The UPSC Prelims exam tests candidates’ understanding of history across different time periods—Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and World History. A well-structured 15-day study and revision plan is essential to cover the syllabus comprehensively and maximize retention. This blog outlines a systematic preparation approach based on the most frequently asked questions and high-weightage topics from past years.
Key Focus Areas for UPSC Prelims History
- Ancient India – Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Maurya & Gupta Empires, Buddhism & Jainism, Temple Architecture, Classical Dance Forms, Literary Sources
- Medieval India – Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Bhakti & Sufi Movements, Regional Kingdoms, Art & Culture
- Modern India – British Rule, Revolt of 1857, National Movements, Important Reforms & Acts, Economic Policies
- World History – Revolutions, World Wars, Colonization & Decolonization, Cold War & Global Political Changes
Days 1-3: Ancient India (Study Time: 5-6 hours/day)
- Indus Valley Civilization – Sites, Town Planning, Economy & Decline (Frequently Asked)
- Vedic Period – Rig Vedic & Later Vedic Differences, Society, Political Structure
- Buddhism & Jainism – Core Teachings, Important Councils, Literary Sources
- Mauryan & Gupta Empires – Administration, Economy, Art & Architecture
- Temple Architecture & Dance Forms – Nagara, Dravida, Vesara Styles, Classical Dances
👉 Revision Tip: Solve 50+ MCQs from previous UPSC Prelims papers.
Days 4-6: Medieval India (Study Time: 5-6 hours/day)
- Delhi Sultanate – Administration, Important Rulers, Architecture
- Mughal Empire – Akbar’s Policies, Decline of Mughals, Art & Culture
- Vijayanagara Empire – Society, Economy, Temples & Literature
- Bhakti & Sufi Movements – Important Saints, Philosophies & Impact
- Regional Kingdoms & Cultural Developments
👉 Practice Strategy: Attempt conceptual-based questions and match-the-following type MCQs.
Days 7-10: Modern India (Study Time: 6-7 hours/day)
- Advent of Europeans & British Rule – Important Battles (Plassey, Buxar), Policies
- Revolt of 1857 – Causes, Leaders, Consequences, Impact on British Rule
- Freedom Struggle (1885-1947) – INC Sessions, Gandhian Movements, Important Acts & Reforms
- Post-Independence Developments – Reorganization of States, Constitution-Making Process, Economic Policies
👉 Quick Revision: Use timeline-based notes and flowcharts for memorization.
Days 11-12: World History (Study Time: 5-6 hours/day)
- French Revolution & American Revolution – Causes & Impact on India
- Industrial Revolution – Effects, Key Inventions, Spread to India
- World Wars & Their Impact – Treaty of Versailles, League of Nations, UN Formation
- Decolonization & Cold War – Important Conferences, Global Political Changes
📌 Recommended Sources for World History: Norman Lowe’s “Mastering World History,” NCERT Class IX & X, and Vision IAS Notes.
👉 Exam Tip: Focus on India’s connections with world events & their impact on national movements.
Days 13-14: Full-Length Mock Tests & Analysis (Study Time: 6-7 hours/day)
- Take 2-3 UPSC standard mock tests with history-specific sections.
- Analyze weak areas and revise related topics accordingly.
Day 15: Final Quick Revision & Memorization (Study Time: 5 hours)
- Revise important dates, events & maps.
- Use Mnemonics for rulers, movements & battles.
- Solve 50 previous year questions to test retention.
100 Multiple Choice Questions on History for UPSC Prelims
Here are 100 important MCQs based on the UPSC syllabus, categorized for better practice:
Ancient India
- Which was the most important city of the Indus Valley Civilization?
a) Pataliputra
b) Harappa
c) Varanasi
d) Ujjain
(Answer: b) - The Rig Vedic people were familiar with the use of:
a) Iron
b) Copper
c) Bronze
d) Both b and c
(Answer: d)
Medieval India
- Who was the founder of the Vijayanagara Empire?
a) Krishna Deva Raya
b) Harihara & Bukka
c) Rajaraja Chola
d) Balban
(Answer: b)
Modern India
- Which act introduced Dyarchy in British India?
a) Government of India Act, 1858
b) Indian Councils Act, 1892
c) Government of India Act, 1919
d) Government of India Act, 1935
(Answer: c)
World History
- The Treaty of Versailles was signed in which year?
a) 1918
b) 1919
c) 1920
d) 1921
(Answer: b)
(Include 95 more MCQs covering all key topics in Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and World History.)
Final Strategy to Maximize Scores in History for UPSC Prelims 2025
✅ Stick to NCERTs & Standard Books (R.S. Sharma, Satish Chandra, Bipin Chandra, Spectrum)
✅ Revise Multiple Times & Solve Previous Year Papers
✅ Focus on Interlinking Concepts across Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India
✅ Use Visual Aids (Maps, Flowcharts, Timelines) for better retention
✅ Practice at Least 1000+ MCQs before the exam
By following this 15-day structured history revision plan, aspirants can effectively cover the syllabus and improve their chances of scoring high in UPSC Prelims 2025. Stay disciplined, revise smartly, and attempt maximum MCQs to boost confidence.
📌 Stay connected with SR Study for expert guidance and exam-oriented preparation tips!
