UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025 for IAS Exam, Download PDF
UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025 covers key events, personalities, and developments in Indian History. UPSC History Syllabus 2025 PDF for Prelims is available here.
Anil Solonki20 May, 2025
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The UPSC Prelims History Syllabus is an important component for aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination. It encompasses a comprehensive study of Indian history, focusing on key events, influential personalities, and significant developments that have shaped societies. Mastering these topics is crucial for scoring well in the UPSC Prelims and laying a strong foundation for further preparation. Let us have a look at the complete syllabus of History for the UPSC Prelims 2025.
UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025 Overview
The focus of the UPSC Prelims History syllabus is on major historical events, figures, and processes that shaped Indian history. Here's an overview of the key subjects:-
Ancient History:
- Prehistoric cultures, the Vedic period, the Mauryan Empire, and other ancient Indian civilizations.
- Important dynasties and empires such as the Gupta Empire, and the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
- Ancient architecture, literature, and art forms.
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Medieval History:
- Major dynasties like the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and other regional kingdoms.
- Important personalities, such as rulers and reformers.
- The social, economic, and cultural life during medieval India.
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Modern History (British Expansion):
- The British East India Company and the impact of British colonial rule.
- The Revolt of 1857 and the subsequent changes in British policies.
- Freedom struggle (Leaders and Events):
- Leaders of the Freedom Struggle: Key figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, and Bhagat Singh, among others.
- Major Events: The Partition of Bengal, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Salt March, and the Quit India Movement.
- The role of various social, religious, and political organizations in the freedom struggle.
UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025 PDF
Candidates can download the UPSC Syllabus 2025 For Prelims History Topic, which is released by the commission on its official website. The UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025 is a crucial part of the exam preparation, outlining the key topics from Indian History that candidates must study. You can download the updated syllabus in PDF format to ensure you are well-prepared for the upcoming exam. Click the below link to download the detailed topic History syllabus for UPSC Prelims:
Topic Wise UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025
The UPSC Prelims History syllabus is part of the General Studies Paper-I, covering a wide range of topics which are as follows:
1. Ancient History
Ancient history is the study of the early civilizations, cultures, and dynasties that laid the foundation for India’s rich historical legacy.
| Topic | Description |
| 1. Prehistoric Period |
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| 2. Indus Valley Civilization |
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| 3. Vedic Age |
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| 4. Mahajanapadas and Rise of Magadha |
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| 5. Mauryan Empire |
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| 6. Post-Mauryan Period |
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| 7. Society, Culture, and Religion |
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| 8. Foreign Invasions and Impact |
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| 9. Trade and Commerce |
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| 10. Art and Architecture |
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| 11. Language and Literature |
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| 12. Inscriptions and Epigraphy |
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| 13. Decline of Ancient Indian Civilization |
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2. Medieval History
Medieval history focuses on the period from the fall of the Gupta Empire to the rise of British colonial power, including the emergence of major kingdoms and empires in India.
| Topic | Description |
| 1. Early Medieval India |
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| 2. Delhi Sultanate |
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| 3. Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms |
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| 4. Mughal Empire |
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| 5. Regional Powers and Movements |
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| 6. Cultural and Intellectual Developments |
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| 7. Society and Social Movements |
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| 8. European Contact and Colonialism |
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| 9. Decline of Medieval India |
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3. Modern History
Modern history marks the beginning of colonial rule in India, the Indian freedom struggle, and significant social reforms.
| Topic | Description |
| 1. European Expansion and Colonialism |
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| 2. Revolt of 1857 |
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| 3. Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) |
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| 4. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) |
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| 5. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) |
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| 6. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) |
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| 7. Quit India Movement and World War II |
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| 8. Mahatma Gandhi and His Contributions |
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| 9. Important Leaders and their Contributions |
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| 10. Partition of India and Independence |
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| 11. Social and Cultural Developments |
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Important Books for UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025
Here is the list of important Books for covering the UPSC Prelims History Syllabus:Ancient History Books for UPSC
- Old NCERT- India’s Ancient Past - RS Sharma
- NCERT Class XI Ancient India
- NCERT Class XII Theme in Indian History- I
Medieval History Books for UPSC
- Indian Feudalism by R.S. Sharma
- Old NCERT- History of Medieval India- Satish Chandra
- A History of South India by K.A. Nilkantha Sastri
Modern History Books for UPSC
- From Plassey to Partition
- NCERT Class XI Modern India by Bipan Chandra
- History Of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
| Medium | Book Title |
|---|---|
| For English Medium |
PWONLYIAS UPSC Wallah Complete History Combo Set of 6 (Latest Edition) |
| For Hindi Medium |
|
How to Cover UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025?
To effectively cover the UPSC Prelims History syllabus for 2025, you need a smart, structured, and revision-oriented strategy:
- Prioritize Modern History: Modern History is the most important section, with around 6 to 8 questions asked in Prelims each year. Focus on key areas like the Revolt of 1857, freedom movements, important Acts and reforms, and major Congress sessions.
- Use Timelines, Maps & Charts: Create chronological timelines for historical events and prepare dynasty charts for quick recall. Also, regularly practice maps related to the Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan Empire, Ashokan edicts, and other important historical sites.
- Practice with PYQs and MCQs: Solve UPSC previous year questions from 2011 to 2024 to understand the exam pattern and question types. Enroll in test series from trusted institutes like Vision IAS or ForumIAS to strengthen both factual knowledge and conceptual clarity.
- Revise Regularly & Interlink Topics: Ensure you revise each part of the History syllabus at least three times before Prelims. Try to connect historical topics with culture, polity, and current affairs, such as linking freedom movement events with cultural revival or identifying GI-tagged heritage sites in the news.
In conclusion, the UPSC Prelims History Syllabus requires a thorough understanding of the key historical events, influential personalities, and significant developments in Indian history to score well and succeed in the examination. By mastering the topics outlined in the syllabus, aspirants can build strong analytical skills and critical thinking, which are crucial for answering the diverse set of questions in the exam.
Start your preparation today with guidance and comprehensive study material tailored to the UPSC Prelims History Syllabus 2025 at the PW UPSC Course!
UPSC Prelims History Syllabus FAQs
What is the syllabus of UPSC history?
The UPSC history syllabus covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history. It includes topics like ancient civilizations, medieval kingdoms, colonialism, and key independence movements.
Which history is asked in UPSC Prelims?
The UPSC Prelims typically include questions on ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history. Topics may cover significant events, personalities, movements, and socio-economic developments from various periods.
How to prepare for UPSC prelims history?
To prepare for UPSC prelims history, focus on NCERT textbooks for a strong foundation, supplement with standard reference books like Bipan Chandra's "India's Struggle for Independence," practice previous years' papers, and revise regularly to retain information effectively.
Can I skip NCERT history for UPSC?
It's not advisable to skip NCERT history for UPSC. NCERT textbooks provide foundational knowledge crucial for understanding advanced topics. They offer insights into historical contexts, events, and themes, serving as a strong base for UPSC preparation.
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