Preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Civil Services Examination is a demanding yet rewarding journey. An indispensable resource for UPSC aspirants is the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks.

These meticulously crafted books provide a solid foundation and comprehensive knowledge, making them invaluable tools for success. This article explores the pivotal NCERT books for UPSC preparation, elaborating on their significance and offering insights into effective study strategies.

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The Unsung Heroes: NCERT Books

In the competitive landscape of UPSC exams, aspirants scramble for the best resources, mentors, and strategies. Amidst this chaos, NCERT books stand as the unsung heroes. Despite their humble appearance and affordability, they are a treasure trove of knowledge. These books are a testament to the philosophy that true wisdom doesn’t need flashy covers or exorbitant price tags.

NCERT books are like a well-structured roadmap, guiding aspirants through the intricate terrain of the UPSC syllabus. They are revered for several compelling reasons, each contributing to their undeniable significance in UPSC preparation. The journey to becoming a civil servant is strewn with hurdles and challenges, but with NCERT books as your trusty companions, you can stride forward with unwavering confidence.

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Importance of NCERT Books for UPSC

There are several compelling reasons why teachers and IAS (Indian Administrative Services) aspirants alike revere NCERT books:

1. Structured Content: NCERT books are renowned for presenting information in a well-organized manner. Their structured content provides clarity and facilitates better understanding.
2. Linguistic Simplicity: The language used in NCERT books is straightforward, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of learners, including those who may not have a specialized background.
3. Foundation Building: NCERT books serve as a solid foundation for UPSC preparation. They cover a wide range of topics that are integral to the UPSC syllabus.
4. Comprehensive Coverage: These books encompass a plethora of critical subjects, including history, geography, science, economics, polity, sociology, and art and culture, ensuring aspirants have access to a wealth of knowledge.
5. Question Relevance: UPSC has a history of directly posing questions from NCERT books. Therefore, being well-versed in these texts is advantageous for exam success.

How to Study Effectively from NCERT Books?

Studying from NCERT books can be highly effective if approached methodically. Here are some tips to enhance your preparation:

1. Subject-Based Reading: Rather than progressing through the books class-wise, focus on one subject at a time. This approach allows you to delve deeper into specific topics.
2. Note-Taking: While reading, take notes of key points and highlight essential information. This practice will aid your revision.
3. Time Management: Allocate a specific period to complete each book or subject. Time management will prevent you from procrastinating and ensure you adhere to a study schedule.
4. Old NCERTs: For history subjects, consider referring to older NCERT books (pre-2000) alongside newer ones. The older versions often offer more in-depth historical insight.
5. Stay Updated: Geography and other subjects that involve changes over time require you to read both new and old NCERTs to remain current with geographical and political alterations.
6. Revise Regularly: Consistent revision is vital. Go back to your notes and key concepts frequently to reinforce your understanding.

Crucial NCERT Books for UPSC

To help you navigate the vast expanse of NCERT textbooks, here’s a list of indispensable NCERT books classified by subject and class:

General Studies Paper I:

History:

• Class VI: Our Past I
• Class VII: Our Past II
• Class VIII: Our Past III, Part 1
• Class IX: India and the Contemporary World
• Class X: India and Contemporary World II
• Class XI: Themes in World History
• Class XII: Themes in Indian History: Part I, Part II, Part III

 Indian Polity:

• Class IX: Politics Part – I
• Class X: Politics Part – II
• Class XI: Indian Constitution at Work
• Class XI: Political Theory
• Class XII: Contemporary World Politics
• Class XII: Politics in India Since Independence

Geography:

• Class VI: The Earth, Our Habitat
• Class VII: Our Environment
• Class VIII: Resource and Development
• Class IX: Contemporary India
• Class X: Contemporary India, II
• Class XI: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
• Class XI: India: Physical Environment
• Class XII: Fundamentals of Human Geography
• Class XII: India: People and Economy

General Studies Paper II:

Indian Society:

• Class VI: Social and Political Life,I
• Class VII: Social and Political Life, II
• Class VIII: Social and Political Life, III
• Class XI: Understanding Society
• Class XII: Indian Society
• Class XII: Social Change and Development in India

Art and Culture:

• Class XI: An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I
• Class XII: Living Craft Traditions of India

General Studies Paper III:

Economics:

• Class IX: Economics
• Class X: Understanding Economic Development
• Class XI: Indian Economic Development
• Class XII: Introductory Microeconomics
• Class XII: Introductory Macroeconomics

Science:

• Class VI: Science: Textbook for Class VI
• Class VII: Science: – Textbook for Class VII
• Class VIII: Science: – Textbook for Class VIII
• Class IX: Science: Textbook for Class IX
• Class X: Science: Textbook for Class X
• Class XI: Chemistry, Part II (Unit 14)
• Class XI: Biology, Unit 4 and Unit 5
• Class XII: Chemistry, Part II (Unit 16)
• Class XII: Biology: Unit 8, Unit 9, and Unit 10

Environmental Science:

• Class XII: Biology: Last Four Chapters (13 to 16)

General Studies Paper IV:

Psychology:

• Class XI: Psychology
• Class XII: Psychology

Conclusion:

As we come to the end of our investigation into the crucial role that NCERT books play in UPSC preparation, it is abundantly clear that these books are more than just study guides; they serve as the foundation upon which aspirants construct their aspirations. The challenging path to a career in the civil services demands dedication, grit, and a well-structured knowledge base. NCERT books offer precisely that.

So, whether you are a beginner taking your first steps into the world of UPSC or a seasoned aspirant looking for a refresher, remember the indispensable role of NCERT books in your success. They’re your silent companions, your trusted guides, and your unwavering support system on this arduous yet rewarding journey. Embrace them, study them, and make them your allies on the path to UPSC glory. Your success story might just begin with the turn of a page in one of these unassuming volumes.

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Tanu Bhatnagar

Meet Tanu Bhatnagar, an educational expert with extensive experience in teaching, research and mentoring.With a decade in... (Full bio)