Which NCERT Books are Required for UPSC Exam Preparation?
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 |
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Social Science: Social & Political Life III - VIII |
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Sociology: Understanding Society - XI |
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Indian Society - XII |
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Social Change and Development in India - XII |
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Introducing Sociology - XI |
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Understanding Society - XI |
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Indian Society - XII |
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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 |
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Our Past III - VIII |
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India and the Contemporary World – I - IX |
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India and the Contemporary World – II - X |
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Themes in World History - XI |
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Themes in Indian History – I - XII |
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Themes in Indian History – II - XII |
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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 |
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Resource and Development - VIII |
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Contemporary India – I - IX |
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Contemporary India – II - X |
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Fundamentals of Physical Geography - XI |
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India – Physical Environment - XI |
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Fundamentals of Human Geography - XII |
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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 |
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Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work - XI |
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Political Science: Political Theory - XI |
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Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics - XII |
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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 |
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Science: NCERT Class VIII |
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Science: NCERT Class IX |
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Science: NCERT Class X |
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Science: NCERT Class XI – Chemistry: Unit 14 |
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Science NCERT Class XI - Biology: Units 4 & 5 |
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Science: NCERT Class XII – Chemistry: only download (b) is normally required |
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Science NCERT Class XII - Chemistry Part I |
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Science NCERT Class XII - Chemistry Part II Unit 16 |
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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 |
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Economy: NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development |
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Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics |
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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:-
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NCERT Class 11 Psychology
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Understand Concepts: NCERT books explain concepts clearly and concisely. Take the time to understand each concept thoroughly rather than just memorizing.
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Make Notes: Create concise notes while studying NCERT books. Summarising key points can help in quick revision before the exam.
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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.
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Refer to Supplementary Material: While NCERT books are comprehensive, supplement your preparation with additional study material for an in-depth understanding of certain topics.
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Revision: Regularly revise the concepts covered in NCERT books. Revision is crucial to retain information and reinforce learning.
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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.