20 Apr BPSC History optional syllabus
BPSC History Optional Syllabus with Marking Pattern
For candidates opting for History as an optional subject in the BPSC Mains examination, understanding the syllabus and marking pattern is essential for strategic preparation. This article provides a detailed look into the BPSC History optional syllabus, paper structure, and marks distribution. Additionally, a downloadable PDF is available at the end for convenience.
? BPSC Mains Exam Overview
The BPSC Mains examination consists of four papers:
- General Hindi – 100 marks (Qualifying)
- General Studies Paper I – 300 marks
- General Studies Paper II – 300 marks
- Optional Paper – 300 marks
Total Marks (for merit): 900 (GS I + GS II + Optional Subject)
? BPSC History Optional Syllabus – Paper Structure
The paper is divided into two sections:
- Section 1: Ancient and Medieval India
- Section 2: Modern India and Indian National Movement
? Section 1: Ancient and Medieval Indian History
- Sources of Ancient Indian History
- Harappan Civilization and Vedic Culture
- Religious Movements: Jainism and Buddhism
- Mahajanapadas and Mauryan Empire
- Gupta Empire and Post-Gupta Developments
- South Indian Kingdoms: Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate
- Mughal Empire and administrative structures
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements
- Regional Kingdoms and Culture
Best history optional coaching in delhi
? Section 2: Modern Indian History
- Advent of Europeans and British East India Company
- Administrative and economic policies under the British
- Revolt of 1857 – Causes and Consequences
- Social Reform Movements: Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj
- Indian National Movement: 1885–1947
- Role of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and Subhash Chandra Bose
- Quit India Movement, Partition of India
- Bihar’s role in Freedom Movement
✍️ Marking Pattern for History Optional
The History optional paper in BPSC Mains is descriptive in nature. The paper is of 300 marks and candidates are usually required to answer 5 to 6 questions with internal choices available. Each question may carry 50 to 60 marks depending on the pattern.
Marking Scheme Highlights:
- Total Marks: 300
- Paper Duration: 3 Hours
- Minimum Marks to Qualify: No specific cutoff; contributes directly to merit
- Type: Descriptive, analytical, essay-style answers
? How to Prepare for History Optional
- Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12) to build foundational concepts
- Refer to standard books like RS Sharma, Satish Chandra, Bipan Chandra
- Make short notes for each topic in the syllabus
- Practice answer writing with previous year BPSC papers
- Use maps and timelines in your answers to enhance presentation
? Download BPSC History Optional Syllabus PDF
Click the link below to download the detailed BPSC History Optional Syllabus PDF with paper structure and strategy tips:
BPSC History Optional Syllabus – Download PDF
BPSC_History_Optional_Syllabus
? Final Thoughts
History optional is one of the most popular and rewarding optional subjects in the BPSC Mains examination. With a structured approach and regular practice, aspirants can score high in this paper and boost their overall merit. Stay focused, cover the syllabus systematically, and enhance your answer-writing skills to crack BPSC with flying colors.
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