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NCERT Books: UPSC Civil Services test preparation cannot begin, let alone be completed, without first reading the NCERT Textbooks. In this article, we’ve included all significant information on NCERT textbooks and State Board texts that are useful for the UPSC (IAS) Prelims 2023 Exam preparation.

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For their UPSC preparation, civil service applicants are typically advised to start with NCERT. Prior to reading other common reference books, read these books. The explanation is extremely straightforward and unambiguous: they aid in establishing a solid foundation. Even the analysis of past years’ question papers highlights NCERT’s significance for UPSC. The study makes it quite evident that questions are routinely taken directly or indirectly from NCERT textbooks.

NCERTs Books for UPSC 2023

• Finding reliable sources for this data can be incredibly difficult. Here, we have collected a list of the most important NCERT books for UPSC preparatiorganizedised by subject. Additionally, we have included all required download links for these works.
• The information in NCERT books is clear and of the highest calibre. The books’ language is simple to memorise and provides extensive knowledge on many important subjects, which ultimately aids in laying a solid foundation.
• It is recommended for beginners to start with these works before moving on to the traditional sources.
• These books are regarded by the majority of IAS top performers and educators as essential for UPSC test preparation.
• Since it is not necessary to cover all books, we should take into account NCERT books for classes 6 to 12. By not just identifying books, but also pertinent chapters within those books, we hope to make things simpler for you while you study for your Prelims and Mains exams.
• Despite not covering the whole civil service syllabus, the NCERT books do cover the majority of the essentials. Additionally, we have correctly divided the book lists for your consideration.
• A sizable amount of material must be covered as part of the UPSC syllabus.

How to study from NCERT books for UPSC?

• The NCERT volumes are very straightforward for anyone to read thanks to the adequate use of illustrations, simplified tables, illustrative examples, maps, and an easy-to-understand language.
• These books provide a wealth of information, particularly regarding India’s political history, cultural history, and biodiversity, all of which are unquestionably significant topics for the IAS test.
• We are given a tonne of knowledge from the NCERT books for grades 6 through 12, and each subject is connected huge the others in every class. Thus, read books in order of theme to create connections between them.
• To save time during revision, read thoroughly and begin noting key points or underlining anything you find relevant.
• When reading history books, it’s a good idea to also read older literature because they provide a more thorough history.
• In general, the more recent NCERT books for geography are preferred over the older ones for history. Our NCERT compilations, however, are tailored to the UPSC preparation requirements. Therefore, you can rely on these even if you are unable to obtain the NCERT books for UPSC.
• There isn’t a specific or effective technique to learn from these books. Only the path that best suits you needs to be taken.

Tips to read NCERTs for UPSC!

• You can start with any subject and work your way up to class 12 after selecting it. However, it is preferable to start with Indian Polity NCERT books for UPSC due to the weightage and ease of the syllabus.
• Try to comprehend the fundamental ideas in your first reading so that you can add your own comments in your second reading.
• You can avoid taking notes when reading NCERT textbooks for the UPSC. Simply use the CL-NCERT compilations to enhance your NCERT reading and take any necessary notes there.
• Reading recent literature is crucial for keeping up with changes in geography, politics, and research. Older works should only be read if absolutely necessary.
• Establish a deadline for finishing the NCERT books. To save time, for instance, give each subject a week’s worth of work.
• If so, you’ll be prepared for several revisions with concise NCERT revision notes on hand!

Subject Wise UPSC Preparation Books from NCERT Books Catalog for IAS

The comprehensive UPSC CSE Syllabus for Prelims and Mains Exams necessitates a variety of information sources in order to fully face the challenges of the UPSC question paper. The list of NCERT books for the IAS 2022 Preliminary and Main Examination is provided here. The candidates’ thorough exam preparation would be aided by this UPSC book list taken from the NCERT Book Series. Books for the IAS mains and books for the UPSC prelims are included in this list.

NCERT Books for General Studies Paper I

Additional IAS preparation books for reference

• Ancient India (class XI) by RS Sharma: This covers the ancient Indian history syllabus completely
• Alternative Published version: India’s Ancient Past – RS Sharma: Covers all of the NCERT syllabi for IAS and is more detailed in all aspects. Should be a good substitute
• Medieval India (class IX) by Satish Chandra
• Alternative Published version: History of Medieval India – Satish Chandra: More detailed than the NCERT but less easy to read. NCERT would be better
• Modern India (class X) by Bipin Chandra: Best book for UPSC Medieval History
• Alternative Published version: India Before Independence: Bipan Chandra’s published book is readily available and is more comprehensive, but the NCERT is more objective and more comfortable to read
• World History (Class X): Should be enough for an intro to world history Continue reading below to know which NCERT books to study for IAS for General Studies Paper-II.
• Science: Class XII – Biology: last four Chapters (13 to 16)
• For Economics: Reference of class 9 to 12 NCERT books for IAS 

NCERT UPSC Preparation Books for General Studies Paper-II:

Polity NCERT Books for UPSC

• 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
• For Polity: Class 9 to 12 NCERT books should be read in detail, with a focus on 11th and 12th (of which World Politics, only if time permits).

UPSC Books from NCERT for General Studies Paper III:

NCERT Books on Economy 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

Science & Technology IAS Preparation Books from NCERT

• 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

For Science: Refer textbooks of class IX and X that would be good enough for your IAS exam preparation.

NCERT IAS Books for General Studies Paper IV

Ethics: NCERT Class XII – Psychology: Not too significant from the exam perspective, however good for some basics. Read selectively.

Class-wise list of must-read NCERT Books

We are confident that the complete UPSC Books list from NCERT offered in this article would save you time throughout your IAS preparation. We hope that your question ‘Which NCERT books should I read for UPSC?’ has been addressed and that you now have a complete list of NCERT UPSC preparation books to begin your IAS preparation right away!

Here’s a class-wise list of must-read NCERT Books for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022:

IAS NCERT Books for UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2023

Candidates who pass the preliminary exam will be required to take the UPSC IAS mains exam. This exam will be worth a total of 1750 points. There will be both descriptive and objective-type papers in this exam. As a result, in order to cover these papers, you must study a broad curriculum. Here are the top NCERT Books for UPSC IAS Mains that will help you pass this test.

Top IAS NCERT Books for Paper I

• Ancient History by R.S Sharma
• Politics in India since Independence (NCERT)
• Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT)
• India: Physical Environment (NCERT)
• India People and Economy (NCERT)
• Social Change and Development in India (NCERT)
• Indian Society (NCERT)

Top IAS NCERT Books for Paper II

• Indian Constitution at Work (NCERT)
• Contemporary World Politics (NCERT)

Top IAS NCERT Books for Paper III

• India People and Economy (NCERT)
• NCERT Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics
• NCERT Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics

Top IAS NCERT Books for Paper IV

Psychology NCERT class 12th book

Why NCERTs are important for UPSC?

• NCERT textbooks are very useful for history, politics, economics, geography, biology, chemistry, and physics. Avoid reading descriptions from these books; they are intended only for school children.
• NCERT’s language is Books have been greatly simplified for your convenience.
• NCERT books are developed and released after extensive research by renowned experts in the field.
• Before they are released, NCERT books are examined and rechecked numerous times to ensure that the information is correct.
• These books present information in a logical order. Unlike many other books, they begin with the basics and progress to a higher level. If you want to clear your concepts, NCERT is the way to go.
• NCERT materials, which are school textbooks, are written in a very straightforward and lucid manner.
• They are not only simple to learn, but they can also help you save a lot of time.
• If candidates have the time, it is always recommended that they begin with standard 6 NCERT texts and progress through standard 12 texts for all relevant topics.
• When you combine all of the subjects from all of the classes, you’ll need to read 40-44 volumes in total.
• NCERT books are ideal for general study because they do not require you to go into the nuances of any concept.
• In general, old NCERT books for history and new NCERT books for geography are advised.
• NCERT books are a reliable source of knowledge because the content is provided by government agencies and institutions.
• They are standard texts for all exams, and the questions contained inside them are likewise reputable.

How to Download NCERT Books as PDF? • If you find it difficult to get hard-copies of NCERT texts, you can always get soft copies in PDF form from the site ncert.nic.in. • Just like NCERT website which offers a free download of quality books, NIOS website, as well as CBSE website, offers quality PDFs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1 Which NCERT IAS books are the best for the UPSC CSE 2023?

Answer 1 In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best NCERT books for the IAS Prelims and Main Exams. 

Question 2 Which are the top IAS NCERT books for UPSC CSE Mains Paper I?

Answer 2 Ancient History by R.S. Sharma, Politics in India since Independence (NCERT), Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT), etc.

Question 3 Is NCERT a must for UPSC?

Answer 3 Yes, the NCERT books have concise information in straightforward language, making it easy to understand. Moreover, they are essential from both UPSC Prelims and Mains exam perspectives.

Question 4 Does UPSC ask NCERT-related questions?

Answer 4 The finest resource for building a solid foundation in any topic for the Civil Services Examination is NCERT books. Since the beginning, the UPSC has mostly used the NCERT textbooks as the source of its questions. If we look closely, certain questions from the UPSC exam were taken straight from the NCERT texts.

Question 5 Do NCERT texts suffice for the IAS?

Answer 5 For the IAS test, NCERT books are a must. However, candidates should also consult subject-specific texts (such as Laxmikant’s Indian Polity) and keep up with current events.

Question 6 Which geography book for the IAS is the best?

Answer 6 Best books for UPSC geography exam preparation: NCERT texts for grades six through twelve; any dependable atlas; Majid Hussain’s Geography of India

Question 7 Which magazine is the best for preparing for the UPSC?

Answer 7 Yojana magazine is a crucial resource for UPSC preparation. Because the magazine is issued by the Government of India, it contains reliable facts and statistics that can be cited in the UPSC Mains test ( I&B Ministry).

Question 8 When are the IAS exams held?

Answer 8 According to the UPSC calendar, the three IAS test stages are spread out over the course of the year. The months for UPSC 2022 are shown below:

Preliminaries are in June 2022, while the main exams are in September 2022 and TBD interview.

Question 9 Does UPSC ask questions from NCERT?

Answer 9 For the Civil Services Examination, NCERT books are the best resource for building a solid foundation in any topic. Since the beginning, the UPSC has mostly used the NCERT textbooks as the source of its questions. If we look closely, certain questions from the UPSC exam were taken straight from the NCERT texts.

You Can Read Also:

Complete List Of NCERT Books Needed For UPSC Preparation
Old vs. New NCERT Books: Read on to find What Should You Read to Prepare for the IAS Exam?
Best books for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains Exam Preparation