NCERTs
NCERTs form the foundation of the UPSC CSE syllabus. They are instrumental in building the candidate's conceptual understanding and developing a strong base in every subject. Therefore, it is essential to read them cover to cover. The crucial NCERTs that should be studied thoroughly for UPSC preparation are listed below:
| Subject |
NCERT Books |
| History |
- Class VI – Our Past – I
- Class VII – Our Past – II
- Class VIII – Our Past III
- Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I
- Class X – India and the Contemporary World – II
- Class XI – Themes in World History
- Class XII – Themes in Indian History – I, II, III
|
| Geography |
- Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat
- Class VII – Our Environment
- Class VIII – Resource and Development
- Class IX – Contemporary India – I
- Class X – Contemporary India – II
- Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India – Physical Environment
- Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography, India – People and Economy
|
| Indian Polity |
- Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I
- Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
- Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work, Political Theory
- Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics, Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence
|
| Economics |
- Class IX – Economics
- Class X – Understanding Economic Development
- Class XI – Indian Economic Development
- Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics
|
| International Relations |
- NCERT XII – Contemporary World Politics
|
| General Science |
- All NCERTs from Class VI to Class X
|
| Indian Society |
- Class VI – Social Science: Social & Political Life I
- Class VII – Social Science: Social & Political Life II
- Class VIII – Social Science: Social & Political Life III
- Class XI – Sociology: Understanding Society
- Class XII – Indian Society, Social Change and Development in India
|
Standard Books
Standard books are an essential part of your UPSC preparation. They provide detailed information required for General Studies Papers and Essays. Some of these books are specifically designed to cater to the needs of the UPSC CSE. The data and statistics in these books are updated in the newer editions. However, it is not feasible to study all these books cover to cover due to their extensive content. Hence, it is recommended to selectively read certain chapters from some of these standard books. The table below provides a list of such books, specifying whether they should be read cover to cover or selectively.
| Subject |
Book |
Cover to cover/Selective reading |
| Polity |
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
Cover to cover |
| History, Indian Heritage & Culture |
Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania |
Selective reading |
| India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra |
Selective reading |
| Geography |
Geography of India by Majid Husain |
Cover to cover |
| Certificate Physical and Human Geography – G C Leong |
Selective reading |
| Indian Economy |
Indian Economy – by Ramesh Singh |
Selective reading |
| Indian Economy – by Nitin Singhania |
Selective reading |
| Indian Economy Key Concepts – by Sankarganesh Karuppiah |
Cover to cover |
| Science and Technology |
Science and Technology – by Ravi P. Agrahari |
Selective reading |
| Environment |
Shankar IAS |
Cover to cover |
Study Materials Provided by Institutes
There is an abundance of study materials provided by various institutes available in the market. These include current affairs magazines, subject-wise MCQs, consolidated UPSC Study Material, etc., and can be read according to the candidate's convenience.
Most IAS Toppers and subject experts suggest limiting the study materials and focusing more on revision to crack the examination. For beginners, it is advised to start with NCERTs before moving on to the standard books. Hence, it is not necessary to read all the UPSC books cover to cover. Certain books should be read thoroughly, while others should be read selectively as per the UPSC CSE syllabus.
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