by 
History has always been one of the most preferred optional subjects for UPSC aspirants. Its vast syllabus covering ancient, medieval, modern, and world history provides a strong foundation for GS papers as well. The UPSC History Optional Paper 2025 will assess candidates’ knowledge of historical events, interpretations, and their analytical skills in connecting past events with contemporary issues. Candidates can download the PDF for Paper 1 and Paper 2
UPSC History Optional Paper 2025 Overview
History optional enjoys popularity due to its overlap with GS Paper I, Essay paper, and even parts of GS Paper II. Candidates with a background in humanities, especially history and political science, often find it easier to manage. Here’s a quick overview:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | History |
| Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Paper Type | Descriptive (Subjective) |
| Number of Papers | 2 (Paper I & Paper II) |
| Total Marks | 500 (250 marks each) |
| Overlap with GS | GS Paper I (History & Culture), Essay, GS II (Polity & Freedom Struggle) |
UPSC History Optional Paper 2025 Download PDF
UPSC releases the History Optional Paper 2025 PDF after the Mains exam. Downloading and practicing these papers helps aspirants understand the question trend, depth of answers required, and areas of focus. The PDFs are available for both Paper I and Paper II.
UPSC History Optional Paper 1 2025 Download PDF
UPSC History Optional Paper 2 2025 Download PDF
Steps to Download UPSC History Optional Paper 2025
Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
Go to the Examination tab.
Click on Previous Question Papers.
Select Civil Services (Main) Examination.
Choose History as the optional subject.
Download the PDF for Paper I and Paper II.
UPSC History Optional Paper Exam Pattern 2025
The History optional consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks. Paper I focuses on ancient and medieval India, while Paper II covers modern India and world history.
| Paper | Coverage | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Ancient Indian History, Medieval Indian History | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | Modern Indian History, Post-Independence Developments, World History | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Total | – | 500 | – |
UPSC History Optional Success Rate 2025
The success rate of History optional has been moderate compared to subjects like Anthropology or Political Science, but its large overlap with GS makes it a safe choice for many.
| Year | Candidates Appeared | Recommended Candidates | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1800 | 130 | 7.2% |
| 2021 | 1720 | 118 | 6.8% |
| 2022 | 1655 | 115 | 6.9% |
| 2023 | 1590 | 110 | 6.9% |
| 2024 (Expected) | 1600+ | – | ~7% (Estimated) |
Is Choosing UPSC History Optional Paper 2025 a Right Decision?
UPSC History Optional Paper 2025 is a good decision if:
You have a strong interest in historical events and their interpretations.
You want a subject with high GS overlap.
You are comfortable with extensive reading and memorization.
You aim to write analytical, narrative-style answers in the exam.
However, its challenges include a vast syllabus, factual recall requirements, and moderate success rate compared to some other optionals.
Preparation Tips for UPSC History Optional Paper 2025
Cover NCERTs First: Build strong basics from class VI–XII NCERTs.
Refer Standard Books: Read works by R.S. Sharma, Satish Chandra, and Bipin Chandra for depth.
Use Notes & Timelines: Create chronological notes for quick revision.
Practice Previous Papers: Analyze trends and answer writing techniques.
Connect with GS: Link historical events with polity, governance, and culture for multidimensional answers.
UPSC History Optional Paper 2025 FAQs
Q1. How many papers are there in UPSC History optional?
There are two papers: Paper I (Ancient & Medieval) and Paper II (Modern & World History), each carrying 250 marks.
Q2. Is History optional scoring in UPSC?
Yes, History is scoring if candidates focus on answer writing, analysis, and factual clarity.
Q3. Does History optional overlap with GS papers?
Yes, it overlaps heavily with GS Paper I (History & Culture) and partially with Essay and GS II.
Q4. Who should choose History as an optional?
Aspirants with interest in historical events, good memory retention, and analytical writing skills should opt for it.
Q5. What is the average success rate of History optional?
The average success rate ranges around 6-7% in recent years.
