"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This famous quote by legendary Chinese philosopher Lao Tzo serves as a reminder that even the most significant achievements of life begin with simple and small actions. The goal may seem distant and challenging, but starting the journey with small, manageable steps is key. Over time, consistent efforts accumulate, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal.
UPSC preparation is filled with extensive study, countless hours of hard work, and relentless perseverance. However, just like any long journey, it all starts with a single step. By focusing on the immediate tasks and breaking down the preparation into smaller, achievable milestones, aspirants can make steady progress.
The first and most important step in your preparation strategy for the UPSC exam is to build a strong foundation. This foundation is built by studying NCERT books. These textbooks are more than just basic study materials; they are indispensable for a successful UPSC preparation plan. NCERT books are known for their clear explanations, well-organized content, and alignment with the curriculum.
But the question that remains in every aspirant's mind is, which NCERT books to read for UPSC? In this blog, we bring you the checklist of NCERT books that every aspirant should have on their study shelf to helm through this journey successfully. Let's discover!
It is important to understand that starting your preparation with the right resources can make all the difference. In this journey, NCERT books can be your best friend and guide. Here are some key points to understand their importance:
NCERT books for UPSC help students build a long-lasting foundation in basic concepts. This practice is essential for understanding more advanced topics later on in the preparation phase. They focus on developing core competencies in key areas, which is essential for answering conceptual questions in the UPSC exam.
NCERT textbooks are known for their simplicity and clarity. These books cover a wide range of topics comprehensively. The content is well-structured, with tables, diagrams, charts, and important data, which are easy to follow and understand. This makes it easier for students to grasp essential information without feeling overwhelmed.
NCERT books provide a balanced view of different subjects. This holistic approach helps students to connect different concepts. Thorough reading of NCERT books for UPSC is essential for answering the diverse and interdisciplinary questions that appear in the mains exam. For example, NCERT history books present chronological events and also explain the social, economic, and cultural contexts of those events.
NCERT books cover a significant portion of the UPSC syllabus. They provide comprehensive coverage of essential topics across various subjects such as history, geography, economics, and science. By studying NCERT books for UPSC students can be confident that they are covering the basics thoroughly, which is critical for both the Prelims and Mains exams.
One of the biggest advantages of NCERT books is their affordability. These books are priced reasonably, making them accessible to a broad range of students. Additionally, they are widely available in both print and digital formats. For easy access to these valuable resources, you can visit NCERT's official website to download the books you need.
To make NCERT books an excellent starting point for your UPSC journey, must-watch What NCERTs (OLD & NEW) to study for UPSC IAS Exam - All you need to know
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is designed in a comprehensive and well-structured format that covers a broad spectrum of topics. NCERT textbooks are used in school education across India. They offer a structured and detailed understanding of fundamental concepts, making them essential for UPSC General Studies preparation. This list provides a subject-wise breakdown of recommended NCERT books for UPSC by toppers and subject matter experts for each general studies paper.
This general studies paper covers the broad aspects of India's cultural heritage, historical developments, and geographical features. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the country's past and present. Come, let’s go through the booklist:
UPSC General Studies Paper II focuses on the functioning of governance structures, constitutional principles, political systems, social justice issues, and international relations. Let’s explore the variety of NCERT books required to cover the basics of this paper:
Paper III of UPSC general studies examines the impact and advancements in science and technology, economic growth, environmental conservation, biodiversity, and strategies for security and disaster management. Check out the list of NCERT books for UPSC:
This general studies paper focuses on understanding and applying ethical principles. This includes maintaining integrity in decision-making and demonstrating problem-solving and analytical skills. These skills are required for handling ethical dilemmas in public and private life. Let’s be familiar with this section:
Read: UPSC Mains 2024-25: Effective Ethics Strategy Preparation Plan
This structured approach using NCERT books for UPSC provides a thorough grounding in the various subjects. Complement these resources with current affairs, advanced reference books, and practical exercises for a holistic preparation strategy.
While preparing, a strategic and smart approach can give you the desired results to ace the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The smart approach begins with understanding effectively using the study materials. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively study from NCERT books for UPSC to maximize your chances of success in this exam:
Reading subject-wise means you should cover each subject in its entirety across all classes rather than studying class-wise. This method helps in understanding the continuity and progression of topics. For History, start with Class VI NCERTs and move up to Class XII, covering ancient, medieval, and modern history in a seamless flow. This will ensure a holistic understanding of the subject.
To effectively structure your subject-wise study plan, read How Many Hours Per Day Required To Study For UPSC IAS Exam?
While reading NCERT books for UPSC, make concise notes that capture key points, important dates, definitions, and summaries. This will help in quick revision and reinforce your understanding. For example, while studying Geography, summarize each chapter in bullet points, highlighting critical concepts like physical features, climatic conditions, and natural resources.
Efficient time management is the key to covering the extensive UPSC syllabus. Allocate specific time slots for each subject and stick to your schedule. Dedicate two hours daily to one subject, rotating subjects each day. For instance, spend Monday on History, Tuesday on Geography, and so on.
Also Read: Setting a Study Timetable for UPSC Preparation
Older NCERT textbooks are known for their detailed explanations, especially for subjects like History and Geography. Read these NCERT books for UPSC to gain deeper insights into historical events and data. Refer to "Ancient India" by RS Sharma and "Modern India" by Bipan Chandra from the Old NCERT series for a comprehensive understanding of India’s historical background.
The latest NCERT textbooks incorporate recent developments and updated information, which is essential for topics like current affairs, environmental issues, and technology. Use the latest edition of Class XII Political Science books to understand contemporary world politics and the latest developments in Indian governance.
Combining these strategies will ensure a thorough and effective preparation using NCERT books for UPSC.
Determining which NCERT books to read for UPSC is a pivotal step in your exam preparation journey. NCERT books, ranging from Class VI to Class XII, are instrumental in providing a strong foundation across various subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science. By focusing on these subjects, you can enhance your ability to tackle answer writing in the mains examination.
NCERT books for UPSC provide a structured presentation of concepts. Reading them subject-wise ensures a cohesive understanding of each topic, allowing for better connections between different themes. It enables candidates to approach the exam with greater confidence and competence.
While NCERT books form the backbone of UPSC preparation, complementing them with advanced reference books and current affairs is essential for a well-rounded approach. Advanced reference books offer more detailed analyses, diverse perspectives, and in-depth coverage. Moreover, by strategically integrating both old and new editions, aspirants can gain historical insights and stay updated with recent developments. This dual approach ensures both foundational knowledge and contemporary issues, equipping you with the necessary tools to excel in the UPSC exam.
For a structured approach and more resources on which NCERT books to read for UPSC, visit SuperKalam's UPSC Preparation Guide.
For detailed strategies, study plans, and expert advice on leveraging NCERT books for your UPSC preparation, check out SuperKalam's comprehensive resources today and take your first step toward UPSC success!
NCERT books for UPSC provide a clear and concise explanation of fundamental concepts, making them essential for building a strong foundation for UPSC preparation.
It's recommended to study NCERT books daily, focusing on one subject at a time. Summarize each chapter and make concise notes for quick revision.
NCERT books for UPSC cover basic concepts comprehensively and are written in simple language, which helps in understanding and retaining fundamental topics across various subjects.
You can download NCERT book PDFs from the official NCERT website or other educational websites that provide free access to these resources.
Yes, by following a disciplined schedule, prioritizing key subjects, and using summarized notes, you can cover essential NCERT books within a month.
NCERT books are fundamental, but you should also refer to advanced reference books, current affairs, and practice papers for comprehensive preparation.
While not all questions are directly from NCERT books, many questions are based on concepts and topics covered in these books.
Reading NCERT books at least two to three times helps reinforce concepts and ensures better retention and understanding.
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