Vision IAS Prelims Test Series 2026 – Test 13 (Modern India I: Mid 18th Century to 1904) PDF | Syllabus, Topics & References
The Vision IAS All India GS Prelims Test Series 2026 continues with Test 13, scheduled for 12 October 2025, focusing on Modern Indian History (I): Mid 18th Century to 1904.
This test examines India’s transformation under British rule, the rise of political consciousness, and socio-religious reform movements that laid the foundation for India’s freedom struggle. Aspirants will gain conceptual clarity on colonial policies, economic impact, and reformist ideologies — crucial for both Prelims and GS Paper 1 (Mains).
🧾 Test 13 Overview
Details | Information |
---|---|
Test Code | 6322 |
Test Date | 12 October 2025 |
Subject | Modern India (I): Mid 18th Century to 1904 |
Type | Applied Test |
Mode | Online & Offline |
Current Affairs Coverage | August 2025 |
Question Standard | UPSC GS Paper I Level |
No. of Questions | 100 MCQs |
📚 Syllabus Coverage
Part A – India in the 18th Century and British Expansion
- India in the late 18th century – decline of the Mughal Empire and regional states
- Struggle among European powers in India – Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British
- British conquest of India – Battle of Plassey, Buxar, annexations, and alliances
- Regulating Acts and Charter Acts (1773, 1784, 1793, 1813, 1833, 1853)
- Indian kingdoms of the 18th century – Marathas, Mysore, Hyderabad, Punjab
- British expansion policy – Doctrine of Lapse, Subsidiary Alliance, annexations
Part B – British Administration and Impact
- Evolution of the British administrative structure and reforms
- Organization of government and civil services
- Economic policies and their impact on agriculture, industries, and trade
- Education policies and growth of modern education
- Works of British Governor Generals and Viceroys
- Foreign policy under British rule and its influence on India’s economy
Part C – Freedom Struggle and Political Awakening
- The Revolt of 1857 – causes, nature, consequences, and significance
- Changes in Indian administration after 1858 – Government of India Act 1858, Councils Acts (1861, 1892)
- Rise of political organizations and ideas (up to 1885)
- Foundation of the Indian National Congress – objectives and leaders
- Moderate Phase (1885–1904) – ideology, methods, and achievements
Part D – Socio-Religious Reform Movements
- Reformist movements of the 19th century – Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, Theosophical Society, Ramakrishna Mission
- Muslim reform movements – Aligarh Movement, Wahabi Movement
- Parsi, Sikh, and Christian reform initiatives
- Women’s reform movements and contribution of leaders
- Press, publications, and the role of vernacular journalism
- Working-class and peasant movements in the 19th century
- Dalit and tribal movements during British India
Part E – Miscellaneous Dimensions (18th–19th Century)
- Important reforms, acts, and committees
- Major Congress sessions and policy resolutions
- Role of Governor Generals and Viceroys (Warren Hastings, Cornwallis, Wellesley, Dalhousie, Curzon)
- Foreign and economic policies of British India
- Current Affairs (August 2025) related to historical commemorations and government initiatives
📖 Reference Sources
Primary (Essential) References
- Old NCERT: Modern India by Bipin Chandra
- New NCERT: Themes in Indian History – Part III
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra
- Vision IAS Value Addition Material – Modern Indian History
- Quick Revision Module (QRM): Modern Indian History
Secondary (Additional) References
- A Brief History of Modern India – Spectrum Publications
- From Plassey to Partition by Shekhar Bandopadhyay
- Modern Indian History by B.L. Grover
- The Hindu, Indian Express, Yojana, Kurukshetra, PIB (www.pib.nic.in)
- TOI, Livemint, Frontline, Economic & Political Weekly, India Today
🎯 Objectives of Test 13
- Understand the process of British expansion and consolidation of power
- Learn key administrative and economic reforms under colonial rule
- Study the genesis of modern political and social consciousness
- Analyze the contribution of reformers and revolutionaries before 1905
- Prepare for UPSC-type conceptual and analytical history questions
🗓️ Key Topics to Revise Before the Test
- The Battle of Plassey, Buxar, and expansion of British power
- Charter and Regulating Acts (1773–1853) and administrative evolution
- The Revolt of 1857 – causes, nature, consequences
- British policies: Education, Economy, and Land Revenue systems
- Rise of Indian National Congress and Moderate leaders
- Reform Movements – Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, Aligarh Movement
- Important Acts – Government of India Act 1858, Councils Acts 1861 & 1892
- Tribal, Peasant, and Working-Class Movements
- Women and Press Movements
- Major Viceroys and their reforms
📥 Download Section
📘 Download Vision IAS Prelims Test Series 2026 – Test 13 PDF (Modern India I: 1757–1904)
🧩 Expert Preparation Tips
- Revise Bipin Chandra and Spectrum together to cover both conceptual and factual layers.
- Create short notes on Governor Generals, Acts, and Congress Sessions.
- Prepare a chronology map (1757–1905) to visualize reforms and revolts.
- Focus on reform movements and education policies – frequent UPSC themes.
- Use Vision IAS QRM for last-minute revision of Modern Indian History.
- Practice PYQs (2011–2024) to understand recurring topics.
Conclusion
The Vision IAS Prelims Test 13 – Modern India (I) (12 October 2025) explores India’s colonial transformation and the emergence of political awakening. Covering reform movements, early nationalism, and British policies, it serves as a crucial step in mastering Modern Indian History for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
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