answersLogoWhite

0

Best Books for UPSC Preparation: Start with NCERT for a Strong Foundation

When I first decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, what confused me the most was which NCERT books to read for UPSC. It was overwhelming, with hundreds of recommendations floating around, including YouTube videos, Telegram PDF, and coaching notes.

But after months of research, talking to mentors, and watching topper interviews, one thing became crystal clear:

Start with NCERT. Master them. Then move to standard UPSC books.

If you’re a beginner and just starting your UPSC journey, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through the best NCERT books for UPSC, followed by the best standard IAS preparation books, subject-wise. I’ll also add a one-line reason for each recommendation, so you know exactly why it’s worth your time.

Why NCERT Books for Civil Services Examination?

  • Simple Language: Written for school students, so very easy to understand.
  • Authentic Information: Directly from government-backed sources.
  • Concept Clarity: Build your foundation before you move to heavy books.
  • Direct Questions: Many UPSC prelims and mains questions come straight from NCERTs!

Subject-Wise NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation

Let’s go subject by subject and see which NCERTs are worth reading:

  1. Class 6–12 History NCERTs (Old + New)

Why read? Gives you a chronological and conceptual understanding of India’s past.

Class 6-8 Our Past series (New NCERT)

Class 9 – India and the Contemporary World

Class 10 – India and the Contemporary World – II

Class 11 – Themes in World History

Class 12 – Themes in Indian History Part I, II & III

Geography: NCERT Book for UPSE

  1. Class 6–12 Geography NCERT book for upse

Why read? Crystal clear maps, concepts, and diagrams – perfect for prelims and mains.

Class 6–8 Geography: The Earth, Our Habitat, Resources and Development

Class 9 – Contemporary India Part 1

Class 10 – Contemporary India Part 2

Class 11 – Fundamentals of Physical Geography + India Physical Environment

Class 12 – Fundamentals of Human Geography + India People and Economy

Political Science: NCERT Book for Civil Services Examination

  1. Class 9–12 Political Science NCERT

Why read? Introduces democratic values, the Indian Constitution, and governance basics.

Class 9 – Democratic Politics – I

Class 10 – Democratic Politics – II

Class 11 – Indian Constitution at Work

Class 12 – Politics in India Since Independence

Economics NCERT Book for UPSE

  1. Class 9–12 Economics NCERT

Why read? Strong basics in demand-supply, sectors of the economy, poverty, and budgeting.

Class 9 – Economics (The Story of Village Palampur, etc.)

Class 10 – Understanding Economic Development

Class 11 – Indian Economic Development

Class 12 – Introductory Macroeconomics

Science & Technology NCERT Book for UPSE

  1. Class 6–10 Science NCERT (Selective Reading)

Why read? For prelims, science-based questions are gold for clarity.

Class 6–10 Science NCERT Books

Environment & Ecology

  1. Class 12 Biology (Last Unit: Environment)

Why read? Basics of ecology, pollution, and biodiversity – asked frequently in prelims.

Class 12 Biology NCERT (Environmental chapters)

Best Standard UPSC Books After NCERTs

Once your NCERT foundation is strong, move on to these tried and tested UPSC preparation books used by toppers:

User Avatar

arya vikash

Lvl 2
2mo ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can BE student appear for mpsc exam?

Yes. You Are Welcome In The Administration of Maharashatra. Try UPSC also.


Where can I learn more about audiology?

Audiology Online is a good source of information to lean more about audiology and they even have links where one can apply for audiology jobs or courses. Wikipedia have good information on audiology including its history and the science behind it.


What type education do you need for audiology?

You need and AuD, or a doctorate in audiology.


What degree needed to be audiology?

You typically need an AuD, or a doctorate in audiology.


What is a sentence for audiology?

She decided to pursue a career in audiology to help individuals with hearing loss improve their quality of life.


When was American Journal of Audiology created?

American Journal of Audiology was created in 1991.


When was PCO School of Audiology created?

PCO School of Audiology was created in 2000.


What is the name of a person who studies audiology?

A person who studies audiology would be called an audiologist.


What is the science that deals with hearing?

Acoustics in general, Audiology in the case of people.


How would you use the word audiology in a sentence?

Hello, I'm looking for the audiology department.


What has the author Ross J Roeser written?

Ross J. Roeser has written: 'Roeser's Audiology Desk Reference' -- subject(s): Audiology, Handbooks, manuals 'Infection Control for the Professions of Audiology & Speech Language Pathology' 'Audiology' -- subject(s): Audiology, Practice, Organization & administration 'Speech-language pathology desk reference' -- subject(s): Audiology, Communicative disorders, Handbooks, Handbooks, manuals, Handbooks, manuals, etc, Methods, Speech disorders, Speech therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Therapy 'Audiology Diagnosis'


Can you prepare a chart on fundamental duties of a student in a school?

no, i can't prepare a chart on fundamental duties