Understand the Syllabus:
- Download the UPSC and PCS history syllabus. This will help you know what topics you need to cover.
- The better way to understand the syllabus is to analyze the PYQs, Don't start reading any book without going through PYQs.
Basic Books to Start With:
- NCERT Textbooks: These are fundamental and should be your starting point.
- Class 6-12 NCERT History Books: Covering ancient, medieval, and modern history.
- Old NCERT Books: Especially for Ancient and Medieval History.
Standard Books for In-Depth Study:
- Ancient History:
- "Ancient India" by RS Sharma
- Medieval History:
- "Medieval India" by Satish Chandra
- Modern History:
- "A Brief History of Modern India" by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir)
- "India's Struggle for Independence" by Bipan Chandra
- World History:
- "Mastering Modern World History" by Norman Lowe
Study Plan:
- Start with NCERTs: Read and make notes. This will give you a good base.
- Move to Standard Books: After completing NCERTs, read the standard books.
- Make Notes: Summarize each chapter in your own words. Highlight important events, dates, and personalities.
- Revise Regularly: Periodically go back to your notes and revise.
Supplementary Resources:
- Online Lectures and Videos: Channels like Unacademy, StudyIQ, and Mrunal.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Solve them to understand the pattern and difficulty level.
Join a Study Group or Discussion Forum:
- Engaging in discussions with peers can provide different perspectives and aid in understanding complex topics.
Starting with Modern History
Since modern history is often a major part of the syllabus, here's a more detailed plan:
Start with the NCERT (Class 8 and 12):
- Class 8: Our Pasts III
- Class 12: Themes in Indian History III
Move to Spectrum's "A Brief History of Modern India":
- Read chapter-wise and make detailed notes.
- Focus on the timeline of events, important personalities, and significant movements.
Supplement with Bipan Chandra’s "India's Struggle for Independence":
- This book provides a detailed narrative of India's freedom struggle and complements Spectrum's book.
Weekwise Study Schedule
Week 1-2:
- NCERT Class 8: Our Pasts III (Complete book)
- NCERT Class 12: Themes in Indian History III (Start reading)
Week 3-4:
- NCERT Class 12: Themes in Indian History III (Complete)
- Spectrum's Modern History: Start reading and making notes
Week 5-6:
- Spectrum's Modern History: Continue reading
- Bipan Chandra's "India's Struggle for Independence": Begin reading
Week 7-8:
- Bipan Chandra's "India's Struggle for Independence": Continue reading and making notes
- Revision: Go through your notes, revise, and solve the previous year's question papers
Combined Weekwise Schedule for Ancient and Medieval History
Week 1-2:
- Ancient History:
- NCERT Class 6: Our Past I
- NCERT Class 11: Ancient India by RS Sharma (Start reading)
- Medieval History:
- NCERT Class 7: Our Past II
- NCERT Class 11: Themes in Indian History Part I (Start reading)
Week 3-4:
- Ancient History:
- NCERT Class 11: Ancient India by RS Sharma (Complete)
- Old NCERT Class 11: Ancient India by RS Sharma
- Medieval History:
- NCERT Class 11: Themes in Indian History Part I (Complete)
- Old NCERT Class 11: Medieval India by Satish Chandra
Week 5-6:
- Ancient History:
- Standard Book: "Ancient India" by RS Sharma (Thorough reading)
- Medieval History:
- Standard Book: "Medieval India" by Satish Chandra (Thorough reading)
Week 7-8:
- Ancient History:
- Revision: Go through notes and summarize key points
- Practice Questions: Solve previous year question papers
- Medieval History:
- Revision: Go through notes and summarize key points
- Practice Questions: Solve previous year question papers
If you are preparing for PCS; BPSC or UPPCS and so on, read only one standard book; for modern read only Spectrum's Modern India.