Choosing the right optional subject is a critical decision in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), and History remains one of the most popular choices among aspirants. Its extensive syllabus, overlap with General Studies, and conceptual depth make it appealing. However, mastering History as an optional subject requires proper guidance, structured preparation, and a solid mentorship. The role of an experienced faculty member becomes crucial in shaping a candidate’s understanding, writing skills, and analytical perspective.
If you are considering History as your optional subject and looking for the best mentors to guide you through your UPSC journey, here’s a handpicked list of 7 Best Faculty for History Optional based on teaching style, results, experience, and student feedback.
1. Tauqeer Zafar Sir
Though not a classroom faculty, Dr. R.S. Sharma’s works, such as India’s Ancient Past and History of Medieval India, have become foundational for UPSC aspirants. His deep insights, clarity of concepts, and analytical style have helped countless candidates understand historical events contextually.
Best For: Self-study and foundational understanding
2. Mohammad Tarique
One of the most respected names in the UPSC coaching ecosystem, Mohammad Tarique Sir from GS Scor,e is renowned for his structured classes, conceptual clarity, and command over Modern Indian History. He uses innovative teaching methods and regularly discusses answer-writing approaches, which help aspirants perform better in the Mains.
USP: Structured syllabus coverage and answer writing practice
Strength: Focus on conceptual clarity and historical interpretation
Ideal For: Beginners and those who need a classroom structure
3. Pavneet Singh
Primarily known for his expertise in International Relations, Pavneet Singh has also made a mark in guiding History optional aspirants. His integrated teaching approach ensures conceptual clarity while also relating past events to present contexts, which is especially useful in enhancing answer quality.
USP: Analytical teaching and comparative approach
Strength: Interlinking history with current events and contemporary issues
Ideal For: Candidates looking to improve analytical answer writing
4. Sweta Singh
Sweta Singh is a popular name among aspirants who have taken coaching at Vajiram & Ravi. Known for her engaging teaching style, structured notes, and personalized mentoring, she simplifies even the most complex parts of the History syllabus. Her focus on answer writing and critical thinking helps students write high-scoring responses.
USP: Simple language, detailed notes, and mentorship
Strength: Personal attention and focus on map work and historiography
Ideal For: Students who need personal guidance and mentoring
5. S. Baliyan
S. Baliyan Sir is a veteran faculty member in History optional, popular for his detailed class notes and analytical teaching style. He lays special emphasis on historiography and helps students develop a logical and coherent writing style in answers. Many toppers have credited his classes for their success in the Mains.
USP: High-quality notes and historiography focus
Strength: Emphasis on logic-based and argument-driven answers
Ideal For: Aspirants with prior history background or serious about optional mastery
6. Pratik Nayak
Pratik Nayak Sir is known for his exceptional storytelling ability and clarity of concepts. His YouTube lectures are widely watched by both GS and optional aspirants. He breaks down complex historical themes into easy-to-understand narratives, making History engaging and memorable.
USP: Storytelling approach and free YouTube resources
Strength: Engaging delivery and historical context explanation
Ideal For: Aspirants preparing through online mode or self-study
7. Dr. Piyush Chaubey
Dr. Piyush Chaubey from NEXT IAS is a rising star among History optional faculty. His academic background, organized class structure, and conceptual clarity make him a preferred choice among many serious aspirants. He’s known for discussing themes from both Paper I and Paper II with equal focus and providing model answers and mentorship.
USP: Balanced Paper I & II coverage and personalized doubt sessions
Strength: Academic depth and exam-oriented teaching
Ideal For: Students looking for in-depth preparation and personal mentorship
How to Choose the Right Faculty?
While this list features some of the best faculty members for the History optional, it’s essential to choose someone based on your learning style and preparation needs. Here are a few tips:
Check demo classes before finalizing any coaching.
Read toppers’ testimonials and see who guided them.
Evaluate your current preparation level — do you need basic conceptual clarity or advanced answer-writing help?
Consider the mode of preparation — online vs offline, notes availability, etc.
Join the test series offered by the faculty to improve writing and time management.
Final Words
History as an optional subject can be highly rewarding if you have the right guidance. The above list comprises seasoned educators and subject experts who have mentored hundreds of aspirants to success in UPSC Mains. Make your choice wisely, stay consistent with your preparation, and remember — it’s not just about knowledge, but how you write your answers that ultimately counts.
If you’re confused about where to begin, start with NCERTs, watch a few demo classes from the names above, and take it step by step.
