Best NCERT Books for UPSC: Which Ones to Read & How to Cover Them
Preparing for UPSC? Feeling confused about which books to start with? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! UPSC is tough, but the right books make a huge difference.
The best way to build a strong foundation is by reading NCERT books. They explain everything in a simple, clear, and structured way, making it easier for beginners to understand key concepts.
Why NCERT Books for UPSC?
- Concept Clarity: NCERTs explain concepts in the simplest way, making them perfect for beginners.
- Authenticity: These books are government-published, meaning their content is reliable and free from errors.
- Easy Language: The straightforward and lucid language makes learning and revision easier.
- Direct Questions in UPSC: Every year, questions are directly lifted from NCERTs, especially in Prelims.
Which NCERT Books to Read for UPSC?
Not all NCERTs are equally important. Below is a subject-wise breakdown of the must-read ones.
1. History
- Class 6-8: Our Pasts – I, II, III – These books provide a foundational understanding of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history in a simple narrative format.
- Class 9: India and the Contemporary World – I – Covers world history with key events like the Industrial Revolution and French Revolution.
- Class 10: India and the Contemporary World – II – Focuses on India’s freedom struggle, colonialism, and post-independence events.
- Class 11: Themes in World History – Covers important themes such as early societies, empires, and revolutions, crucial for world history questions in Mains.
- Class 12: Themes in Indian History – I, II, III – Provides an in-depth understanding of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history with cultural, social, and political aspects.
2. Geography
- Class 6-8: The Earth Our Habitat, Resources and Development – Introduces physical geography, natural resources, and human-environment interactions.
- Class 9: Contemporary India – I – Covers landforms, climate, drainage, and resources, useful for environment-related topics.
- Class 10: Contemporary India – II – Explains economic and social geography with case studies and data.
- Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India: Physical Environment – Important for understanding geomorphology, climatology, and oceanography.
- Class 12: Fundamentals of Human Geography, India: People and Economy – Provides insights into population, resources, industries, and sustainable development.
3. Polity
- Class 9: Democratic Politics – I – Introduces the basics of democracy, constitutional design, and political institutions.
- Class 10: Democratic Politics – II – Explains power-sharing, federalism, democracy, and political challenges.
- Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work – Covers the structure, functioning, and features of the Indian Constitution, highly relevant for Polity.
- Class 12: Politics in India Since Independence – Provides insights into political developments post-1947, relevant for Mains.
4. Economics
- Class 9: Economics – Explains basic economic concepts like demand, supply, and sectors of the economy.
- Class 10: Understanding Economic Development – Covers key economic issues like poverty, globalization, and economic reforms.
- Class 11: Indian Economic Development – Discusses economic planning, development policies, and major reforms in India.
- Class 12: Macroeconomics – Essential for understanding GDP, inflation, monetary policy, and fiscal measures.
5. Science & Technology
- Class 6-10: General Science NCERTs – Provides fundamental knowledge on physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science useful for Prelims.
- Class 11 & 12: Biology (Selective chapters) – Covers biotechnology, genetics, ecology, and health, which are frequently asked in UPSC.
6. Art & Culture
- Class 11: An Introduction to Indian Art – Covers Indian art, architecture, and cultural heritage, highly useful for Prelims and Mains.
How to Cover NCERTs Effectively?
Studying NCERTs effectively requires a strategic and disciplined approach. Simply reading them like a storybook won’t be enough. Here’s a detailed plan to ensure you extract maximum value from them.
1. Follow a Systematic Approach
Start with Class 6 NCERTs and work your way up to Class 12. This gradual progression helps in understanding the subjects in a structured manner. For example, reading Class 6-8 history books first will make the complex topics in Class 12 easier to comprehend.
2. Read Actively, Not Passively
Instead of just reading, engage with the text:
- Underline important points.
- Highlight key concepts.
- Write short notes in the margins.
- Summarize each chapter in your own words.
- Use memory techniques like mnemonics for factual information.
3. Make Topic-Wise Notes
Rather than making separate notes for each book, compile topic-wise notes. This ensures quick revision and helps in interlinking concepts across subjects. For instance, a topic like “Agriculture” appears in Geography, Economics, and Environment—so it’s better to have consolidated notes.
4. Revise, Revise, Revise!
One-time reading is never enough. Follow the 3-3-3 Rule:
- First Reading: Read and underline important points.
- Second Reading: Write short notes and summaries.
- Third Reading: Revise only notes and highlighted portions.
Pro Tip: Revise NCERTs at least 2-3 times before moving to advanced books like Laxmikanth or Spectrum.
5. Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
After finishing a subject, analyze how UPSC has framed questions from it in previous years. You’ll notice that direct questions from NCERTs appear frequently, especially in Prelims.
For example, in 2016 UPSC Prelims, a question about the features of the Indian Monsoon was directly lifted from the Class 11 Geography NCERT.
6. Use Mind Maps & Flowcharts
Visual aids like mind maps and flowcharts help in quick recall. For instance:
- A timeline of Indian history makes memorizing dates and events easier.
- A flowchart on parliamentary procedures can simplify polity concepts.
7. Supplement with Standard Books
Once NCERTs are covered, move on to standard books like:
- Laxmikanth for Polity
- Spectrum for Modern History
- Shankar IAS for Environment
However, always ensure your NCERT foundation is strong before diving into the Prep.
NCERT books are your best bet for building a strong foundation for UPSC preparation. Read them systematically, take notes, revise multiple times, and practice questions. With the right approach, these books can become your biggest asset in clearing this prestigious exam.
So, grab your NCERTs and start your journey towards UPSC success.