The UPSC exam for CAPF consists of two written papers.

• Paper-I assesses applicants’ general ability and intellect using a multiple-choice question style.
• Paper II is descriptive and assesses the candidate’s language competence.

Important subjects covered in these 2 papers include General mental ability, general science, Current affairs, Indian Polity & Economy, History of India, World & Indian geography, general studies, essay and comprehension.

History is a major subject that is a part of Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the CAPF exam. In this article, let’s learn the strategies for preparing for the History section for the CAPF exam.

Important Topics in History for CAPF Exam

Ancient History

• Facts about the Palaeolithic Age in India
• Chronology of Indian History
• Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)
• Vedic Age (1500 BC – 1000 BC)
• Later Vedic Age (1000 BC – 500 BC)
• Notes on Buddhism & Jainism
• Magadha Empire: Mahajanapadas & Rise of Magadha Empire
• Haryanka Dynasty, Shishunaga Dynasty, Nanda Dynasty
• Maurya Empire
• Notes on Administration during Maurya Empire
• List of Foreign Invaders in India
• Gupta Dynasty
• South Indian Kingdom: Chalukya Dynasty & Pallava Dynasty

Medieval History

• Kingdoms in North India: Palas, Pratiharas & Rashtrakutas
• Rajput States
• Notes on Vijaynagar & Bahmani Empire
• Delhi Sultanate: Slave & Khilji Dynasties
• Delhi Sultanate: Tughlaq, Sayyid & Lodi Dynasties
• Mughal Empire: Reign of Babur, Humayun & Sher Shah
• Rajput States
• Mughal Empire: Reign of Babur, Humayun & Sher Shah
• Mughal Empire: Reign of Akbar
• Mughal Empire: Reign of Aurangzeb & Later Mughals
• Bhakti and Sufi Movement during Medival India

Modern History

• The advent of Europeans in India
• Peasant Movements in India: Civil Uprising
• Tribal Revolts in India

Read about the CAPF Syllabus in detail in the linked article.

Tips for studying History for UPSC CAPF Exam

• The UPSC CAPF AC exam comprised around 20 to 22 questions in history (in Paper-I) which are of easy to moderate difficulty. Thus, its study requires reading and good understanding.
• Candidates can and must jot down important details. Examples- Facts, to memorize them properly. With the help of proper knowledge and memory of events, any candidate can surely eliminate the options even if the questions become tricky.
• Make a note of the chain of events that occurred during a period. Create a flowchart and mark important details of each event.

Ancient History Preparation Tips

• In ancient History, aspirants should focus on periods like the Paleolithic age in India. They should know about the major changes that happened during this period.
• Next comes the Harappan Civilization or the Indus Valley Civilization. Aspirants should concentrate on how people lived during this time period. They should look at it from a socioeconomic, economic, and cultural standpoint.
• During the Vedic period, candidates should have a fundamental understanding of societal factors such as family, marriage, and the caste system, among others. It is critical to understand the variations between Early and Later Vedic societies and lifestyles.
• Buddhism and Jainism were the two primary faiths that emerged during this time period. The teachings, philosophy, literature, and beliefs of the two faiths must be thoroughly studied.
• The kingdoms and emperors of ancient India are similarly significant. One should be aware of the ruler’s name, his kingdom, his significant reforms, and their contributions to society, art, and culture, among other things.

Check tips and strategies for UPSC CAPF preparation in the linked article.

Medieval History Preparation Tips

• Medieval India is made up of the Mughal, Vijayanagar Empire, and Sultanate rulers, and it is as fascinating and full of information as earlier ages.
• During their reign, one must concentrate on the Political, Social, and Economic setup. Along with that, one must be well-versed in the rise and collapse of empires.
• Religious groups such as the Sufi and Bhakti Movements were also prevalent during this time period. As a result, aspirants should concentrate on their most notable saints, their ideas, and their effect on society.
• Apart from that, one must concentrate on art and culture. The mediaeval Indian saw the development of various structures and artworks. Aspirants should pay close attention to this area, particularly under the Mughal reign.

Modern History Preparation Tips

• The era from the rise of a foreign power in India until the independence fight is covered in modern Indian history.
• Aspirants should focus their efforts on the freedom struggle and independence. They should be aware of the various movements, their goals and results, the people behind the movements, and so on.
• Candidates should also think about the impact of literature and the press.
• One should have a ‘chronology’ of the most important Movements and Missions led by the British to garner Indian support and expand their government.
• Candidates should be aware of the Governors-General and Viceroys and the reforms they brought about.
• Aspirants should also focus on the various Acts, clauses, and their influence on Indian society.
• The effects of social reforms on the status of women, the caste system, and education in society are regarded as essential areas for the CAPF Exam.

Tips for scoring higher marks in the History section for CAPF Exam

Competitive exams are best prepared with the right strategies. Preparing the CAPF exam based on the weightage of each section gives an edge.

• Set a schedule for your CAPF History preparation and divide topics according to segments – dedicated time for ancient History, Medieval History, and Modern History. Make sure you stick to it.
• Check with already qualified ACs and discuss important topics in History and clarify any doubts about topics.
• While studying, make notes on important events, timeline, people involved, impact brought, changes that happened and outcome. These are short and effective ways that help in last-minute revision. However, for some topics, you will have to study in-depth.
• Refer to recommended and limited study resources for each historical period. Too many study resources can lead to confusion.
• Speed up your learning by following some memory techniques – such as flowcharts and visual representation methods.
•  Practise mock papers, and identify your mistakes and areas where you lack knowledge. This is an essential part of regular preparations for top scorers. Also, it helps to increase your pace and accuracy to attempt maximum questions.
• Self-evaluation is necessary for each examination. Candidates should practise the previous year’s question papers and sample papers after finishing each section. Once the preparation is complete, it is strongly advised to take tests for self-evaluation.
• Revision is seen as a fundamental component of learning. This will improve your memory and help you remember information during the exam. In addition to reading and studying, you should be able to retain the knowledge you have obtained on the topics.