Opting for History as an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services examination is a popular choice among candidates. To succeed in this optional, it’s important to follow a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for the History optional in UPSC:
Step 1: Understand the Syllabus
- Ancient India:
- Prehistoric period, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, Mauryan and Gupta Empires, etc.
- Medieval India:
- Sultanate period, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara, Bahmani kingdoms, etc.
- Modern India:
- British expansion in India, socio-religious movements, Indian National Movement, post-independence consolidation.
- World History:
- Industrial Revolution, World Wars, the Cold War, the American Revolution, etc.
Step 2: Collect Study Material
- Books for Ancient India:
- “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma, “India’s Ancient Past” by R.S. Sharma.
- Books for Medieval India:
- “Medieval India” by Satish Chandra, “Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals” by Satish Chandra.
- Books for Modern India:
- “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra, “India After Gandhi” by Ramachandra Guha.
- Books for World History:
- “A History of the Modern World” by R.R. Palmer, “Mastering Modern World History” by Norman Lowe.
Step 3: Join Test Series
- Enroll in a History Optional Test Series:
- Regularly solving mock tests helps in understanding the exam pattern and improves answer-writing skills.
Step 4: Make Notes
- Concise Notes:
- Create concise notes while studying to aid in quick revision.
Step 5: Answer Writing Practice
- Regular Answer Writing:
- Practice writing answers regularly. Focus on presenting your arguments coherently and concisely.
Step 6: Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Relate Historical Events to Current Affairs:
- Integrate current affairs into your studies to understand the contemporary relevance of historical events.
Step 7: Revision
- Periodic Revision:
- Regularly revise your notes to ensure better retention.
Step 8: Seek Guidance
- Join Online/Offline Forums:
- Connect with other UPSC aspirants, especially those opting for History as an optional subject. Discussing topics can provide different perspectives.
- Guidance from Toppers/Experts:
- Follow blogs, interviews, or discussions of candidates who have successfully cleared UPSC with History optional.
Step 9: Analyze Previous Year Question Papers
- Understand the Pattern:
- Analyze the previous year’s question papers to understand the pattern and focus areas.
Step 10: Time Management
- Allocate Time Wisely:
- Devote a specific amount of time to each section, and stick to a well-structured timetable.
Step 11: Stay Positive
- Maintain a Positive Attitude:
- UPSC preparation is demanding, but a positive mindset is crucial. Stay focused and motivated.
Remember that UPSC is looking for a deep understanding of the subject, critical analysis, and effective communication skills in your answers. Tailor your preparation to suit your strengths and weaknesses, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed.
Why Aarvam for History Optional Coaching
- Expert Guidance:
- Aarvam IAS Coaching center have experienced faculty members who are experts in the subject. Their guidance can help you navigate through the vast syllabus, providing insights and strategies to approach different topics.
- Structured Curriculum:
- We usually follow a structured curriculum aligned with the UPSC syllabus. This helps in covering all the relevant topics systematically and ensures that you don’t miss any crucial areas.
- Interactive Learning Environment:
- Being part of our coaching class program provides an interactive learning environment where you can engage in discussions, clarify doubts, and gain different perspectives on historical events and concepts.
- Peer Learning:
- Interacting with peers who are also preparing for the same optional subject can be motivating. Group discussions, peer reviews, and sharing study materials can enhance your understanding of various topics.
- Regular Tests and Evaluation:
- Our Institute often conduct regular tests and evaluations to assess your progress. These mock tests can help you practice time management and improve your answer-writing skills.
- Access to Study Material:
- We provide comprehensive study materials, which can be especially helpful for candidates who may find it challenging to gather and organize resources independently.
- Time Management:
- We can help you establish a study routine and manage your time effectively. This is crucial, given the vast syllabus of the History optional subject.
- Motivation and Discipline:
- The structured nature of coaching classes can instill discipline in your preparation. Additionally, being surrounded by like-minded aspirants can provide motivation during challenging times.
- Guidance for Answer Writing:
- History, being a descriptive subject, requires effective answer writing. Our training program provide guidance on improving your writing skills, which is essential for scoring well in the UPSC mains examination.
- Updates on Exam Pattern and Strategy:
- Our tutors stay updated on any changes in the UPSC exam pattern and provide insights into the evolving trends. They can also guide you on the best strategies to tackle the History optional paper.
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