Best Books for World History for UPSC Civil Services Exam
When it comes to UPSC Civil Services preparation, World History is a vital component of General Studies Paper 1 in the Mains exam. Covering topics like revolutions, global wars, and decolonization, this section demands both conceptual clarity and factual precision. To make your preparation more focused, here’s a list of the best books for World History for UPSC, along with why they are recommended.
Updated List of top 5 best books for world history for UPSC Civil Services Exam
1. Disha’s An Insight into World History for UPSC & State PSC
Author: Tauqeer Zafar
Buy it here: Disha’s An Insight into World History for UPSC & State PSC
This book provides concise, exam-oriented coverage of world history for UPSC and State PSC aspirants. It includes chapter-wise analysis, PYQs, timelines, and tips on answer writing, making it a practical guide for both revision and detailed study.
Why It’s Recommended:
It is one of the few books specifically written for UPSC and State PCS exams. The inclusion of practice questions, diagrams, and summaries makes it perfect for students aiming to answer confidently and write impactful answers in the Mains.
2. Mastering Modern World History
Author: Norman Lowe
Buy it here: Mastering Modern World History
A globally acclaimed book offering in-depth analysis of world events, ideologies, and major political changes from the 18th century onwards. Ideal for aspirants looking for conceptual clarity and detailed historical narratives.
Why It’s Recommended:
Though not tailored for UPSC, it is excellent for understanding the background of revolutions, wars, and the political evolution of nations. Its analytical nature makes it useful for essay writing and optional subjects like history or PSIR.
3. History of the World (NCERT)
Authors: Arjun Dev and Indira Arjun Dev
Buy it here: History of the World (NCERT)
A basic and foundational book that introduces key world events in a simple and structured manner. Designed for school-level readers, but often used by beginners to build a solid base in UPSC preparation.
Why It’s Recommended:
This NCERT book is a great first read before moving to advanced texts. It simplifies complex historical events like colonization, world wars, and industrialization, helping aspirants grasp the fundamentals before deep-diving into detailed analysis.
4. The Penguin History of the World
Author: J. M. Roberts
Buy it here: The Penguin History of the World
A broad and scholarly narrative of human history, this book covers the evolution of civilizations from ancient times to the present. Though not UPSC-specific, it adds depth and perspective.
Why It’s Recommended:
It is best used as a supplementary resource for essay preparation or optional subjects. This book provides contextual understanding and helps in connecting historical dots beyond the syllabus, useful for developing a richer worldview.
5. Makers of Modern India
Authors: S. L. Bhargava and N. L. Bhargava
Buy it here: Makers of Modern India
This book presents writings and ideas of key figures who shaped modern India—like Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru, and Tagore. It offers deep insight into their political and social philosophies, making it a valuable resource for understanding India’s intellectual history and preparing for UPSC essays and GS papers.
Why It’s Recommended:
It connects historical movements with political thought, helping aspirants go beyond memorization and appreciate the intellectual framework that continues to influence India today.
How to Use These Books Effectively:
- Start with NCERT (Arjun Dev) to get your basics right.
- Move on to Disha’s book for exam-oriented preparation.
- Use Norman Lowe or K. Sagar for conceptual clarity and practice.
- Refer to Bhargava’s book for last-minute revision.
- Use J. M. Roberts’ book for essays or optional depth.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best World History Books for UPSC
Q1. Which is the best book for World History for UPSC Mains?
A1. Disha’s An Insight into World History for UPSC & State PSC is considered the best for its structured, exam-specific approach, including previous year questions, summaries, and answer practice tools.
Q2. Can I prepare World History for UPSC using only Disha’s book?
A2.Yes, Disha’s book is enough for GS Paper 1. However, combining it with a base like NCERT and additional reading from Norman Lowe can offer a well-rounded understanding.
Q3. Is Norman Lowe’s book suitable for UPSC Mains?
A3. It is useful for conceptual clarity and understanding world ideologies and conflicts. While not exam-specific, it enhances essay quality and adds analytical depth to answers.
Q4. Do I need to read J. M. Roberts’ book for UPSC?
A4. Not mandatory, but it’s a great resource for essays and optional subjects. It helps aspirants understand broader historical trends and long-term transformations.
Q5. Why is Disha’s book considered the best for UPSC World History?
A5. It is structured specifically for UPSC and State PCS exams. With PYQs, maps, diagrams, and clear writing style, it helps aspirants grasp topics efficiently and improves answer writing skills through integrated guidance.
Don’t miss: Best Books for Modern Indian History for UPSC Civil Service Exam
