The UPSC Civil Services Examination includes history as a significant part of its syllabus, especially for the General Studies papers and the optional paper for those who choose history. Here's a structured outline to help you prepare effectively for both Mains and Prelims:

Modern India

A. Early Nationalist Movement:

• Social Reform Movements (e.g., Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda)
• Formation of Indian National Congress (INC) and Early Leaders (e.g., Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak)

B. Freedom Struggle:

• Swadeshi Movement and Partition of Bengal
• Gandhi Era: Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement
• Role of Other Leaders: Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, etc.
• Political Developments: Cripps Mission, Cabinet Mission Plan, and the Mountbatten Plan

C. Independence and Partition:

• Factors leading to the partition
• Impact of Partition on Indian society

D. Post-Independence India:

• Integration of Princely States
• Nehruvian Policies and Early Challenges
• Major Events: Sino-Indian War, Bangladesh Liberation War, Economic Reforms of 1991