The NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF, titled “Our Pasts – III”, is an important resource for UPSC aspirants as it provides a detailed and narrative understanding of modern Indian history. It covers the major political, social, and economic developments in India from the 18th century till post-independence. Downloading the NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF is recommended for anyone starting UPSC preparation, especially for the General Studies Paper I in the UPSC Exam 2025 for Mains and Prelims.
NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF
The book consists of 12 chapters, split into two parts which lay the foundation for understanding how India evolved from a colony to a democratic republic.
- Part 1 deals with colonialism and the early stages of British rule in India.
- Part 2 covers the freedom struggle, socio-religious reform movements, and India post-independence.
Key chapters include:
- How, When and Where
- From Trade to Territory
- Ruling the Countryside
- Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
- The Revolt of 1857
- Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners
- Women, Caste and Reform
- The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947
NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF
NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF Importance
- NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF Importance introduces candidates to colonial policies, social reforms, and freedom struggles, which are vital for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
- Several questions in UPSC Mains directly relate to themes discussed in this book, British economic policies, 1857 revolt, social movements, and post-independence developments.
- The clear structure and narrative help aspirants grasp timelines and causes-effect relationships better.
- Themes like caste, women’s rights, and reform movements often become part of essay topics and ethics case studies.
- NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF Importance helps build a strong base before reading advanced books.
Last updated on July, 2025
→ UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
→ UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
NCERT Class 8 History Book FAQs
Q1. Is the Class 8 History book enough for UPSC Modern History preparation?+
Q2. Where can I download the NCERT Class 8 History Book PDF?+
Q3. Should I make notes from this book?+
Q4. Does UPSC ask direct questions from this book?+
Q5. Can beginners start with this book for UPSC History?+