Is NCERT is Enough for UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of the toughest exams in India. The exam comprises three stages – the Preliminary Exam, the Mains Exam, and the Personality Test (Interview). The UPSC exam tests the candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, and overall personality. The syllabus of the UPSC exam is vast and covers a wide range of subjects. One question that often arises among UPSC aspirants is whether NCERT textbooks are enough for UPSC preparation. This article aims to explore whether NCERT textbooks are sufficient for UPSC preparation.

NCERT textbooks and their significance:

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks are considered the cornerstone of the Indian education system. NCERT textbooks are used in schools across the country and are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of various subjects. NCERT textbooks are known for their simplicity and clarity and are considered an excellent resource for basic knowledge.

NCERT textbooks are an essential resource for UPSC preparation. UPSC aspirants are advised to start their preparation by reading NCERT textbooks. NCERT textbooks provide basic knowledge of various subjects, which is necessary for understanding advanced concepts. Moreover, NCERT textbooks are available in both English and Hindi, making them accessible to a broader section of students.

However, it is essential to note that simply reading NCERT textbooks may not be sufficient for clearing the UPSC exam. The UPSC exam requires a thorough understanding of various subjects, and the syllabus is vast. Therefore, it is essential to supplement NCERT textbooks with additional resources.

Additional resources for UPSC preparation:

To clear the UPSC exam, it is essential to refer to additional resources apart from NCERT textbooks. Some of the resources that can be used for UPSC preparation are:

  1. Standard reference books: UPSC aspirants should refer to standard reference books for in-depth knowledge of various subjects. For example, for Indian Polity, Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity is a widely used reference book. Similarly, for Indian History, Bipan Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence is a recommended book.
  2. Newspapers and magazines: UPSC aspirants should read newspapers and magazines to keep themselves updated with current affairs. The Hindu, Indian Express, and Economic Times are some of the newspapers that can be referred to. Magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra provide valuable insights into various government schemes and policies.
  3. Current affairs websites: There are several websites that provide daily current affairs updates. Some of the popular websites are – Insights on India, ClearIAS, and Jagran Josh.
  4. Mock tests: Solving previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests is an essential part of UPSC preparation. Mock tests help in identifying weak areas and provide an opportunity to practice time management.

In conclusion, NCERT textbooks are an essential resource for UPSC preparation. However, simply relying on NCERT textbooks may not be sufficient for clearing the UPSC exam. The UPSC syllabus is vast, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of various subjects. Therefore, it is essential to supplement NCERT textbooks with additional resources like standard reference books, newspapers, magazines, and current affairs websites. Solving previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests will help in improving the chances of clearing the UPSC exam. UPSC aspirants should focus on a comprehensive approach to prepare for the exam.

Here are some important NCERT textbooks for UPSC preparation in short:

  1. History:
  2. Class VI – Our Past
  3. Class VII – Our Past II
  4. Class VIII – Our Past III
  5. Class XI – Themes in World History
  6. Class XII – Themes in Indian History I, II, and III
  7. Geography:
  8. Class VI – The Earth: Our Habitat
  9. Class VII – Our Environment
  10. Class VIII – Resource and Development
  11. Class IX – Contemporary India I
  12. Class X – Contemporary India II
  13. Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography
  14. Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography
  15. Polity:
  16. Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics I
  17. Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics II
  18. Class XI – Political Theory
  19. Class XII – Political Science I and II
  20. Economics:
  21. Class IX – Economics
  22. Class X – Understanding Economic Development
  23. Class XI – Indian Economic Development
  24. Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics and Microeconomics