Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 have consistently remained a critical component of GS Paper I. While the number of questions may fluctuate, this section continues to test both factual recall and deeper understanding of India’s colonial past. From the advent of European powers and socio-religious reform movements to the Indian National Movement and post-independence developments, a wide array of topics is covered. 

Aspirants must recognize that Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 are not just about memorizing dates but also about understanding the causes, consequences, and significance of historical events. A thorough study of NCERTs, standard reference books like Spectrum, and analysis of previous year papers is essential. 

This article offers a topic-wise breakdown and curated practice questions to strengthen your preparation. By focusing on patterns and analytical reasoning, candidates can develop an effective strategy to tackle Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims with confidence.

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2025

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims focus on the period from the mid-18th century, including the arrival of European powers, the rise of British rule, socio-religious reform movements, and the Indian freedom struggle. These questions are drawn from static sources and test understanding across themes such as British policies, constitutional developments, revolutionary movements, and key personalities.

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2025

Why Modern History Remains Important

Even though Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims have seen a reduction (from 14 questions in 2018 to just 3 in 2023), the importance of the topic remains unchanged. Questions are often conceptual and linked to recurring themes, demanding conceptual clarity and memorization.

Also Read: UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025

The UPSC Prelims 2025 is scheduled to be held on 25th May 2025, and Modern History remains a crucial part of the GS Paper I. While the number of questions from this section may vary each year, its importance in the exam has been consistent. These questions assess your understanding of India’s historical journey, especially the freedom movement and British colonial rule.

Also Read: UPSC Topic Wise Prelims Analysis 

Topics such as the 1857 Revolt, formation and role of the Indian National Congress, and key British-era legislations are frequently asked. To excel, it’s important to grasp core concepts and memorize essential facts. Mere reading won’t suffice—you should regularly practice previous year questions and refer to standard resources like NCERTs and Spectrum.

Also Read: Prelims Question Paper 2025

With focused preparation, scoring well in this section is achievable. In this article, we will explore the question trends, highlight important topics, and share effective tips to tackle Modern History Questions in the UPSC Prelims 2025 with confidence.
Modern History questions in UPSC Prelims 2025

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 Total Questions 

In the UPSC Prelims 2025, there were 8 questions from Modern Indian History. This topic dominated the History section, focusing mainly on the Independence Struggle. Many questions centered around key events and personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Modern History Questions in Text Prelims 2025

Q1. Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

1. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.
2. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.

 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(c) Both I and II 

(d) Neither I nor II

 

And: (c) Both I and II 

 

Q2. Consider the following subjects with regard to the Non-Cooperation Programme:

1. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth
2. Observance of strict non-violence

III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public

1. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes

 

How many of the above were parts of the Non-Cooperation Programme?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three 

(d) All the four

 

And: (c) Only three

Q3. The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in:

(a) Delhi

(b) Gwalior 

(c) Ujjain

(d) Lahore

 

And: (b) Gwalior

 

Q4. Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

1. The Congress declared the attainment of ‘Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.
2. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if ‘Swaraj’ did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression.

 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(c) Both I and II 

(d) Neither I nor II

 

And: (c) Both I and II

 

Q5. “Sedition has become my religion” was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of:

(a) the Champaran Satyagraha

(b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

(c) attending the Second Round Table Conference in London

(d) the launch of the Quit India Movement 

 

And: (d) the launch of the Quit India Movement

 

Q6. Who provided legal defence to the people arrested in the aftermath of the Chauri Chaura incident?

(a) C. R. Das

(b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant 

(c) Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Khwaja Hasan Nizami

(d) M. A. Jinnah

 

Ans: (b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant

 

Q7. Subsequent to which one of the following events did Gandhiji decide to include the upliftment of ‘Harijans’ in his political and social programme?

(a) The Poona Pact 

(b) The Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact)

(c) Arrest of Congress leadership at the time of the Quit India Movement

(d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935

 

Ans: (a) The Poona Pact 

 

Q8. Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

(a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker 

(b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

(c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav

(d) Dinkarrao Javalkar

 

Ans: (a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 Brief Analysis 

This year’s Modern History section was considered easier compared to previous years, described by experts as “the easiest in the last five years.” However, UPSC still tested candidates’ attention to detail and understanding of both major events and lesser-known facts. 

The questions were mostly straightforward but required solid preparation on the Independence Movement and notable reformers. Unusual questions like the Portuguese-origin fruits added a bit of variety, ensuring candidates had to stay alert and well-rounded in their preparation.

Overall, the Modern History questions gave aspirants a warm break in an otherwise challenging Prelims paper. But as always with UPSC, “easy” means don’t take anything for granted!

Modern History Questions UPSC Prelims 2025 Topic Wise Expacted

Understanding topic-wise distribution can help target high-yield areas. Here’s a breakdown of the commonly repeated themes:

Topic	Expected Questions
Indian National Movement	2–3
Advent of Europeans	1–2
Socio-Religious Reform Movements	1–2
British Economic Policies	1–2
Acts & Constitutional Developments	1–2
Personalities & Contributions	1–2
Tribal & Peasant Movements	1–2

Focusing preparation on these topics increases your chances of scoring well in Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims.

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Previous Years Papers

UPSC Modern History Previous Year Questions Prelims (2018–2024)

Here’s an analysis of the number of Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims over the past six years:

Year	No. of Questions
2024	4
2023	3
2022	4
2021	9
2020	8
2019	5
2018	14

The declining trend indicates a shift in focus, but recurring themes suggest that preparation should remain targeted and smart.

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims Analysis and Trend

In the last few years, the number of Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims has gone up and down. Some years have many questions from this topic, and some years have only a few. But even when there are fewer questions, they are still important and can help increase your marks.

Usually, 3 to 7 questions are asked from modern history every year. These questions often focus on:

• The 1857 Revolt
• Social and religious reform movements
• Indian National Congress sessions
• British laws and policies in India
• Freedom movements and important leaders

Most questions are factual and need proper memorization, but some test your understanding of causes and effects. Practicing old papers and understanding trends helps you guess what may come next.

Modern History Questions UPSC Prelims 2024 PYQs

Despite fewer questions in 2024 compared to previous years, the Modern History section in the UPSC Prelims maintained its signature conceptual depth. The questions were framed in such a way that a surface-level reading would not suffice aspirants needed to have both factual knowledge and the ability to apply it.

Here are the actual questions asked from Modern History in the UPSC Prelims 2024, along with explanations:

Question 1:

With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements:

1. It provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation.
2. It included the provinces of British India and the princely states as part of the federation.
3. The Act provided for the formation of Provincial Autonomy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

• The Government of India Act, 1935, proposed an All-India Federation comprising British provinces and princely states.
• However, the princely states never joined the federation, so technically, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The Act did provide for Provincial Autonomy, especially in the governance of provinces like Madras, Bombay, and Bengal. 

Question 2:

With reference to revenue collection and administration under Lord Cornwallis, consider the following statements:

1. The Permanent Settlement system was introduced primarily to improve the revenue of the East India Company.
2. Under this system, Zamindars were recognized as the hereditary owners of the land.
3. This system led to the emergence of a class of absentee landlords.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

• The Permanent Settlement (1793) was introduced in Bengal by Cornwallis to stabilize revenue and ensure predictable income for the Company.
• Zamindars became de facto owners and were required to pay fixed annual revenue.
• Over time, many Zamindars sublet land and lived off revenue while staying in cities — thus the rise of absentee landlordism.

 Question 3:

Which one of the following movements contributed to the emergence of the ‘Untouchability’ (Offences) Act, 1955?

(a) Vaikom Satyagraha
(b) Bardoli Satyagraha
(c) Kheda Satyagraha
(d) Quit India Movement

Correct Answer: (a) Vaikom Satyagraha

Explanation:

• The Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) was a landmark movement in Kerala where people from backward castes demanded access to public roads near temples.
• It highlighted the injustice of caste-based discrimination and laid early groundwork for later constitutional reforms.
• The Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, though post-independence, was inspired by these early social reform movements.

Question 4:

Who among the following was associated with the founding of the Indian National Army (INA)?

(a) Rasbehari Bose
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Motilal Nehru
(d) Vallabhbhai Patel

Correct Answer: (a) Rasbehari Bose

Explanation:

• Rasbehari Bose played a key role in organizing Indian revolutionaries in Japan and was instrumental in setting up the Indian National Army (INA) in 1942, before inviting Subhas Chandra Bose to lead it.
• Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel were not directly associated with the INA.

These questions reflect the UPSC’s continued emphasis on blending factual knowledge with conceptual understanding. Candidates are expected to go beyond rote memorization and understand the historical significance and context of major events, laws, and personalities.

UPSC Prelims Modern History Questions 2024 in Hindi

यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा में आधुनिक इतिहास के प्रश्नों की प्रकृति विश्लेषणात्मक और तथ्यात्मक दोनों होती है। 2024 की परीक्षा में पूछे गए कुछ उदाहरण नीचे दिए गए हैं:

प्रश्न 1. भारत सरकार अधिनियम, 1935 के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. इसने अखिल भारतीय संघ की स्थापना का प्रावधान किया।
2. इसमें ब्रिटिश भारत के प्रांतों और देशी रियासतों को संघ में शामिल किया गया।
3. इस अधिनियम ने प्रांतीय स्वायत्तता का प्रावधान किया।

उपरोक्त में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?
(अ) केवल 1 और 2
(ब) केवल 1 और 3
(स) केवल 2 और 3
(द) 1, 2 और 3

सही उत्तर: (ब) केवल 1 और 3
व्याख्या: अधिनियम ने अखिल भारतीय संघ और प्रांतीय स्वायत्तता का प्रस्ताव दिया, लेकिन रियासतों की भागीदारी स्वैच्छिक थी और उन्होंने इसमें भाग नहीं लिया, जिससे संघ नहीं बन सका। इसलिए कथन 2 गलत है।

प्रश्न 2. लॉर्ड कॉर्नवालिस के अधीन राजस्व संग्रहण और प्रशासन के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. स्थायी बंदोबस्त प्रणाली मुख्य रूप से ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी की आय बढ़ाने के लिए शुरू की गई थी।
2. इस प्रणाली में ज़मींदारों को भूमि के पैतृक स्वामी के रूप में मान्यता दी गई।
3. इस प्रणाली के कारण अनुपस्थित ज़मींदारों का एक वर्ग उभरा।

उपरोक्त में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?
(अ) केवल 1
(ब) केवल 2
(स) केवल 1 और 3
(द) 1, 2 और 3

सही उत्तर: (द) 1, 2 और 3
व्याख्या: 1793 में बंगाल में लागू की गई इस प्रणाली ने ज़मींदारों को भूमि का स्वामित्व दिया और उनसे स्थायी राजस्व संग्रह की अपेक्षा की। इससे बहुत से ज़मींदार शहरों में बस गए और ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में अनुपस्थित हो गए।

प्रश्न 3. निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा आंदोलन ‘अस्पृश्यता (अपराध) अधिनियम, 1955’ के प्रारंभ में सहायक रहा?
(अ) वैकोम सत्याग्रह
(ब) बारडोली सत्याग्रह
(स) खेड़ा सत्याग्रह
(द) भारत छोड़ो आंदोलन

सही उत्तर: (अ) वैकोम सत्याग्रह
व्याख्या: वैकोम सत्याग्रह (1924–25) एक ऐतिहासिक आंदोलन था जो निचली जातियों को मंदिरों तक पहुँच का अधिकार दिलाने के लिए केरल में लड़ा गया था। इसने भारत में सामाजिक न्याय की दिशा में बड़ी भूमिका निभाई।

प्रश्न 4. निम्नलिखित में से कौन भारतीय राष्ट्रीय सेना (INA) की स्थापना से संबंधित थे?
(अ) रासबिहारी बोस
(ब) महात्मा गांधी
(स) मोतीलाल नेहरू
(द) वल्लभभाई पटेल

सही उत्तर: (अ) रासबिहारी बोस
व्याख्या: रासबिहारी बोस ने जापान में भारतीय क्रांतिकारियों के साथ मिलकर आईएनए की नींव रखी और बाद में सुभाष चंद्र बोस को नेतृत्व के लिए आमंत्रित किया। उन्होंने संगठन की नींव और दिशा तय की।

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 Repeated Topics

Theme	Examples
Gandhian Movements	Champaran, Non-Cooperation, Dandi March
Acts & Reforms	Govt. of India Act 1935, Pitt’s India Act, Charter Acts
Revolutionaries & Reformers	Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bhagat Singh, Subhas Bose
British Economic Impact	Deindustrialization, Land Revenue Systems
Congress Sessions & Policies	Surat Split, Lucknow Pact
Tribal/Peasant Uprisings	Santhal Revolt, Indigo Movement

Focusing on these can help predict the Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims.

Conclusion

While Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 have seen a dip in numbers, they remain highly scoring if prepared strategically. Recognizing themes, understanding past trends, and adopting a focused approach with quality resources like Spectrum and PYQs will ensure success. The key is smart preparation and regular revision.

So, whether the exam throws 3 or 13 questions your way, your goal remains the same: be ready. Because Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 may be few but never irrelevant.

Modern History Questions in UPSC Prelims FAQs