Historical insights contribute to critical thinking in the UPSC exams by enabling candidates to draw connections between past events and current issues. A strong grasp of history assists candidates in analyzing causes and effects, fostering better problem-solving skills. Understanding historical contexts allows for a more nuanced interpretation of contemporary socio-political situations. Candidates can critically assess policies and governance strategies by applying lessons learned from past experiences. Thus, history serves as an essential analytical tool, enhancing the quality of responses and fostering well-rounded, informed perspectives among aspirants.