UPSC History Optional Paper : FAQs Answered

Crack UPSC History Optional:FAQs Answered

"Unveiling the Secrets: All You Need to Know About Acing the UPSC History Optional Exam - Get Your FAQs Answered Now!"

If you have decided to appear in the UPSC exam, you would know that choosing the right optional subject is crucial for your success. History is a subject that has been a popular choice among students for its overlapping with general studies and its vast syllabus that includes ancient, medieval, modern India, and world history. However, there are many questions that aspirants have about the history optional paper. In this blog, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the UPSC history optional papers to help you prepare better for your IAS exam.

Why Should You Choose History as Your Optional Paper?

The first question that might cross your mind is why should you choose history as your optional paper. The answer is simple. The history optional paper has overlap with the general studies paper of the UPSC exam. Therefore, you do not have to prepare for both separately. The syllabus of history is extensive and covers various periods. By choosing history, you get exposed to various aspects of world history, which also enhances your general knowledge.

 

 

What is the Syllabus for the History Optional Paper?

The history optional paper covers a broad range of topics from ancient, medieval, and modern India, and world history. It also includes topics like historiography, archaeology, and art and culture. The syllabus is vast and extensive, and aspirants should start preparing well in time to cover every topic.

 

 

How Should You Prepare for the History Optional Paper?

To score well in the UPSC history optional paper, you need to prepare well. Here are some tips that can help you with the preparation:

» Start Your Preparation Early

The syllabus of the history optional paper is vast, and it requires extensive reading. Therefore, aspirants should start their preparation as early as possible to cover every topic.

» Make a Study Plan

To effectively cover every topic of the history optional paper, you should make a study plan. Divide your preparation time into phases and allocate enough time to each phase according to the topics you plan to cover.

» Read Books and Study Material

The history optional paper requires lots of reading. Therefore, you need to read books on history and other study material. Make sure that you cover all the topics in-depth to get maximum marks

» Make Notes

After reading a topic, take time to make notes. Writing down information helps retain it better, and it will also come in handy when you revise later.

» Take Guidance

After reading a topic, take time to make notes. Writing down information helps retain it better, and it will also come in handy when you revise later.Taking guidance from experts, joining coaching classes, or online courses can also help aspirants with their preparations. By seeking guidance, you can clear your doubts, learn from experts' experiences, and get tips to improve your writing skills.

How Important is Writing Practice for History Optional Paper?

UPSC aspirants must understand that writing practice is essential in preparing for the history optional paper. The examiners expect candidates to write informative, analytical, and coherent answers in a sophisticated style. Therefore, aspirants should practice answer writing regularly. Here are some tips that can help you with the practice:

 

 

» Practice Writing Every Day

Practice writing regularly. Try to write answers in an hour's time to improve speed, and use a word limit of about 200 words per answer. By practicing answering questions regularly, you can develop a better understanding of the topics and develop better writing skills.

» Learn to Structure Answers

Write your answers in a structured manner. Practice writing an introduction, main body, and conclusion. This technique will help examiners understand what you want to convey, and it will also help you stick to the time limit.

» Understand the Type of Questions Asked

UPSC examiners ask questions that require analytical and critical thinking. Answers must show a deep understanding of the topic rather than just memorizing facts. Therefore, while practicing answer writing, make sure you understand the type of questions asked and answer them accordingly.

What are the Benefits of Choosing History Optional Paper?

History is a subject that has many benefits, especially as an optional paper. Let us take a look at some of the benefits:

» Overlapping with General Studies

As mentioned earlier, the history optional paper overlaps with the general studies paper, which makes it easier for aspirants to prepare for both simultaneously.

» Vast and Comprehensive Syllabus

The history optional paper covers a vast and comprehensive syllabus. Therefore, aspirants who choose history get exposed to various aspects of world history and acquire extensive knowledge of history.

» Availability of Study Material and Resources

There are a plethora of resources available to aspirants who choose history as an optional paper. From books to online courses, aspirants can easily gain knowledge and prepare well.

» Availability of Study Material and Resources

There are a plethora of resources available to aspirants who choose history as an optional paper. From books to online courses, aspirants can easily gain knowledge and prepare well.

» Promotes Analytical Reasoning

History is a subject that promotes analytical reasoning. Aspirants learn to think critically and use logic to analyze the topics, which is a crucial skill that can benefit them in their professional and personal lives.

» Scoring Potential

Scoring in history optional paper is easy if you have prepared well. Therefore, aspirants who choose history have a good chance of scoring well and improving their overall scores in the UPSC exam.