Chacolithic Age | Ancient History - 19 | History Optional https://youtu.be/SKz_ALTXvgc

I was able to improve my score in History Optional from 276(2017) to 324(2018) by changing my strategy.

It includes

1. Focus on completing the paper rather than writing few good answers and then leaving few questions at the end due to paucity of time. Write few tests to ensure this.

2. I limited my sources for every part of the syllabus and solved previous year questions.

3. Used Maps and Diagrams/Charts in Paper 1 and 2. For example in Paper 2, Reasons for underdevelopment of Africa were asked. I made a map of continent and showed Instability across the continent. Arab Spring, Boko Haram, Somalia efc

4. Rigorous Map practice with quality information. For this I limited the number of sites to cram information(75) while practiced 250 for pointing purpose.

5. Covered Topics not asked by UPSC so far as now they are covering these questions.

6. Use of Sources and Names of Historians in Debate type questions.

My Recommendations

1. Revise the syllabus multiple times by limiting sources.

2. Write a good test series. M K Yadav's IAShub History Optional Test series is good in this regard.

3. Solve Previous Year questions and questions asked in GS1 History Questions (2013-18)

4. Have faith in your work and try to improve.

Overall History has vast syllabus and may not provide result quickly but this year it has given dividends. I hope this trend will continue.

I have received large number of queries and that's why I have written this to clear general doubts. If you have any specific question then you can ask me. I will try to respond as and
when I will have time.

All the best.

Vikas Ahlawat IRS IT 2017
AIR 146 CSE 2018

History Marks (168+156= 324)

In Paper 1, I drew map in Questions like Harappa, Ancient Republics, Battle of Tarian. Chart in Mauryan Polity question and Downfall of Mughals.

Paper 2 - Map in Africa, Japan Industrialization impact on Neighbouring countries. Chart in Land Reforms, Classes made by British rule

Book List plus Balyan Notes

Ancient - Upiendra Singh plus R s sharma

Medieval - B A Ignou plus Satish Chandra with use of internet for sources

Modern - Shekhar Bandopadhya, B L Grover plus Peasant and Tribal movement from Bipan Chandra

World - Ranjan Chakraborty plus Norman Lowe

Balyan Notes for all for basic questions.

I have done coaching from Balyan Sir's Insight Ias academy (2013-14) but I did not obtain good marks in 2014,15,16 as those notes cannot cover the dynamic questions asked these days and also simplistic conclusions on every topic hindered the answer writing.

So follow standard books plus notes for overall view.

I have shared all the aspects including strategy, book list and other details. If there are still some specific questions then message me.

All the best to all of you. Take History Optional to new heights 👍

Strategy of upsc topper of history in 2018

Practice map for history optional

Have also classified notes on Modern India as per the Units in syllabus
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JXyzamtK1GKVCz0_wCtK4i_1zuPlDaOJ

Medieval India: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UeN9ATO7pm7ZNnr27A0fU3ZOfSHU0X5e

Ancient India: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UN50EozMo7teo2h33P9VrgAw1jTv0N4X