A Comprehensive List of Books for UPSC IAS 2020 and 2021 Aspirants

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, particularly for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), requires a thorough and well-curated list of resources. Below you will find a suggested list of key books and materials that IAS aspirants for the 2020 and 2021 exams commonly refer to. This list covers various aspects of the exam, complementing your study with NCERT textbooks, newspapers, and mock tests.

General Studies

General Studies is a critical section that requires a wide knowledge base. It encompasses several domains, including history, geography, polity, and economy. The suggested books provide a solid foundation and help in understanding complex topics.

History

Indian History is diverse, and candidates must cover ancient, medieval, and modern periods to prepare effectively.

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals by Satish Chandra India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra Modern India by Bipan Chandra

Geography

Geography is essential for understanding the physical and human landscapes of India.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong Indian Geography by Majid Husain

Polity

Indian Polity is a key subject that requires an in-depth understanding of the Constitution and its practical applications.

Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth Constitution of India by P.M. Bakshi

Economics

Indian Economy is crucial for understanding economic policies and initiatives.

Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh Latest edition of Economic Survey of India Latest edition of Budget of India

Environment and Ecology

Environment and Ecology require a keen eye on environmental issues and sustainable practices.

Environment and Ecology by Majid Husain Shankar IAS Environment Book

Current Affairs

Current Affairs are integral to any general studies preparation. Regularly staying updated with current events will boost your score.

Newspapers: The Hindu or Indian Express Monthly Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Pratiyogita Darpan Current Affairs Compilations: Various coaching institutes

General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

For tackling the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude section, consider the following resources.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by G. Subba Rao and P. N. Roy Chowdhury Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Niraj Kumar

Optional Subjects

Choosing the right optional subject can enhance your overall preparation. Here are some popular optional subjects and their resources:

Anthropology - By P. Nath Geography - By Savindra Singh Public Administration - By M. Laxmikanth

Practice and Revision

To ensure your preparation is effective, practice and revision are key. Here are some tips to follow:

Solve previous years’ question papers for better understanding Regularly attempt mock tests to assess your preparation levels

Additional Resources

Lastly, stay updated with the latest syllabus and exam patterns from the official UPSC website. Additionally, utilize online platforms and YouTube channels for supplementary learning. Some recommended resources include:

Websites: Insights on India, ForumIAS, and Unacademy YouTube Channels: Dedicated UPSC preparation channels

Consistent revision and practice are key to success in the UPSC examinations. This detailed list should help you create a robust study plan and prepare effectively for the IAS examination.