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How to Prepare for World History UPSC CSE

For the Civil Service Preliminary and Mains Exams, studying history is a necessity for success.

How to Prepare for World History UPSC CSE

For the Civil Service Preliminary and Mains Exams, studying history is a necessity for success. For the preliminary examination, India during ancient, medieval, and modern times is covered under the term "history." There will be some global history topics covered in the UPSC Mains Exam. 

The UPSC Mains Examination World History syllabus includes the occurrences of the 18th century. You should be very knowledgeable about world history if you want to do well in this section. Candidates will gain from studying global history in General Studies Paper 1, but they will also gain from learning about it in General Studies Paper 2.

We must comprehend the foundational concepts covered by the syllabus, which have been established by UPSC. We also need to be aware that not everything that occurred after 1700 is included in world history. Additionally, it should be noted that discussions are dominated by current events, particularly potential topics. In this scenario, critical news might include the American Revolution.

Strategy to Prepare the History Syllabus for UPSC

It is advisable to cover the UPSC history syllabus comprehensively because a significant portion of the material is shared between the prelims and mains. When preparing a history subject, the following tactic might be useful for you:

• #1 Establish a strong foundation
  To establish a solid foundation in history, read the NCERTs for Classes VIII through XII. Reading NIOS/IGNOU notes will help you to better understand the subject. The NCERTs' brief summaries of information must also be read because direct questions based on them will be asked in the Prelims.
• #2 Glance through the PYQs
  Your understanding of the questions that are asked will improve as a result. Additionally, it will help you improve the efficiency of your preparation plan. In addition to it, you can search the information pool for information that answers specific questions.
• #3 Cover the topic syllabus-wise
  Learn about historical events in chronological order by following the syllabus. Stick to the syllabus, especially in this subject. Reading only the chapters that are pertinent to the UPSC CSE syllabus is crucial, even when reading reference books. Due to the vastness of the UPSC history syllabus, it must be strictly followed when preparing for the mains exam.
• #4 Mock tests
  Write as many practice exams as you can while studying this material thoroughly. Write sample answers for mains, and have your mentor grade them so that they can see how well you prepared and what you did wrong. Keep repeating the process!

Let’s look at the ways through which you can prepare for world history.

• It is advised that this section be approached with a wider scope than the Indian History section because the UPSC Mains exam does not include less trivial World History details. 
• Don't be overly rigid in your thinking, but do take statistics and facts into consideration. Look for connections between causes and outcomes. 
• The candidate should develop a critical thinking attitude while studying for the world history exam. You need to be well-versed in a number of historical situations and events.
• It is advised that candidates practice generating hypotheses as they prepare for the UPSC Mains World History section of the exam because doing so will not only aid them in answering questions on that section of the test but also on many other topics where questions based on critical thinking may be asked.
• When responding to questions about world history, a comprehensive perspective should be maintained.
• The candidate's responses should be supported by critical data and reasoning. That would enable them to achieve the desired results for the corresponding questions.

In addition to the above, all the candidates should accept the harsh realities of preparation, such as the monotonous life during preparation, the need for sheer dedication, tackling self-doubts, and keeping the goals always in mind. 

• Embrace Monotony: Accepting your daily routine's monotony is the most underappreciated aspect of preparation. You must be consistent in your preparation for the exam; work on it every day and every week. To avoid derailing your own preparation, try to have a schedule for the next one week or two.
• Ensure dedication: UPSC demands your sheer dedication so become dedicated. Just keep in mind that while your friends and acquaintances experience wonderful things, your life will become monotonous and uninteresting. You can play a long game with your family and friends, but deep down you know how sincere you have been. That's what will ultimately determine whether or not you succeed in the endeavor.
• Remember your goal: Your life will become monotonous and uninteresting while your friends and acquaintances experience wonderful things. Maintain your composure and stay focused on passing this test. You'll have to put off everything else in life. Keep out anyone and anything that might be a hindrance. Once you reach that rank, you can easily accept an apology.
• Dealing with self-doubt: However, despite all the heady phrases such as those written above and telling yourself every morning that you are a superstar, the feeling of self-doubt has a way of creeping in. It will come anytime - between your most euphoric and most vulnerable moments - and ask you what happens if you don't make it. You will have no answer to offer.

Let’s see the important topics and best-prescribed books. 

UPSC World History Exam-Important Sectors and Questions to Focus On:

• The Russian Revolution was a watershed moment in world history
• What role did the philosophies of the French Revolution play in altering the course of world history?
•  The rise of the United States as a global superpower
•  Since its inception, the United Nations has been subjected to performance evaluation
•  The Opium War  The Revolution of October
•  A difficult journey, the colonization of Asia and Africa was not without setbacks
•  Detailed Explanation of The French Revolution
•  Imperialism And Its Impact
•  Fascism
•  Italy and its Unification History
•  Germany and its Unification History
•  Bi-polar And Unipolar World  The disintegration of the Soviet Union

Best books for World History

• NCERT Books for History (History: NCERT Class XI - Themes in World History is the recommended World History NCERT for UPSC).
• History of the Modern World - Jain and Mathur
• History of the Modern World - BV Rao
• Mastering Modern World History - Norman Lowe 

Overall, for this portion, it would be best if you focus on making notes. Analyze the previous year's questions and think about test questions. However, don’t forget the significance of revision, as revision enables you to learn all the things precisely.