UPSC History syllabus for the Civil Services Examination is a comprehensive and engaging journey through India’s rich past and key global historical developments.UPSC history syllabus spans ancient, medieval,and modern history and world history, covering cultural, social,economic,an,political transformations.Designed to test analytical depth and factual understanding, UPSC history syllabus equips aspirants with insights into India’s heritage and its role in shaping the modern world. For UPSC Prelims syllabus,it focuses on broad historical themes,while the UPSC Mains exam(particularly in General Studies Paper I demands a detailed grasp of events,movements,and there significance.This syllabus not only enriches knowledge but also sharpens critical thinking,making it a vital component of UPSC preparation.UPSC history optional require deep understanding of historical events,socio-cultural dynamics and political transformations.Divided into two papers—Paper I covering Ancient and Medieval Indian History, and Paper II focusing on Modern Indian History and World History.

UPSC History Overview

History is a crucial component of both the Preliminary and Main examinations,testing candidates understanding of historical events,processes,and their socio-economic and cultural impacts.UPSC History syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

is vast and covers ancient,medieval,modern,and post-independence

India,along with world history in some sections. UPSC history optional syllabus tries to gauge the critical, indept understanding as well as multidimensional approach in answers. 

UPSC History Syllabus 2025 in Brief

UPSC History prelims Syllabus covers Indian history, the National Movement, and cultural heritage. 

UPSC history mains syllabus (General Studies Paper I), includes ancient, medieval, modern Indian history, the freedom struggle, and world history from the 18th century. UPSC history Optional syllabus  explore these in greater depth.

UPSC History Syllabus 2025 for Prelims 

UPSC History prelims Syllabus 2025 includes ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, the National Movement, and cultural heritage.It covers art, architecture, and socio-economic aspects. 

In UPSC Prelims history typically accounts for 15-20 questions out of 100 in General Studies Paper I

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2025

Waitage of History in UPSC  Prelims Exam Year Wise

Here is the weightage of History in UPSC  Prelims Exam Year Wise;

Year	Total no of Question	Ancient History	Medieval History	Modern History	Art & culture
2019	17	4	3	7	3
2020	20	5	2	10	3
2021	20	5	2	9	4
2022	14	4	2	4	4
2023	14	5	3	3	4
2024	12	4	2	4	4
2025	14-17	4-5	2-3	6-7	3-4

UPSC History Syllabus Mains GS Paper 1 2025

UPSC History mains Syllabus 2025 (General Studies Paper I) covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history,the freedom struggle, post-independence consolidation, and world history from the 18th century. It includes cultural and socio-economic aspects. History typically accounts for 3-4 questions (50-60 marks) in GS Paper I.

UPSC History Syllabus Optional 2025

UPSC History Optional syllabus for 2025 is a popular choice due to its overlap with General Studies Paper I, covering ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, and world history. It demands analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of historical events, sources, and socio-cultural dynamics, making it ideal for those with a strong interest in history.

Also Read: UPSC Mains Syllabus

UPSC History Syllabus 2025 Topic Wise for Prelims, Mains

UPSC history syllabus 2025 is comprehensive spans ,ancient ,medieval and modern in prelims,and in mains it also includes world history .To conquer the UPSC civil service prelims mains examination one require both factual and conceptual clarity to fetch good marks. Detailed syllabus for prelims and mains given below 

UPSC History Prelims Syllabus 2025

UPSC History Syllabus for Prelims (GS Paper 1) mention in the upsc official prelims notification is” History of India and indian national Movement”,this vage terminology make it difficult to understand what will come in upsc prelims in history part ? By analysis of previous year questions we have broadly divided UPSC History prelims syllabus into 3 broad section

Here is a UPSC History syllabus 2025 for UPSC Prelims (GS Paper 1);

Ancient history in UPSC History Prelims Syllabus	Medieval history in UPSC History Prelims Syllabus	Modern History in UPSC History Prelims Syllabus
𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙨 in UPSC history prelims syllabus: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic cultures. •Indus Valley Civilization in UPSC history prelims syllabus(Harappan Culture) – Features, sites, decline. •𝙑𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙨: Rigvedic and Later Vedic society in UPSC history prelims syllabus: economy, polity, religion. •𝙈𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙨 & 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 M𝙚agadha in UPSC history prelims syllabus: 16 Mahajanapadas, Haryanka, Shishunaga, and Nanda dynasties. •𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 in UPSC history prelims syllabus: Buddhism and Jainism in UPSC History Syllabus– Teachings, councils, spread. •𝙈𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙮𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 in UPSC history prelims syllabus: Chandragupta, Ashoka (Dhamma, inscriptions), administration. •𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙩-𝙈𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙮𝙖𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖: Shungas, Satavahanas, Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Kushanas. •Gand𝙚hara & 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙖 𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙂𝙪𝙥𝙩𝙖 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 & 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙩-𝙂𝙪𝙥𝙩𝙖 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙 in UPSC History Syllabus:Gupta administration, literature, science (Aryabhata, Varahamihira). 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙖,𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙠𝙮𝙖𝙨, 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙨, 𝙋𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙗𝙝𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙨.	𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙𝙨 (750-1200 AD)in UPSC history prelims syllabus: Tripartite struggle (Palas,  Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas). Cholas –Administration, temples, society. •𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙝𝙞 𝙎𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 (1206-1526): Slave Dynasty, Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Lodis – Administration, reforms. •Sufi and Bhakti movements in UPSC History Syllabus. •Vijayanagara & Bahmani Kingdoms in UPSC History Syllabus: •Krishnadevaraya, administration, conflicts. •𝙈𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 (1526-1857) in UPSC History Syllabus: •Akbar’s policies (Din-i-Ilahi, Mansabdari, Sulh-i-Kul). 𝘼𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙯𝙚𝙗’s 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨,𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙨. •Maratha Empire (Shivaji, Peshwas	𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖 (1757-1947)in UPSC History Prelims Syllabus •Advent of European Portuguese, Dutch, British, French – Carnatic Wars, Battle of Plassey (1757), Buxar (1764). 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚: Land Revenue Systems (Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, Mahalwari). •𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 (Drain of Wealth, Deindustrialization). •𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙩 𝙤𝙛 1857: Causes, leaders, failure, consequences. 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙤-𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨 in UPSC History Syllabus: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Arya Samaj, Brahmo  Samaj, Aligarh Movement. •𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 in UPSC History: Moderates vs Extremists (1905-1918). •𝙂𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙝𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙧𝙖 (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement). •𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 (Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad). •𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 & 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 (1947).

 

In UPSC Prelims History syllabus art and culture play the important role in UPSC ias prelims examination which overalp ancient history and medieval history although UPSC history syllabus not explicitly mention in the upsc prelims official notifications.Through History pyq analysis we have simplified the upsc history art and culture syllabus in UPSC history prelims syllabus:

Art and Culture in UPSC Prelims syllabus

𝘼𝙧𝙩 & 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 & 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩a Architecturein Architecture: 𝘼𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 in UPSC history syllabus:  Indus Valley Civilization (e.g., town planning, Great Bath), Buddhist  architecture (stupas like Sanchi, viharas, chaityas), Jain temples, Mauryan architecture (e.g., Ashokan pillars). 𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: Nagara, Dravidian, and Vesara styles (e.g., Khajuraho, Brihadeshwara, Konark temples). 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙤-𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: 𝙈𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort), Delhi Sultanate structures, features like domes, minarets, and arches. 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: Influence of British,Portuguese,and French styles; examples like Victoria Memorial, Gateway of India. 𝙎𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 and 𝙋𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝙎𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨:Gandhara, Mathura, and Amravati schools; Gupta period sculptures; Chola bronzes. 𝙋𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:Cave paintings (Ajanta, Ellora), Mughal miniature paintings, Rajput paintings, Madhubani, Warli, Tanjore, and other regional styles. 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨: 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya. 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙠 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨: Regional dances like Bhangra, Garba, Ghoomar, Lavani, etc. 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘: Hindustani and Carnatic music, musical instruments (e.g., sitar, tabla, veena), folk music traditions. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙮: Traditional theatre forms (e.g., Yakshagana, Bhand), puppetry (string, shadow, rod, glove puppets). 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 in UPSC history Syllabus: 𝘼𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: Vedas, Upanishads, Epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Sangam literature, Pali and Prakrit texts. 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: Bhakti and Sufi literature (e.g., Kabir, Tulsidas, Amir Khusro), Persian literature (e.g., Ain-i-Akbari). 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 in UPSC History Syllabus: Contributions of regional languages (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, etc.). 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙮 in UPSC history syllabus: 𝙈𝙖𝙟𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙨: Six schools of Indian philosophy (e.g., Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Yoga). 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨: Buddhism, Jainism, Bhakti, and Sufi movements, their art and cultural contributions. 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, Sahitya Akademi. 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 in UPSC History syllabus: 𝙐𝙉𝙀𝙎𝘾𝙊 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨: Ajanta, Ellora, Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, etc. 𝙁𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: Major Indian festivals, rituals, and their cultural significance. 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙠 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚:  Handicrafts, tribal art, and traditions. 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 in UPSC History Syllabus: 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 periods (Mauryan, Gupta, Chola, Mughal, etc.) on art and culture. Role of patronage (e.g., Ashoka for Buddhism, Mughals for architecture). 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙨 (e.g., Chinese and Arab travelers like Fa-Hien, Al-Biruni) to understanding Indian culture.

UPSC History Mains Syllabus 2025

UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination places significant emphasis on history in mains examination, forming a crucial part of General Studies Paper I. 

UPSC Mains history syllabus is comprehensive, encompassing Ancient, Medieval, Modern, world and Art and Culture, designed to test a candidate’s understanding of India’s historical evolution, cultural heritage, and socio-political developments. 

UPSC history syllabus requires not only factual knowledge but also analytical skills to connect historical events with contemporary issues. UPSC history mains syllabus covers key areas such as the rise and fall of civilizations, cultural achievements, colonial impacts, and the Indian freedom struggle,offering a holistic view of India’s past. Mastering UPSC history syllabus demands a blend of conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and effective answer-writing skills, making it both  challenging and rewarding for aspirants aiming to excel in the UPSC Mains examination.

Here is a Year Wise Analysis of History in UPSC Mains syllabus

Year	Number of History Question in UPSC History  Syllabus	History Marks in UPSC History Syllabus	Percentage of GS I in UPSC History  Syllabus	key Observation of UPSC History  Syllabus
2019	~6-7	~60-75	~24-30 ℅	Balanced coverage with emphasis on Modern History and Art&Culture. Questions included analytical aspects of the freedom struggle and cultural heritage.
2020	~5-6	~50-65	~20-26 ℅	Slightly reduced weightage. Focus on Modern History (e.g., Indian National Movement) and fewer questions onAncient/Medieval History.
2021	~6	~60-70	~24-28 ℅	Increased analytical questions in Modern History (e.g., role of women in freedom struggle). Art & Culture had moderate weightage.
2022	~5-6	~50-65	~20-26 ℅	Focus on Modern History and World History (e.g., post-World War events). Questions were moderately difficult and analytical.
2023	~6-7	~60-75	~24-30 ℅	Analytical questions dominated Modern History (e.g., ideologies of personalities, colonial impact). Ancient History questions tested in-depth knowledge.
2024	~6	~60-70	~24-28℅	Balanced distribution with Modern History and Art & Culture prominent. Questions were analytical, focusing on freedom movements and cultural aspects

UPSC History mains syllabus comes in General studies paper I as a part UPSC history syllabus given below

India culture (Art, literature, Architecture) in UPSC Mains Syllabus

Art Forms

Classical Dances In UPSC History Syllabus

• Bharatanatyam: Expressive storytelling, intricate footwork, mudras, rooted in Tamil Nadu’s temple traditions.

• Kathak: Narrative dance with fast spins, rhythmic footwork, Mughal court influence, North India.

• Odissi: Graceful movements, sculptural poses, temple dance from Odisha.

• Others: Kathakali (Kerala, dramatic), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh, lyrical), Manipuri (Manipur, devotional).

Folk Dances

• Vibrant, community-based, region-specific (e.g., Garba-Gujarat, Bhangra-Punjab, Ghoomar-Rajasthan).

• Reflect local traditions, festivals, and social life.

Music

• Hindustani: North Indian, raga-based, improvisational, influenced by Persian traditions.

• Carnatic: South Indian, structured, devotional, complex ragas and talas.
• Folk Traditions: Regional, narrative-driven (e.g., Baul-Bengal, Qawwali-Sufi).

Puppetry, Theatre, and Martial Arts in UPSC history mains syllabus

• Puppetry: String (Kathputli-Rajasthan), shadow (Tholu Bommalata-Andhra Pradesh), storytelling mediums.

• Theatre: Folk (Jatra-Bengal), classical (Sanskrit drama), modern (Parsi theatre).

Martial Arts in UPSC History Syllabus:

• Kalarippayattu: Kerala, fluid combat, physical-spiritual training.

• Thang-Ta: Manipur, sword-spear techniques, cultural expression.

Literature in UPSC history mains syllabus

Ancient & Medieval Texts

• Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva; foundational spiritual texts.

• Puranas: Mythological narratives, cosmology, dynastic genealogies.

• Sangam Literature: Tamil poetic anthologies, secular and devotional themes.

Bhakti & Sufi Literature in UPSC history syllabus

• Bhakti: Kabir (syncretic), Tulsidas (Ramcharitmanas), Mirabai (devotional poetry).

• Sufi: Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhism), Amir Khusro (mystical poetry).

• Emphasized devotion, equality, and spiritual unity.

Architecture in UPSC History MainsSyllabus

Ancient & Medieval

• Indus valley: Urban planning, grid layouts, drainage systems (Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa).
• Mauryan: Polished pillars (Ashoka), stupas (Sanchi).
• Gupta: Rock-cut caves (Ajanta-Ellora), early temple architecture.

Medieval:

• Delhi Sultanate: Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza, Indo-Islamic arches.

• Mughal: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, symmetry, gardens.

• Vijayanagara: Hampi temples, monolithic sculptures.

Temple Architecture in UPSC history syllabus

• Nagara: North Indian, curvilinear shikhara (e.g., Khajuraho).

• Dravida: South Indian, tiered gopuram (e.g., Madurai Meenakshi).

• Vesara: Hybrid style, Chalukyan influence (e.g., Pattadakal).

Colonial Architecture

• Indo-Saracenic: Fusion of Indian, Islamic, Gothic (e.g., Victoria Terminus)

• Gothic: Churches, public buildings (e.g., Bombay High Court).

Modern Indian History (1757–1947) in UPSC Mains Syllabus

British Conquest & Expansion in UPSC History Mains Syllabus

Key Battles

• Battle of Plassey (1757): Established British dominance in Bengal.

• Battle of Buxar: Consolidated EIC control over Bihar, Bengal, Odisha.

• Anglo-Mysore Wars: Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan resisted British expansion.

• Anglo-Maratha Wars: Weakened Maratha confederacy, British hegemony.

Colonial Policies & Impacts in UPSC History Mains Syllabus

Economic 

• Drain of Wealth: Dadabhai Naoroji’s theory, wealth siphoned to Britain.

• Land Revenue Systems:
• Zamindari: Permanent settlement, Bengal, exploitative.

• Ryotwari: Direct collection, South India, peasant burden.

• Mahalwari: Village-based, North India, collective responsibility.

Social

• Reforms: Sati abolition (1829), Widow Remarriage Act (1856).

Education: 

• Macaulay’s Minute (1835), English education, Wood’s Dispatch (1854).

Revolt of 1857 in UPSC history syllabus

• Causes: Sepoy grievances, economic exploitation, cultural interference.

• Leaders: Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
• Failure: Lack of unity, poor organization, British military superiority.
• Consequences: End of EIC rule, Government of India Act 1858, direct Crown control.

Socio-Religious Reform Movements in UPSC History Mains Syllabus

Key Movements In UPSC history syllabus

• Brahmo Samaj: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, monotheism, social reform.

• Arya Samaj: Swami Dayanand, Vedic revival, anti-caste.
• Aligarh Movement: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Muslim education, modernization.
• Deoband Movement: Islamic revival, traditional education.

Reformers In UPSC history syllabus

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Sati abolition, women’s rights

• Jyotiba Phule: Anti-caste, education for marginalized.

• Swami Vivekananda: Ramakrishna Mission, Vedanta philosophy, global outreach.

Indian National Movement (1885–1947) in UPSC History Mains Syllabus

Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

• Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
• Methods: Petitions, resolutions, constitutional demands.

Extremist Phase (1905–1918)

• Leaders: Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal).

• Swadeshi Movement: Boycott of British goods, Bengal Partition (1905) protest.

Gandhian Era (1919–1947)

• Non-Cooperation (1920–22): Boycott of British institutions, Khilafat alliance.

• Civil Disobedience (1930–34): Salt March, mass protests.

• Quit India (1942): “Do or Die,” widespread agitation.

Revolutionaries in UPSC history syllabus

• Bhagat singh,Chandrashekhar: HSRA, armed resistance.

• Subhas Chandra Bose: INA, “Give me blood, I’ll give you freedom.”

Partition & Independence (1947)

• Cabinet Mission (1946): Federal structure proposal, rejected.

• Mountbatten Plan: Partition into India-Pakistan, independence on August 15, 1947

Post independence india (1947- to present) in UPSC History Mains Syllabus

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖:

• Integration of princely states (Hyderabad, Junagadh, Kashmir).
• 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 (States Reorganization Act, 1956).
• 𝙉𝙚𝙝𝙧𝙪𝙫𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙧𝙖:Non-Aligned Movement, Planning (Five-Year Plans), Green Revolution.

𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙐𝙋𝙎𝘾 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 Syllabus

• 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙨: Link ancient-Year Questions) to practice structured answers.
• 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝: Connect history with geography, polity, and economy (e.g., impact of British policies on Indian agriculture

Important 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 & 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨 for UPSC History Syllabus 𝙖𝙨 Suggested 𝙗𝙮 𝙩o𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨:-

• 𝘼𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩: India’s Ancient Past (RS Sharma).
• Medieval: History of Medieval India (Satish Chandra).
• 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣: India’s Struggle for Independence (Bipan Chandra).
• 𝘼𝙧𝙩 & 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: Indian Art & Culture (Nitin Singhania).

UPSC History Syllabus 2025 FAQs