Best UPSC General Studies Books - Subject Wise List Of Book & Important Tips
Having the best books for UPSC prelims general studies is one of the most important aspects of the preparation strategy for this exam. With the proper guidance and UPSC Coaching, It is crucial that the best general studies books for UPSC Prelims have to be availed of so that proper preparation is done in regard to IAS Exam 2023.
The candidates who are appearing for the UPSC examination for the first time should ensure that they have all the details regarding the best UPSC prelims books and general studies which will help them in preparing all the important topics that are mentioned in the syllabus.
Also, check out How to Prepare General Studies For UPSC Prelims Here!
Best General Studies Book for UPSC Prelims
Entering for civil or defense service examinations is difficult due to intense competition. However, with the help of the best books and a comprehensive preparation strategy, it becomes easy for the candidate to crack the examination. Here is a list of the best books for UPSC prelims general studies recommended by our experts:
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History Books For UPSC General Studies
Preparing for UPSC requires selecting the best books for UPSC prelims. These books cover ancient, medieval, and modern history topics. Choosing the best books for prelims UPSC helps simplify preparation. NCERTs and standard books are essential for building concepts. They also provide a strong foundation for both prelims and mains. Some popular books for this section include Bipin Chandra’s ‘India’s Struggle for Independence’, ‘Facets of Indian Culture’ and more. It is important to read these books thoroughly and understand the events and their significance to be able to answer questions related to Indian and World history in the exam.
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Category |
Book Title |
Author/Publisher |
Key Features |
|
Ancient History |
Ancient India |
R.S. Sharma |
Detailed coverage of ancient Indian history, focusing on culture and politics. |
|
NCERT Class XI: Ancient India |
NCERT |
Beginner-friendly; builds foundational understanding. |
|
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Medieval History |
Medieval India |
Satish Chandra |
Comprehensive coverage of medieval Indian history and key dynasties. |
|
NCERT Class XI: Medieval India |
NCERT |
Basic concepts with easy-to-read language. |
|
Modern History |
A Brief History of Modern India |
Spectrum Publications |
Covers freedom struggle and socio-political developments. |
|
India’s Struggle for Independence |
Bipan Chandra |
In-depth narrative of India’s independence movement. |
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NCERT Class XII: Modern India |
NCERT |
Great for beginners, concise explanations. |
|
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World History |
History of the World |
Arjun Dev |
Comprehensive coverage of global historical events. |
|
Mastering Modern World History |
Norman Lowe |
Detailed analysis of world history and modern developments. |
|
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Art and Culture |
Indian Art and Culture |
Nitin Singhania |
Essential for prelims and mains, focuses on art, architecture, and culture. |
|
Introduction to Indian Art |
NCERT Class XI |
Beginner-friendly; covers the basics of Indian art and culture. |
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Additional Resources |
Facets of Indian Culture |
Spectrum Publications |
Excellent for Art and Culture topics. |
|
Cultural History of India |
A.L. Basham |
Detailed cultural and historical aspects of India. |
Check here: How to Prepare for UPSC Exams (For Beginners)!
Geography Books For UPSC General Studies
Geography is a key subject in UPSC preparation. Choosing the best books for UPSC prelims ensures strong conceptual clarity. It covers physical, human, and environmental geography. Reading the best books for prelims UPSC helps in understanding maps, climate, and ecosystems. Start with simple, reliable resources for effective preparation. Make sure you refer to the below listed General Studies books For UPSC Geography subject preparation.
|
Category |
Book Title |
Author/Publisher |
Key Features |
|
Physical Geography |
Certificate Physical and Human Geography |
G.C. Leong |
Comprehensive coverage of physical geography topics like climate and landforms. |
|
NCERT Class XI: Fundamentals of Physical Geography |
NCERT |
Beginner-friendly; builds foundational understanding of physical geography. |
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Indian Geography |
India: A Comprehensive Geography |
D.R. Khullar |
Detailed coverage of Indian geography, including resources and agriculture. |
|
NCERT Class XII: India - People and Economy |
NCERT |
Simplifies key concepts related to India’s geography and economic activities. |
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Human Geography |
Human Geography |
Majid Husain |
Focuses on population, migration, and human-environment interaction. |
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NCERT Class XII: Fundamentals of Human Geography |
NCERT |
Basics of human geography; easy language for quick understanding. |
|
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Geography for Prelims |
Oxford School Atlas |
Oxford |
Provides detailed maps for physical and political geography. |
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Geography of India |
Majid Husain |
Covers Indian geography comprehensively with examples and case studies. |
|
Environment and Ecology |
Environment by Shankar IAS |
Shankar IAS Academy |
Essential for environment-related topics; integrates geography with ecology. |
|
NCERT Class IX-X: Environmental Science |
NCERT |
Basics of environmental geography and ecological concepts. |
Economy Books For UPSC General Studies
Economy books are an important aspect of UPSC Prelims General Studies as they cover a significant portion of the syllabus. These books provide a comprehensive understanding of the Indian economy, macroeconomic concepts, and development strategies. Check out the list of best economy books for UPSC prelims general studies.
|
Category |
Book Title |
Author/Publisher |
Features |
Foundational Books |
NCERT Economics Textbooks |
NCERT (Class 9-12) |
Basics of economics, ideal for beginners, with clear concepts and examples. |
|
Key Concepts of Indian Economy |
Sanjiv Verma |
Simplified explanations of economic terms and models, perfect for new aspirants. |
|
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Indian Economy in English/Hindi |
Puri and Mishra |
Covers foundational topics; available in both English and Hindi mediums. |
|
Comprehensive Guides |
Indian Economy |
Ramesh Singh |
In-depth coverage of economic concepts, policies, and current developments. |
|
Indian Economy for Civil Services |
Nitin Singhania |
Focuses on static and dynamic aspects of the economy for prelims and mains. |
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Introduction to Indian Economy |
Dutt and Sundaram |
Detailed coverage of economic growth, reforms, and global connections. |
|
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Indian Economy: Performance and Policies |
Uma Kapila |
Emphasizes policy reforms, planning, and performance metrics of the economy. |
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Government Publications |
Economic Survey |
Ministry of Finance |
Annual report analyzing India's economic development and trends. |
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Union Budget Documents |
Government of India |
Provides detailed fiscal policies, initiatives, and budget allocations. |
|
|
Quick Revision Notes |
Shankar IAS Economy Notes |
Shankar IAS Academy |
Concise notes aligned with UPSC syllabus, ideal for last-minute revision. |
Current Affairs |
Magazines (e.g., Yojana, Kurukshetra) |
Government of India |
Insightful analysis of rural development, schemes, and government policies. |
|
The Hindu/Indian Express (Business Section) |
Daily Newspaper |
Updates on economic policies, trends, and international linkages. |
Polity Books For UPSC General Studies
The books below are considered the best resources for preparing for the polity section in the UPSC Prelims General Studies. These books provide a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Constitution, its evolution, and various provisions.
|
Name of the Book (Polity) |
Author |
|
Indian Polity |
M. Laxmikanth |
|
Old NCERT books |
NCERT |
|
Introduction to the Constitution of India |
DD Basu |
|
The Constitution of India |
P.M. Bakshi |
|
India’s Foreign Policy |
Rajiv Sikri |
Also, study the Writ Of Mandamus for UPSC Preparation!
Science and Tech Books For UPSC General Studies
For UPSC Prelims General Studies, science and technology books can be a great resource for understanding the concepts and developments in these fields.
|
Category |
Book Title |
Author/Publisher |
Features |
Foundational Books |
NCERT Science Textbooks |
NCERT (Class 6-10) |
Covers the basics of physics, chemistry, and biology in simple language. |
|
NCERT Biology Textbooks |
NCERT (Class 11-12) |
Focuses on biological concepts relevant for environment and health topics. |
|
|
NCERT Physics and Chemistry |
NCERT (Class 11-12) |
Essential for understanding advanced concepts in science and tech. |
|
Comprehensive Guides |
Science and Technology |
Ravi P. Agrahari |
Covers all topics from space to biotechnology with current updates. |
|
Science and Technology in India |
™ H Publication |
Focuses on India's advancements in science and technology. |
|
|
General Science for Civil Services |
S.A. Majid |
Comprehensive resource for prelims and mains preparation. |
|
|
India Yearbook (Science & Technology Chapter) |
Government of India |
Official updates on India's science policies and developments. |
|
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Current Affairs |
Science Reporter Magazine |
Publication Division |
Monthly updates on innovations, space missions, and scientific research. |
|
The Hindu/Indian Express (Science Section) |
Daily Newspaper |
Regular coverage of current scientific issues and breakthroughs. |
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Practice Material |
Objective General Science |
Arihant Experts |
MCQs for science topics, helpful for prelims. |
|
General Science Objective Questions |
Disha Experts |
Chapter-wise practice questions with explanations for prelims. |
|
Advanced Resources |
Biotechnology Demystified |
Shankar IAS Academy |
Detailed insights into biotechnology and genetic engineering. |
|
Space Science and Technology |
Access Coaching Material |
Focused content on space programs and technologies relevant to UPSC. |
|
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Environment and Ecology |
Shankar IAS Academy |
Covers technology aspects of environment and climate change. |
Environment Books For UPSC General Studies
For UPSC Prelims General Studies, books on environment can be a crucial resource for understanding the complexities and issues surrounding the natural world. Some of the best recommended environmental books for UPSC Prelims General Studies are mentioned in the table below:
|
Name of the Books (Environment) |
Author |
|
Environmental Studies- Class 10th and 11th |
NCERT |
|
Geography Books (in 6th to 12th there are lot of chapters on Environment) |
NCERT |
|
IAS Environment Notes |
Shankar |
To study free material for UPSC, visit IAS Preparation 2025!
CSAT Books For UPSC Prelims & Mains Exam
The CSAT Paper is also known as Prelims GS Paper 2. The full form of CSAT is Civil Services Aptitude Test. Having the best books for UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper 2 will help the candidates prepare well and clear the CSAT paper with ease. Have a look at the best books for UPSC General studies paper 2 (CSAT) below.
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Best Books For UPSC General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) |
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The above-mentioned books are the best books for UPSC prelims general studies which will help the candidates in preparing well for the exam. A preparation strategy developed around these books will increase the chances of the candidates qualifying the selection process.
Having the best books for UPSC prelims general studies is one of the most important aspects of the preparation strategy for this exam. Along with proper guidance and UPSC Coaching, It is important for the candidates to have the best general studies books for UPSC Prelims to prepare well for the IAS Exam 2023.
The candidates who are appearing for the UPSC examination for the first time should ensure that they have all the details regarding the best UPSC prelims books and general studies which will help them in preparing all the important topics that are mentioned in the syllabus.
General Studies Book for UPSC Prelims Important Tips
Along with the books recommended above, candidates are suggested to follow the tips from our experts which have been mentioned below:
Analyze the Syllabus for UPSC Prelims General Studies
To get hold of the best books for general studies for UPSC prelims, it is very important for the candidates to understand the syllabus and analyze the important topics that are mentioned in the syllabus. The syllabus details will enable the candidates to understand the sections and the topics that are included in Prelims General Studies. Get UPSC Prelims Syllabus in detail here.
Download Books’ PDFs
While purchasing the best books for UPSC prelims general studies, it is important for the candidates to visit reputed websites to download the books pdf which will help the candidates in preparing for the examination. The candidates can also visit the local libraries where they refer to the best book for general studies for UPSC prelims to prepare well for the examination. Get UPSC Preparation Booklist here!
Research Well for the Best Books for UPSC Prelims
The candidates are advised that they should research the best books for UPSC prelims general studies which will help them in preparing well for the examination. The candidates can also refer to the other books which are available on the websites to understand and study the important topics accordingly. Therefore, it is important for the candidates to research well before beginning the study for the examination.
Start the preparations as soon as possible
The candidates should ensure they look for the books well in advance and start preparing for the examination accordingly. Preparing well in advance will enable the candidates to prepare well for the UPSC Exam 2022 to ensure that no topic is left incomplete. Therefore, the candidates should make sure that they start their preparations well in advance, so that no important topics or subjects are left incomplete.
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Selecting the Best UPSC prelims general studies books will help the candidate’s chances of qualifying for the examination with the required cut-off marks to be eligible for the selection under the UPSC Exam 2023.
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