How to Prepare History for 71st BPSC Mains Exam

HISTORY PREPARATION STRATEGY FOR 71ST BPSC MAINS EXAM

INTRODUCTION

In this article, I am going to deliberate upon the preparation strategy of history preparation strategy for the 71st BPSC Mains Exam. In the succeeding paragraphs, I will discuss books, notes and preparation techniques with appropriate examples.
Since the 71st BPSC Mains Exam is scheduled in April 2026, this strategy becomes extremely important for serious aspirants.

HISTORY BOOKS FOR BPSC EXAM (71st BPSC MAINS EXAM)

First of all, you must understand the fact that preparation for the 71st BPSC Mains Exam is of an integrated nature, and separate books for Prelims and Mains cannot be suggested. In this paragraph, let us see some books which should be followed for preparing history for the 71st BPSC Exam. These books are equally important for both BPSC Prelims and BPSC Mains.

However, the reading style must change:

• BPSC Prelims: Objective and factual (dates, facts, personalities)
• 71st BPSC Mains Exam: Subjective and analytical (concepts, causes, effects)

Hence, selective and analytical reading is required for history preparation for the 71st BPSC Mains Exam.

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 (Old NCERT): Ancient India, Medieval India
• Class 12 (Old NCERT): Modern India

Old NCERT History books are to be studied for Class 11. Both old and new NCERTs should be studied for Class 12. If old NCERT books are not available, the following alternatives may be used for the history preparation strategy for 71st BPSC Mains Exam:

• India’s Ancient Past – R.S. Sharma
• History of Medieval India – Satish Chandra
• History of Modern India – Bipin Chandra

All these books are available in Hindi and English medium.

REFERENCE BOOKS (FOR 71st BPSC MAINS EXAM)

• Arihant Publication – History Magbook
• A Brief History of Modern India – Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir)
• History of Indian Independence – Bipin Chandra
• History section of Imtiaz Ahmad – Bihar Special

HISTORY FOR BPSC MAINS EXAM (71st BPSC MAINS)

As per the latest syllabus of the 71st BPSC Mains Exam, history and culture of India and Bihar are to be studied. History and culture form Section-I of General Studies Paper-I.

• Candidates have to answer 3 questions out of 5
• Question No. 1 is compulsory (short answers)
• Question No. 2 & 3 are long-answer questions (38 marks each)
• Total marks for history and culture = 114 marks

Hence, history plays a decisive role in the 71st BPSC Mains Exam.

HISTORY PREPARATION STRATEGY FOR 71st BPSC MAINS EXAM

It is advised not to read any extra or unnecessary books for history. Strictly follow the syllabus of the 71st BPSC Mains Exam and prepare only the listed topics. Reading beyond the syllabus often leads to confusion and waste of time.

Topics to be Covered for 71st BPSC Mains Exam

• Santhal Revolt
• Munda Revolt
• Tribal revolts in Indian freedom struggle
• Important tribal revolts of Bihar
• Patna Kalam Painting
• Mauryan Art
• Pala Art
• Effect of religion on Mauryan and Pala Art
• Nagara, Dravida and Vesara temple architecture
• Thoughts of Gandhi
• Thoughts of Nehru
• Thoughts of Rabindranath Tagore
• Causes of Revolt of 1857
• Rise of Nationalism in India
• Economic impact of British rule
• Drain of Wealth
• Orientalist–Anglicist controversy
• Downward Filtration Theory
• Land revenue systems of British India
• Mahalwari System
• Ryotwari System
• Permanent Settlement
• Lord Dalhousie
• Lord Curzon
• Boycott and Swadeshi Movement
• Revolutionary movements in India
• Role of Subhas Chandra Bose
• Khilafat Movement
• Rowlatt Act
• Communal Award and Poona Pact
• Cripps Mission
• Cabinet Mission
• Wood’s Despatch
• Government of India Acts (1858, 1892, 1909, 1919, 1935)
• Revolt of 1857 and Bihar
• Kunwar Singh and Revolt of 1857
• Champaran Satyagraha and Bihar
• Non-Cooperation Movement and Bihar
• Civil Disobedience Movement and Bihar
• Quit India Movement and Bihar
• Quit India Movement and Jayaprakash Narayan
• Role of women of Bihar in freedom struggle
• Role of peasants of Bihar post-Champaran
• Kisan Sabha and Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
• Thoughts of Jayaprakash Narayan
• Development of Western & Technical Education in India
• Development of Western & Technical Education in Bihar

HISTORY NOTES FOR 71st BPSC MAINS EXAM

Notes must be prepared in your own handwriting for the 71st BPSC Mains Exam. Use:

• Standard books
• Wikipedia (selectively)
• YouTube lectures (for conceptual clarity)

Prepare notes:

• Topic-wise
• Point-wise
• In simple language

Regular revision is the key to success in history for the 71st BPSC Mains Exam.

CONCLUSION

History plays a crucial role in both BPSC Prelims and the 71st BPSC Mains Exam. With a focused syllabus-based approach, limited resources, and regular revision, aspirants can score well in this section. Follow the above-mentioned strategy, books and note-making method to enhance your performance in the 71st BPSC Mains Exam scheduled for April 2026.

Complete BPSC Mains GS Notes – All Subjects (Single Course)

Enrolled candidates get full PDF notes for all GS papers, including:

• History
• Current Affairs
• Polity
• Geography & Economy
• Science & Tech
• Bihar-specific value addition
• Answer-writing ready content

Access everything in BPSC Mains GS Course. Join BPSC Mains GS Course