How to prepare History for BPSC Pre exam
INTRODUCTION
In this article, I am going to deliberate upon the preparation strategy of History for BPSC Pre Exam. In the succeeding paragraphs, I will discuss history booklist, topic-wise importance, and revision strategy with appropriate examples for effective BPSC Prelims preparation.
HISTORY FOR BPSC PRE EXAM
Almost 30 to 35 questions are asked from Indian History in BPSC Pre Exam. Indian History can be divided into three parts, namely Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History. The History of Bihar is also included in the BPSC Prelims syllabus, and in recent years, a significant number of questions have been asked from Bihar History.
It is very important to mention that World History is neither a part of BPSC Pre Exam nor BPSC Mains Exam. Hence, world history should not be studied at any stage of BPSC exam preparation.
If you carefully observe previous year BPSC Prelims question papers, you will notice that the maximum number of questions are asked from History of Bihar. The priority order of history topics for BPSC Pre Exam is as follows (from most important to least important):
- History of Bihar
- History of Modern India
- History of Ancient India
- History of Medieval India
A clear understanding of the exam syllabus is essential while following this priority order.
HISTORY BOOKS FOR BPSC EXAM
First of all, you must understand that BPSC exam preparation is integrated in nature, and separate history books for Prelims and Mains cannot be suggested. The books listed below are important for both BPSC Pre Exam and BPSC Mains Exam. However, the reading approach changes:
- BPSC Pre Exam is objective → focus on facts, dates, events, personalities
- BPSC Mains Exam is subjective → focus on selective and analytical study
BOOK LIST: NCERT BOOKS
- Class 6 – History: Our Past – I
- Class 7 – History: Our Past – II
- Class 8 – History: Our Past – III
- Class 10 – History: India and the Contemporary World – II
- Class 12 – Themes in Indian History Part – I
- Class 12 – Themes in Indian History Part – II
- Class 12 – Themes in Indian History Part – III
- Class 11 – Ancient India (Old NCERT)
- Class 11 – Medieval India (Old NCERT)
- Class 12 – Modern India (Old NCERT)
NCERT textbooks form the foundation of BPSC Prelims preparation. To help aspirants practice NCERT-based questions, we provide free NCERT mock tests (Class 6–7) with detailed explanations.
Start Free NCERT Mock Tests for BPSC Prelims
Old NCERT history books should be studied for Class 11, while both old and new NCERT books should be studied for Class 12. If old NCERT books are not available, the following alternative books can be used:
- India’s Ancient Past – R. S. Sharma (in place of Class 11 Ancient History)
- History of Medieval India – Satish Chandra (in place of Class 11 Medieval History)
- History of Modern India – Bipin Chandra (in place of Class 12 Modern History)
REFERENCE BOOKS
- Arihant Publication – History Magbook
- A Brief History of Modern India – Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publication)
- History of Indian Independence – Bipin Chandra
- History section of Imtiaz Ahmad Bihar Special
NOTES OF HISTORY FOR BPSC PRE EXAM
In my opinion, preparation of notes for History in BPSC Pre Exam is not required. Preparation of separate notes for BPSC Prelims History is a waste of valuable time.
- Simply underline important facts while reading books
- Use underlined portions as revision material
- During revision, focus only on highlighted points
CONCLUSION
History plays an important role in the selection process at BPSC Pre level as well as BPSC Mains level. Aspirants should follow the above-mentioned priority order, booklist, and revision strategy for better preparation and improved performance in BPSC Pre Exam.
