NCERT books are essential for UPSC aspirants because they provide a strong foundation in core concepts, are aligned with the syllabus, and offer clarity in explaining complex topics.

We have curated a subject-wise list of NCERT books, carefully selected to be highly relevant for UPSC exam preparation. Every aspirant who begins preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam has one question in mind: “Which NCERT books should I refer to for UPSC?” The answer, although elementary, is critical. NCERTs should always be done before any other study material. The NCERTs form the building blocks for UPSC Prelims and Mains; they provide insight, conceptual clarity, and simplified explanation of topics. This article by Vajirao and Reddy IAS Institute attempts to explain which NCERT books are crucial for the UPSC/IAS exam and provides an exhaustive NCERT book list to prepare for the civil service exam. These NCERT books that are necessary for the Civil Services Examination will assist you in both the UPSC Prelims and Mains. Now, let us go through some of the important NCERT books for the UPSC and how to read them properly.What NCERT Books are important for UPSC CSE?Before we move to the list, Essential NCERT books for UPSC preparation span subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Economics, covering classes 6 to 12. Read below the reason why NCERT books are so important for UPSC CSE- Trustworthy: They are error-free because they are published by the government. Explained easily: They are written in easy language, which makes the concept elementary. Laid-out Clearly: They prepare the aspirants, especially the new ones, for hard books in later stages. Questions Directly Asked in Prelims: Questions from NCERTs or their close versions can often be seen in the UPSC papers as they do.Selecting the Best NCERTsAll the NCERT books from class 6 to class 12 are available in the market. However, you need not read all the books of every class. The emphasis must only be on subjects that are helpful for the UPSC syllabus, such as History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science, and Sociology. Let’s get into the subject-wise explanation of all the NCERTs that you will need to read.1. History: History NCERTs give a story and timeline methodology that serves well for the Prelims and the Mains in the UPSC exam.Must-Read: 6th Class - Our Pasts - I 7th Class - Our Pasts - II 8th Class - Our Pasts - III 9th Class - India and the Contemporary World - I 10th Class - India and the Contemporary World - II 11th Class - Themes in World History 12th Class - Themes in Indian History I, II, IIIIn the Mains, concentration should be on the Class 12 books as they include the freedom struggle, post-independence consolidation, and socio-cultural changes.2. Geography: The geography NCERTs are exceptionally well-crafted, covering the explanation of monsoons, rivers, resources, urbanisation, and more, in detail. Additionally, if an aspirant chooses geography as an optional subject, he or she can opt for Geography optional coaching at Vajirao and Reddy IAS Institute, a top IAS Coaching in Delhi.Must-read: Class 6 to 8 - For foundational understanding of geographical phenomena Class 9 - Contemporary India - I Class 10 - Contemporary India - II Class 11 - Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India - Physical Environment Class 12 - Human Geography, India – People and EconomyBooks from these two Class 11 and Class 12, are essential for GS Paper 1 and the Prelims.3. Polity: NCERT's Polity books introduce students to the basics of political theory, constitution, and democratic governance. It caters to understanding preliminary politics.Essentially Important:From classes 6 to 8 – Social and Political Life I, II, III (introduction to democracy, governance) Class 9 – Democratic Politics – I Class 10 – Democratic Politics – II Class 11 – Indian Constitution at Work Class 12 – Politics in India Since IndependencePay extra attention to Class 11 and 12 to understand the concepts in depth, along with the constitution.4. Economics: The NCERTs will help you gain a preliminary understanding of the Indian and world economies, which is needed for the Prelims and GS Paper 3.Mandatory Reading: Class 9 - Economics Class 10 - Understanding Economic Development Class 11 - Indian Economic Development Class 12 - Introductory MacroeconomicsDo not overlook classes 9 and 10 economics as they are a great starting point, but place more emphasis on classes 11 and 12.5. Science: The Science NCERTs are handy for the Prelims, especially for Environment and Technology questions. Go through all science textbooks (including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) from Grade 6 and 10 books for conceptual clarity. Emphasise on Biology and Environmental Science sections. If you do not have a science background, you can skip Class 11 and 12 Science NCERTs.6. Sociology (Optional or General Studies)For Sociology Optional as well as students preparing for GS Paper 1 and Essay, the following books will be helpful: From Class 11, study Introducing Sociology. From Class 12, focus on Indian Society, Social Change, and Development in India.How to Read NCERTs Effectively? Make understanding the primary goal, alongside taking notes. Make Notes for History as well as in Polity and Economy. Highlight important information like key dates and definitions, factual material, and examples. For practice, especially for the Prelims, use NCERT-based MCQs.Concluding remarksYou can use NCERT books at any stage of preparation. They serve as the fundamental groundwork needed before using reference materials such as Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History, and Ramesh Singh for Economics. Also, the NCERT books serve as your foundation throughout the Polity, History, and Economy subjects. Begin your UPSC preparation with NCERT books, as these are crucial in guiding you through the path leading to your achievement.

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