NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation 2024

NCERT textbooks are essential for preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. While it’s ideal to study all UPSC-related books from classes 6 to 12, some topics are more important than others. Here’s a list of key NCERT books and topics for the IAS exam:

Subject-Wise NCERT Books for UPSC

1. History:

• Class 6: Our Past
• Class 7: Our Past-I
• Class 8: Our Past II and III
• Class 9: India and the Contemporary World – I and II
• Class 10: Themes In World History
• Class 12: Themes In Indian History – I, II, and III

2. Indian Society:

• Classes 6-8: Social & Political Life I, II, III
• Class 11: Understanding Society
• Class 12: Indian Society, Social Change and Development in India

3. Art & Culture:

• Class 11: An Introduction to Indian Art, Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)

4. Geography:

• Class 6: The Earth Our Habitat
• Class 7: Our Environment
• Class 8: Resource and Development
• Class 9-10: Contemporary India – I and II
• Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India – Physical Environment
• Class 12: Fundamentals of Human Geography, India – People and Economy

5. Polity:

• Class 9-10: Democratic Politics Part – I and II
• Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work, Political Theory
• Class 12: Contemporary World Politics, Politics in India since Independence

6. Economy:

• Class 9: Economics
• Class 10: Understanding Economic Development
• Class 11: Indian Economic Development
• Class 12: Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics

7. Science & Technology:

• Classes 6-10: Science
• Class 11-12: Selected units from Chemistry and Biology

8. Environment & Ecology:

• Class 12 Biology: Last four chapters (13 to 16)

9. Ethics:

• Class 12 Psychology (read selectively)

You can download the NCERT book pdf’s from the official website from – Here

Must-Read NCERT Books by Class:

Class 6-8: Focus on History, Geography, and Civics
Class 9-10: All subjects, especially History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science
Class 11-12: All subjects, with emphasis on History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics

Tips for Using NCERT Books:

1. History: Read all books thoroughly, focusing on classes 11 and 12
2. Geography: Cover all books, paying special attention to classes 11 and 12
3. Economics: Class 11 and selected chapters from class 12 are sufficient if you’re familiar with the subject
4. Science: Class 9 and 10 books are generally enough
5. Polity: Focus on classes 11 and 12, but read 9 and 10 as well

Frequently Asked Questions:

1- Are NCERT books enough for IAS?

Ans- NCERT books are essential but not sufficient. Supplement them with reference books and newspapers.

2- Which are the best books for geography?

Ans- NCERT books (6-12), a good atlas, and “Geography of India” by Majid Hussain.

3- When are IAS exams held?

Ans- Prelims: Usually in May/June
Mains: Usually in September/October
Interview: Early next year

4- Does UPSC ask questions directly from NCERT?

Ans- Yes, many questions in UPSC exams are based on NCERT content.

5- Are science NCERT books needed?

Ans- While not as crucial as other subjects, they’re useful for basic concepts. Focus more on current affairs for science topics.

6- Should I read both old and new NCERT books?

Ans- You can choose either, but ensure you cover the entire syllabus.

7- Are NCERT math books necessary?

Ans- They’re not essential but can be helpful for CSAT preparation.

Conclusion-

Remember, while NCERT books are fundamental, they should be complemented with other resources like newspapers, magazines, and reference books to fully prepare for the UPSC exam. Consistency and a well-planned study schedule are key to covering all the material effectively.