Tips from Top History Faculty for Cracking the IAS Exam
With thousands of aspirants competing for a limited number of seats, having the right strategy and guidance is crucial. History, as an optional subject, has consistently been a popular choice due to its static nature and overlap with the General Studies syllabus.
To help aspirants navigate the History optional more effectively, we’ve compiled expert tips from top History faculty who’ve mentored hundreds of successful candidates. Whether you're just beginning or already in preparation mode, these insights can give you an edge in your IAS journey.
- Start with the Basics – NCERTs Are Your Foundation
The renowned history faculty unanimously recommends starting your preparation with NCERT textbooks from Class VI to XII. These books provide a clear, chronological understanding of Indian and World History. Dr. Poonam Dalal, a noted history mentor, emphasizes:
“NCERTs are essential. They define concepts, build a timeline in your mind, and help in answer framing. Don't skip them, even if you’ve studied history earlier.”
Key NCERTs to focus on include:
Class 9,10,11,12 – Themes in World History
- Create a Timeline-Based Approach
Top educators stress the importance of creating timelines to organize historical events. This aids in memory retention and helps link events chronologically.
Prof. Satish Chandra, a veteran in medieval history, shares:
“A well-structured timeline helps aspirants understand cause-effect relationships between events, which is key to writing analytical answers in mains.”
Maintain separate timelines for:
Ancient India
Medieval India
Modern India
World History
- Focus on Answer Writing Practice
The ability to write crisp, analytical answers within the time limit is what sets successful aspirants apart. History optional demands structured answers, enriched with facts, examples, historians' views, and interpretations.
According to Dr. Anjali Dubey, a faculty member at a leading IAS coaching institute:
Practice writing 150–250-word answers for previous year questions and get them evaluated.
Use this format:
Introduction – define or explain the concept
Body – use subheadings, facts, dates, and arguments
Conclusion – wrap up with a balanced opinion or linkage to the present context
- Select the Right Books and Resources
Choosing the right reference materials is crucial. While there’s no shortage of books, the key is to avoid information overload and stick to a few trusted ones.
Here’s a list recommended by top history faculty:
For Ancient India:
R.S. Sharma – India’s Ancient Past
For Medieval India:
Satish Chandra – Medieval India
For Modern India:
Bipan Chandra – India's Struggle for Independence
Sumit Sarkar – Modern India
For World History:
Norman Lowe – Mastering Modern World History
Arjun Dev – History of the World
Make short notes from these books and revise regularly.
- Integrate General Studies with History Optional
Several portions of the GS Paper I overlap with History Optional – especially Modern Indian History. Use this to your advantage.
Prof. Ravi Ranjan, History Optional specialist, advises:
“Don't treat GS and Optional as separate silos. Use your optional knowledge to enhance GS answers, and vice versa. It saves time and boosts confidence.”
You can also quote historians and use optional-level insights to enrich your GS answers.
- Revise Regularly with Active Recall Techniques
Revision is not just about reading again. Top mentors suggest using active recall – testing yourself rather than passive reading.
Dr. Nirmala Singh, with over 15 years of mentoring experience, suggests:
Use flashcards, self-quizzes, and weekly revisions. This deepens retention and identifies weak areas.
- Analyze Previous Year Question Papers
Studying previous years’ question papers gives clarity on the pattern, depth, and types of questions asked. Faculty recommend categorizing them by topic and practicing writing answers for each category.
Pro tip: Spot the trends. For example, questions on the Revolt of 1857, Mauryan administration, and World Wars appear frequently.
- Join a Test Series or Peer Group
Getting feedback on your writing is critical. Many toppers attribute their success to mock test series and peer discussions.
Join a reputed test series for History Optional
Form or join a peer group for regular discussion
Compare answers and share feedback
- Stay Updated with Historical Interpretations
Quoting schools of thought, Marxist, Nationalist, and Subaltern can give your answer depth.
Final Words
History is not just about remembering dates; it's about understanding narratives, analyzing change, and linking past events to the present. With a methodical approach, expert guidance, and disciplined practice, aspirants can make History their scoring optional.
With thousands of aspirants competing for a limited number of seats, having the right strategy and guidance is crucial. History, as an optional subject, has consistently been a popular choice due to its static nature and overlap with the General Studies syllabus.
To help aspirants navigate the History optional more effectively, we’ve compiled expert tips from top History faculty who’ve mentored hundreds of successful candidates. Whether you're just beginning or already in preparation mode, these insights can give you an edge in your IAS journey.
- Start with the Basics – NCERTs Are Your Foundation
The renowned history faculty unanimously recommends starting your preparation with NCERT textbooks from Class VI to XII. These books provide a clear, chronological understanding of Indian and World History. Dr. Poonam Dalal, a noted history mentor, emphasizes:
“NCERTs are essential. They define concepts, build a timeline in your mind, and help in answer framing. Don't skip them, even if you’ve studied history earlier.”
Key NCERTs to focus on include:
Class 9,10,11,12 – Themes in World History
- Create a Timeline-Based Approach
Top educators stress the importance of creating timelines to organize historical events. This aids in memory retention and helps link events chronologically.
Prof. Satish Chandra, a veteran in medieval history, shares:
“A well-structured timeline helps aspirants understand cause-effect relationships between events, which is key to writing analytical answers in mains.”
Maintain separate timelines for:
Ancient India
Medieval India
Modern India
World History
- Focus on Answer Writing Practice
The ability to write crisp, analytical answers within the time limit is what sets successful aspirants apart. History optional demands structured answers, enriched with facts, examples, historians' views, and interpretations.
According to Dr. Anjali Dubey, a faculty member at a leading IAS coaching institute:
Practice writing 150–250-word answers for previous year questions and get them evaluated.
Use this format:
Introduction – define or explain the concept
Body – use subheadings, facts, dates, and arguments
Conclusion – wrap up with a balanced opinion or linkage to the present context
- Select the Right Books and Resources
Choosing the right reference materials is crucial. While there’s no shortage of books, the key is to avoid information overload and stick to a few trusted ones.
Here’s a list recommended by top history faculty:
For Ancient India:
R.S. Sharma – India’s Ancient Past
For Medieval India:
Satish Chandra – Medieval India
For Modern India:
Bipan Chandra – India's Struggle for Independence
Sumit Sarkar – Modern India
For World History:
Norman Lowe – Mastering Modern World History
Arjun Dev – History of the World
Make short notes from these books and revise regularly.
- Integrate General Studies with History Optional
Several portions of the GS Paper I overlap with History Optional – especially Modern Indian History. Use this to your advantage.
Prof. Ravi Ranjan, History Optional specialist, advises:
“Don't treat GS and Optional as separate silos. Use your optional knowledge to enhance GS answers, and vice versa. It saves time and boosts confidence.”
You can also quote historians and use optional-level insights to enrich your GS answers.
- Revise Regularly with Active Recall Techniques
Revision is not just about reading again. Top mentors suggest using active recall – testing yourself rather than passive reading.
Dr. Nirmala Singh, with over 15 years of mentoring experience, suggests:
Use flashcards, self-quizzes, and weekly revisions. This deepens retention and identifies weak areas.
- Analyze Previous Year Question Papers
Studying previous years’ question papers gives clarity on the pattern, depth, and types of questions asked. Faculty recommend categorizing them by topic and practicing writing answers for each category.
Pro tip: Spot the trends. For example, questions on the Revolt of 1857, Mauryan administration, and World Wars appear frequently.
- Join a Test Series or Peer Group
Getting feedback on your writing is critical. Many toppers attribute their success to mock test series and peer discussions.
Join a reputed test series for History Optional
Form or join a peer group for regular discussion
Compare answers and share feedback
- Stay Updated with Historical Interpretations
Quoting schools of thought, Marxist, Nationalist, and Subaltern can give your answer depth.
Final Words
History is not just about remembering dates; it's about understanding narratives, analyzing change, and linking past events to the present. With a methodical approach, expert guidance, and disciplined practice, aspirants can make History their scoring optional.
Visit: https://mydwarka.in/who-is-the-best-history-faculty-for-ias-examination/