The Ultimate Guide to NCERT Books for UPSC Civil Services Exam Preparation

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires a thorough understanding of various subjects. National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) books play a crucial role in building a strong foundation for candidates. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the importance of NCERT books and the specific classes that should be referred for each subject, ensuring you are well-prepared for the civil services exam.

The Role of NCERT Books in UPSC Preparation

NCERT books are not just supplementary reading materials but form the core of your UPSC preparation. They are detailed and provide in-depth knowledge about the subjects, making them invaluable for the preliminary and main stages of the examination.

General Science

9th and 10th Standards

For General Science, the NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 are essential. These classes provide a solid foundation in the basic sciences, which is crucial for understanding complex concepts in higher-level studies.

History

Classes 11-12

For History, start with the NCERT textbooks from classes 11 and 12. These books cover Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History comprehensively. Here’s a detailed list of the specific books:

Ancient Indian History (UPSC CSE Prelims): Old NCERT book by R. S. Sharma Medieval Indian History (UPSC CSE Prelims): Old NCERT book by Satish Chandra Modern Indian History (UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains): NCERT Class XII - History: Themes in Indian History - Volume III Art and Culture (UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains): Class 11 textbook - An Introduction to Indian Art; Class 11 textbook - Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 and 10) General History: NCERT Class 6 - Our Past; NCERT Class 7 - Our Past - I; NCERT Class 8 - Our Past II and III; NCERT Class 9 - India - The Contemporary World - I and II; NCERT Class 10 - Themes In World History; NCERT Class 12 - Themes In Indian History - I and II

Social Science (Art Culture, Indian Society, Polity)

Classes 6-12

For Social Science, refer to the NCERT textbooks from classes 6 to 12. These classes cover topics such as Art and Culture, Indian Society, and Polity. The specific books are:

Art and Culture: NCERT Class 11 - Introduction to Indian Art (Chapters 11 to 13); NCERT Class 11 - Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 and 10); NCERT Class 6 - Social Science: Our Past I; NCERT Class 7 - Social Science: Our Past II; NCERT Class 8 - Social Science: Our Past III; NCERT Class 9 - Sociology: Understanding Society; NCERT Class 12 - Indian Society; NCERT Class 12 - Social Change and Development in India; NCERT Class 12 - Sociology text Indian Society: NCERT Class 6 - Social Science: Our Past I; NCERT Class 7 - Social Science: Our Past II; NCERT Class 8 - Social Science: Our Past III; NCERT Class 9 - Sociology: Understanding Society; NCERT Class 12 - Indian Society; NCERT Class 12 - Social Change and Development in India; NCERT Class 12 - Sociology text Polity: NCERT Class 9 - Political Science: Democratic Politics - Part I; NCERT Class 10 - Political Science: Democratic Politics - Part II; NCERT Class 11 - Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work; NCERT Class 11 - Political Science: Political Theory; NCERT Class 12 - Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics; NCERT Class 12 - Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence

Geography

Classes 6-12

Geography is a vast subject, and the NCERT textbooks cover both physical and human geography. Here are the specific books to refer to:

Physical Geography: NCERT Class XI - Geography book for both Prelims and Mains Human and Economic Geography: NCERT Class XII - Geography books for both Prelims and Mains; NCERT Class 8 - Resource and Development; NCERT Class 9 - Contemporary India - I; NCERT Class 10 - Contemporary India - II; NCERT Class 11 - India - Physical Environment; NCERT Class 12 - Fundamentals of Human Geography; NCERT Class 12 - India - People and Economy; NCERT Class 6 - The Earth Our Habitat; NCERT Class 7 - Our Environment

Economics

Classes 6-12

For Economics, the NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 12 are particularly useful. The specific books are:

General Economics: NCERT Class XI - Economics book on Macro-Economy; NCERT Class 9 - Economics textbook; NCERT Class 10 - Understanding Economic Development; NCERT Class 11 - Indian Economic Development; NCERT Class 12 - Introductory Microeconomics; NCERT Class 12 - Introductory Macroeconomics

Science

Classes 6-10

For Science, the NCERT textbooks from classes 6 to 10 are fundamental. The specific books are:

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics: NCERT Class 6 to 10 textbooks, especially classes 9 and 10 Class 11 Chemistry: Unit 14 Biology: Units 4 and 5 Class 12 Chemistry: Unit 16; Biology: Units 8, 9, and 10

Environment and Ecology

For Environmental and Ecological concepts, refer to the last four chapters of NCERT Class XII Biology book (Chapters 13 to 16).

Best Books for General Studies Paper 4: Ethics

For Ethics, the NCERT Class XII textbook on Psychology is essential. Read selectively for meaningful insights.

Additional Resources and Tips

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires more than just NCERT books. Here are some additional resources and tips:

Current Affairs: Stay updated with daily current affairs through roundups, videos, and articles Practice Tests and Mock Tests: Utilize subject/topic-wise practice tests and free mock tests to gauge your understanding and readiness. Expert-Led Live Classes: Attend expert-led live classes for effective guidance and insights. Preparation Tips: Follow expert advice and preparation tips for efficient exam preparation. Video Lessons and Shortcuts: Watch video lessons and learn shortcuts to quickly grasp complex concepts.

To sum up, NCERT books are an integral part of UPSC preparation. By referring to the specific classes mentioned in this guide, you can build a strong foundation and enhance your chances of success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.