Which NCERT Books are Required for UPSC Exam Preparation?

Physics Wallah Academic Expert
July 10, 2024

NCERT Books for UPSC: The UPSC conducts a significant annual examination to select candidates for prestigious roles in the Indian civil service. The initial stage, known as the UPSC prelims exam, is renowned for its high level of competition. In preparation for this rigorous assessment, many aspirants turn to NCERT books. These NCERT books for UPSC are highly regarded for their ability to understand complex concepts in an accessible manner, provide accurate information sourced from government entities, and establish a strong foundation for further study. Therefore, individuals aiming to excel in the IAS prelims exam should follow NCERT books for UPSC preparation as it’s highly recommended by the topper as well.

NCERT Books for UPSC

Successful candidates and teachers highly recommend NCERT books for UPSC preparation because they're easy to understand and cover important topics well. In this article, we've gathered all the information you need about NCERT books for UPSC.  We cover classes 6 to 12, but you don't have to read every page. We've highlighted the key topics to focus on for both the Prelims and Mains exams. While NCERT books don't cover everything, they provide a strong foundation. We've organised book lists to make your preparation easier.

NCERT Books for UPSC Paper I

For those preparing for civil service, UPSC NCERT books are invaluable resources. These books cover a wide range of subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Economics in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. They provide a solid foundation of essential concepts needed to succeed in the exam. 

INDIAN SOCIETY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Aspirants preparing for UPSC should hold a strong grasp on theses topics for Indian Society. Go trough the NCERT books for UPSC below:-

Subject

NCERT Class & Book Title

INDIAN SOCIETY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Social Science: Social & Political Life I - VI

Social Science: Social & Political Life II - VII

Social Science: Social & Political Life III - VIII

Sociology: Understanding Society - XI

Indian Society - XII

Social Change and Development in India - XII

Introducing Sociology - XI

Understanding Society - XI

Indian Society - XII

Social Change and Development in India - XII

HISTORY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Get the NCERT history books for UPSC from the below table:- 

Subject

NCERT Class & Book Title

HISTORY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Our Past - I - VI

Our Past - II - VII

Our Past III - VIII

India and the Contemporary World – I - IX

India and the Contemporary World – II - X

Themes in World History - XI

Themes in Indian History – I - XII

Themes in Indian History – II - XII

Themes in Indian History – III - XII

GEOGRAPHY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Its very important for aspirants to have a strong understanding of the basics. Thus, making important NCERT for UPSC. Check out the Geography NCERT books for UPSC.

Subject

NCERT Class & Book Title

GEOGRAPHY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC



The Earth Our Habitat - VI

Our Environment - VII

Resource and Development - VIII

Contemporary India – I - IX

Contemporary India – II - X

Fundamentals of Physical Geography - XI

India – Physical Environment - XI

Fundamentals of Human Geography - XII

India – People and Economy - XII

ART AND CULTURE NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Check out the NCERT books for UPSC preparation for Art and Culture below:- 

Subject

NCERT Class & Book Title

ART AND CULTURE NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

An Introduction to Indian Art - XI

Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10) - XI

NCERT Books for UPSC Paper II

Check out the Polity NCERT Books for UPSC from the below table:-

Subject

NCERT Class & Book Title

POLITY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I - IX

Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II - X

Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work - XI

Political Science: Political Theory - XI

Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics - XII

Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence - XII

NCERT Books for UPSC Paper II

Here are the NCERT Books for UPSC Paper II mentioned below:- 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Along with the subjects like history and geography, having a strong understanding in Science and Technology is equally important. Go through the  Science and Technology books for UPSC from below:- 

Subject

NCERT Class & Book Title

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Science: NCERT Class VI

Science: NCERT Class VII

Science: NCERT Class VIII

Science: NCERT Class IX

Science: NCERT Class X

Science: NCERT Class XI – Chemistry: Unit 14

Science NCERT Class XI - Biology: Units 4 & 5

Science: NCERT Class XII – Chemistry: only download (b) is normally required

Science NCERT Class XII - Chemistry Part I

Science NCERT Class XII - Chemistry Part II Unit 16

Science: NCERT Class XII - Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10

ECONOMICS NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Go through the Economics NCERT books for UPSC from the below table:- 

Subject

NCERT Class & Book Title

ECONOMICS NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Economy: NCERT Class IX – Economics

Economy: NCERT Class X – Understanding Economic Development

Economy: NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development

Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics

Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Check out the NCERT books for UPSC preparation from the below table:- 

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY NCERT BOOKS FOR UPSC

Science: Class XII – Biology: last four Chapters (13 to 16)

NCERT Books for UPSC Paper III

For paper III, follow the below NCERT Books for UPSC:-

  • NCERT Class 11 Psychology

  • NCERT Class 12 Psychology

UPSC Preparation Tips

Preparing for UPSC with NCERT books can be highly effective. Here are some tips to optimise your preparation:

  1. Start with Basics: NCERT books offer a solid foundation in various subjects. Begin with lower classes books to grasp fundamental concepts before moving on to higher classes.

  2. Cover Entire Syllabus: Ensure you cover the entire UPSC syllabus using relevant NCERT books. They cover a wide range of topics from History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Economics.

  3. Understand Concepts: NCERT books explain concepts clearly and concisely. Take the time to understand each concept thoroughly rather than just memorizing.

  4. Make Notes: Create concise notes while studying NCERT books. Summarising key points can help in quick revision before the exam.

  5. Practice Questions: After studying each chapter, solve the questions provided at the end of the NCERT books. This will help reinforce your understanding and improve retention.

  6. Refer to Supplementary Material: While NCERT books are comprehensive, supplement your preparation with additional study material for an in-depth understanding of certain topics.

  7. Revision: Regularly revise the concepts covered in NCERT books. Revision is crucial to retain information and reinforce learning.

  8. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to UPSC preparation. Dedicate a set amount of time each day to study using NCERT books and stick to your study schedule.

Read More: Books for UPSC Exam Preparation

NCERT Books for UPSC FAQs

Q1. Are NCERT books sufficient for UPSC preparation?

Ans. While NCERT books provide a strong foundation, they may not cover the entire UPSC syllabus comprehensively. They are a good starting point but should be supplemented with additional study material.

Q2. Which NCERT books are most important for UPSC?

Ans. Important NCERT books for UPSC include those covering History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Economics from classes 6 to 12. Specific titles like "Indian Society," "Indian Economy," and "Themes in Indian History" are particularly relevant.

Q3. How should I use NCERT books for UPSC preparation?

Ans. Start with lower classes books to understand fundamental concepts, then progress to higher classes. Read each chapter thoroughly, make notes, and solve the questions provided at the end of each chapter.

Q4. Is NCERT books for UPSC preparation enough?

Ans. While NCERT books provide a good foundation, it's advisable to supplement them with additional reference books, current affairs material, and practice tests to cover the entire UPSC syllabus comprehensively.

Q5. Are NCERT books enough for UPSC Prelims?

Ans. NCERT books can be helpful for UPSC Prelims preparation, especially for building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, and Polity. However, candidates should also refer to other sources for a more in-depth understanding such as from Physics Wallah.

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