For the historical portion of UPSC, candidates should focus on major events, movements, and significant personalities that influenced Indian history. Important themes include ancient, medieval, and modern history, with a special emphasis on freedom struggle, colonial impact, and socio-religious reform movements. Candidates should also understand the implications of historical events on contemporary issues. Studying art and culture alongside history can provide a holistic understanding. The use of timeline charts and comprehensive notes can help in retaining crucial information and drawing connections between various historical epochs.