One app for all your study abroad needs
World History books for UPSC: Preparing for the UPSC Civil Service Examination requires a solid foundation in several topics. One of the most significant subjects in the preparation is history, which will help you understand world history. The UPSC syllabus, particularly General Studies Paper I (GS-I), will include topics such as events from the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution, world wars, nationalism, and decolonisation. To create a solid foundation, you must study from reliable and credible sources. Some of the books like Europe Since 1815 by W.C. Craig and World History Trilogy by Eric Hobsbawm can be of great help during this journey. This section will go over the World History Books for UPSC, providing a comprehensive and informative look at the subject.
Table of Contents
Best World History Books for UPSC
World History Books for UPSC provide a comprehensive overview of global history, civilisations, and other concepts that have impacted the world we live in. These books will address a wide range of topics, including ancient civilisations, world wars, colonialism, the Cold War, and the evolution of political, economic, and social systems across regions. These books are vital for UPSC candidates since they provide a comprehensive overview of history, events, and trends from throughout the world. The following books can help you comprehend various aspects of world history.
We have mentioned some of the best World History books for UPSC CSE below:
| World History Books for UPSC | Author | Description |
| Europe Since 1815 | W.C. Craig | It is a comprehensive historical account that examines the political, economic, social, and cultural developments in Europe. It spans from the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 to the contemporary era. |
| Mastering Modern World History | Norman Lowe | Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe is a highly regarded resource for students, educators, and history enthusiasts. This book provides a complete overview of significant global events and developments from the late 19th century to the modern era. |
| Age of Revolution 1789-1848 | Eric Hobsbawm | Age of Revolution 1789-1848 is a seminal work in modern historiography that explores one of the most transformative periods in global history. |
| Age of Capital | E.J. Hobsbawm | The second volume of E.J. Hobsbawm explores the transformation of the modern world. It examines the period between the European Revolutions of 1848 and the economic depression of the 1870s. |
| Age of Empires | E.J. Hobsbawm | The third volume of the Hobsbawm trilogy was published in 1987. This focuses on the transformative period between 1875 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914, which includes, the consolidation of imperial powers, the rise of nationalism, and the socio-economic changes. |
| Europe Since Napoleon | David Thompson | Europe Since Napoleon by David Thomson is a widely respected historical work that examines the political, social, and economic transformations in Europe from the Napoleonic era to the mid-20th century. |
Also Read: 50 Best World History Books of All Time: UPSC, India PDF
World History NCERT Books For UPSC
The NCERT books “The Story of Civilisation, Part 2” and “Contemporary World History for Class XII” offer a comprehensive overview of global socio-economic, political, and cultural developments from the 18th to the mid-20th century, crucial for UPSC preparation.
Here are the details of World History NCERT books For UPSC:
| World History NCERT Books For UPSC | Description |
| The Story of Civilisation, Part 2 by Arjun Dev | This NCERT History book is a widely used history textbook that delves into the socio-economic, political, and cultural developments of the world from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century. |
| Contemporary World History for Class XII | This title is a history textbook designed for higher secondary students, commonly used in Indian schools following the CBSE curriculum. This book provides a complete overview of significant global events and developments in the modern era. |
Important Topics on World History for UPSC Mains and Optional
Here are some of the important topics of World History that you should cover while preparing for the UPSC Mains.
- Industrial revolution
- Colonisation
- Decolonisation
- World wars
- Russian Revolution
- French Revolution
- Imperialism
- Nazism
- American Revolution
- Fascism
- Unification of Italy
- Unification of Germany
- Bi-Polar World and Cold War
Important topics on World History to cover for the UPSC Optional are:
- Renaissance and Reformation
- World War I and II
- Industrial Revolution
- Cold War
- Globalisation
FAQs
Ans: There is no single book that can be used to cover the entire history of the UPSC exam. However, there are some books like India’s Ancient Past by RS Sharma, History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra and History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra that can cover the different aspects of History.
Ans: NCERT books are the foundation for preparing for the UPSC topics but may not be sufficient alone for the UPSC preparation.
Ans: The ancient History topics for UPSC focus on the Indus Valley Civilization, the evolution of the Vedic period, the formation of the Mauryan and Gupta empires, the Post-Gupta period, the establishment of South Indian kingdoms, major religions like Buddhism and Jainism and Cultural and Scientific achievements throughout the years.
Related Blogs on UPSC:
For more such updates on UPSC CSE stay tuned with our Indian exams page.