the UPSC History optional paper. Based on the syllabus mentioned in the official notification, one comprehensive world history book for UPSC Mains is sufficient. However, candidates can opt for multiple books for optional papers.
The world history book for UPSC should cover events from the 18th century to the impact of globalization. Further, it must facilitate connections between historical events and contemporary global dynamics, enabling candidates to understand the implications of major global events. Read on for a quality world history book for UPSC.Best World History Book for UPSC
The UPSC notification outlines the syllabus for World History in Mains GS 1 Paper. In the history section of the paper, questions on events from the 18th century, such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, and political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc. Candidates can benefit from the PW OnlyIAS World History book for UPSC by Physics Wallah, which comprehensively analyzes these historical phenomena, their causes, effects, and global ramifications. This book serves as a one-stop solution for UPSC Mains by compiling well-researched content from NCERTs and top-standard world history textbooks, ensuring in-depth learning of major themes.| Best World History Book for UPSC | |
| Book Title | World History Book for UPSC Download |
| PW OnlyIAS World History UPSC Book | PW ONLYIAS UPSC Wallah Complete History Latest Edition |
NCERT World History Book for UPSC
As per the previous year's question paper analyses, World History has a limited weightage of around 15 to 20 marks in the UPSC CSE Mains GS 1 paper. Therefore, the NCERT world history book for UPSC is sufficient to cover the syllabus if supplemented with the PW world history book PDF. Here is the list of NCERTs to be referred to for the World History section:| NCERT World History Book for UPSC | |
| Class | Book Title |
| Class IX & X | India and Contemporary World I & II |
| NCERT Class XI | Themes in World History |
| Old NCERT | The Story of Civilization by Arjun Dev |
| Old NCERT Class XII | Contemporary World History |
Also Read: Best UPSC Mains Test Series
World History Book for UPSC Optional
Candidates need to go through the syllabus before selecting a world history book for UPSC PDF for the history optional paper. The UPSC history optional paper 2 mentions events of the 19th century, World Wars and their aftermath, liberation from Colonial Rule, decolonization and underdevelopment, the unification of Europe, the disintegration of the Soviet Union, and the rise of the Unipolar World. These topics must be covered in detail to secure good marks in the UPSC history optional paper for effective answer writing. Here is the list of World History books for UPSC optional paper:| World History Book for UPSC Optional | ||
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Key Features |
| Europe Since 1815 | W.C. Craig | Covers European history from the end of the Napoleonic era to the early 20th century. |
| History of the Modern World | Dr. H.C. Jain and Dr. K.C. Mathur | Recommended by UPSC toppers, covers the syllabus in detail. |
| Europe Since Napoleon | David Thompson | Provides a comprehensive overview of European history from the Napoleonic period to the early 20th century |
| Mastering Modern World History | Norman Lowe | Expands on events of the early 20th century starting from World War I, analyzing key developments and their impact |
| World History – A Comprehensive Study of Modern World | McGraw Hill | Analyze each event in terms of what happened, when, how, and the outcome |
| History Optional – Modern India & World History (Previous Year’s UPSC Solved Papers 1979-2019) | Rashid Yasin | A good source for solved PYQs to learn the right approach for UPSC History Optional |
Strategy to Prepare World History for UPSC Mains
World history is comparably a limited subject in UPSC Mains, unlike optional. Therefore, candidates should allow 15 to 20 days to complete the world history book for UPSC. Here are tips to effectively approach the World History Book for UPSC IAS preparation:- Study the previous year's questions to understand question types and weightage.
- Read NCERT textbooks and supplement them with one standard World History book for UPSC.
- Learn historical events sequentially and use timelines, charts, and mind maps for better understanding.
- Make topic-wise short notes from books for revision purposes and focus on the implications of events in world history.
- Develop critical thinking skills and practice answering questions from UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 PYQs.
- For comprehensive and holistic learning, refer to online sources, such as the PW UPSC course.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Notification | Newspaper for UPSC | UPSC Books |
| UPSC Study Material | UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 | UPSC Course |
World History Books FAQs
Which book to read for world history in UPSC?
For a comprehensive understanding, read "PW OnlyIAS World History UPSC Book" by Physics Wallah. Other relevant books are NCERTs and “Mastering Modern World History“ by Norman Lowe.
How to prepare world history for UPSC CSE?
Study key events chronologically, using timelines and charts, and practice answering previous year's questions to gauge your preparation.
Can I skip world history for UPSC Mains?
No. While there have been limited questions in previous years, it can increase in the future. Hence it is not advisable to skip this subject entirely instead focus on key themes.
Does UPSC ask world history in Mains?
Yes, questions on world history are included in the GS Paper 1 of the UPSC Mains exam.
Which book is best for UPSC world history?
"PW OnlyIAS World History UPSC Book" is the top choice among aspirants for its comprehensive coverage.
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