NCERTs serve as the foundation for the UPSC preparation because they are the most essential books and are written in straightforward language, transparency, and neutrality. These books will cover the majority of the fundamentals of geography and history. Second, the main answer writing language should be similar to the writing style of these books, making them a crucial component in preparing for the Mains examination.
There is no doubt that NCERT books are a wealth of information; while they are intended for school students, they also cover pertinent topics that are part of the UPSC syllabus. They are among the most reputable books that must be read for UPSC preparation, assisting UPSC aspirants in learning significant topics. NCERT authors have compiled everything important in their books, from biodiversity to geography, and from thousand-year-hand histories to current politics.
Just as pillars and a strong foundation of granites and stones are important if you want to build a strong, steady building or apartment, having a good foundation of right knowledge and crystal clear concepts is equally important if you want to clear the UPSC exam, and NCERT books are a great resource to get a strong foundation of a subject that can help you clear the exam. It ensures that aspirants are no longer beginners once thoroughly reviewed.
List of NCERT books suggested by UPSC Experts
NCERT Books for General Studies Paper I
History
Students can begin their history preparation with NCERT history books for a foundational preparation for prelims and mains. These books have proven to be extremely useful for students with backgrounds in business or science.
- History: NCERT Class VI – Our Past
- History: NCERT Class VII – Our Past -I
- History: NCERT Class VIII – Our Past II and III
- History: NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I
- History: NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – II
- History: NCERT Class X – Themes In World History
- History: NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History – I
- History: NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – II
- History: NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History – III
Indian Society
Understanding the science behind how society works is critical, especially if you want to be a civil servant.
- Indian Society: NCERT Class VI – Social Science: Social & Political Life I
- Indian Society: NCERT Class VII – Social Science: Social & Political Life II
- Indian Society: NCERT Class VIII – Social Science: Social & Political Life III
- Indian Society: NCERT Class XI – Sociology: Understanding Society
- Indian Society: NCERT Class XII – Indian Society
- Indian Society: NCERT Class XII – Social Change and Development in India
Geography
It is critical to understand Indian and global geography. Maps and information about different climatic regions provided in NCERT Geography books aid in answering many questions about geography.
- Geography: NCERT Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat
- Geography: NCERT Class VII – Our Environment
- Geography: NCERT Class VIII – Resource and Development
- Geography: NCERT Class IX – Contemporary India – I
- Geography: NCERT Class X – Contemporary India – II
- Geography: NCERT Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- Geography: NCERT Class XI – India – Physical Environment
- Geography: NCERT Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography
- Geography: NCERT Class XII – India – People and Economy
Art & Culture
- Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art
- Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)
NCERT UPSC Preparation Books for General Studies Paper II
Polity
Political Science is an extremely important subject because it covers the country’s legal and fundamental aspects.
- Polity: NCERT Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I
- Polity: NCERT Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
- Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
- Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Political Theory
- Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics
- Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence
NCERT UPSC Preparation Books for General Studies Paper III
Economy
The subject of the Indian Economy is important because it covers India’s current and past economic aspects. Knowing its fundamentals is crucial for UPSC exams.
- 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
Science and Technology
In UPSC, having a good understanding of general science is essential. NCERT science books are essential for answering science and technology-related questions because they cover a wide range of topics.
- 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 & Biology: Units 4 & 5
- Science: NCERT Class XII – Chemistry: Unit 16 & Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10
Environment & Ecology
- Science: Class XII – Biology: last four Chapters (13 to 16)
NCERT UPSC Preparation Books for General Studies Paper IV
Ethics
- NCERT Class 11 Psychology
- NCERT Class 12 Psychology
NCERT books are easy to read because they make good use of pictures, simplified tables, descriptive examples, maps, and simple language. These books contain a wealth of information, particularly on India’s cultural history, politics, and biodiversity, all of which are undeniably important components of the IAS exam.
The NCERT books are regarded as the foundational reading materials for the Civil Services Examination. It covers all of the important topics and provides us with crystal clear conceptual clarity. It ensures that aspirants are no longer beginners once thoroughly reviewed. As a result, NCERT Books can also be used to assess and improve performance.