How to prepare History for BPSC Pre exam
Introduction
In this article I am going to deliberate upon preparation strategy of history (General Studies) for bpsc pre exam. In succeeding paragraphs i will discuss about books, notes etc with appropriate example.
History for BPSC Pre exam
Almost 30 to 35 questions are being asked from Indian history in bpsc pre. Indian History can be divided in three parts viz; Ancient, Medieval and Modern. History of Bihar is also included in bpsc pre-exam syllabus and in recent years many questions are being asked from history of Bihar. Here it is very important to mention that world history is neither a part of bpsc pre-exam nor a part of bpsc mains exam. Hence world history is not to be studied at any stage of bpsc exam.
If you carefully observe question papers of previous year bpsc exam, then you observe that maximum questions are being asked from History of Bihar. We can categories these sections in order of importance. Here the first being most important and the last being least important.
- History of Bihar
- History of Modern India
- History of Ancient India
- History of Medieval India
History books for BPSC Pre exam
First of all, you must understand the fact that preparation of bpsc exam is of integrated nature and separate books for pre and mains exam can’t be suggested. In this paragraph let’s see some books which we should follow for preparing history for bpsc exam. These books are important for both bpsc pre and for bpsc mains exam. Please note that the reading style of these books’ changes with bpsc pre and with bpsc mains exam.
BPSC pre-exam is objective in nature and factual questions are being asked. Hence you must focus on facts, data, dates, important names etc while reading and revising history books for bpsc pre-exam. Opposite to that, bpsc mains exam is selective and subjective in nature and analytical questions are being asked. Hence you must do selective study while reading and revising history books for 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 :- History: Ancient India (Old), History: Medieval India (Old)
- Class 12 :- History: Modern India (Old)
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. 
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Old NCERT history book is to be studied for class 11. Old and new both NCERT books are to be studied for class 12. If you are unable to get old NCERT books for history, then alternative books as mentioned below can be read.
- India’s Ancient Past – RS Sharma (In lieu of class 11 Ancient India)
- History of Medieval India – Satish Chandra (In lieu of class 11 Medieval India)
- History of Modern India – Bipin Chandra (In lieu of class 12 Modern India)
All books mentioned above are available in both Hindi and English medium.
REFERENCE BOOKS
- Arihant Publication History Magbook.
- A brief history of modern India by Rahiv Ahir: Spectrum publication.
- History of Indian Independence Bipin Chandra.
- History section of Imtiaz Ahmad Bihar special.
Preparation of notes for History for BPSC Pre exam
In my opinion preparation of notes in respect of history for bpsc pre exam is not required. Just underline important facts while you read books. Use underlined facts in the book as your notes. Whenever you revise any book, then just emphasize on underlined facts. Preparation of notes out of books for the purpose of bpsc pre exam is mere wastage of time.
Conclusion
History plays an important role in selection process at bpsc pre level and at bpsc mains level. Follow above mentioned strategy and books for better preparation.