When I first decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, what confused me the most was which NCERT books to read for UPSC. It was overwhelming with hundreds of recommendations floating around, YouTube videos, Telegram PDF, and coaching notes.
But after months of research, talking to mentors, and watching topper interviews, one thing became crystal clear:
Start with NCERTs. Master them. Then move to standard UPSC books.
If you’re a beginner and just starting your UPSC journey, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through the best NCERT books for UPSC, followed by the best standard IAS preparation books, subject-wise. I’ll also add a one-line reason for each recommendation, so you know exactly why it’s worth your time.
Why NCERT Books for Civil Services Examination?
- Simple Language: Written for school students, so very easy to understand.
- Authentic Information: Directly from government-backed sources.
- Concept Clarity: Build your foundation before you move to heavy books.
- Direct Questions: Many UPSC prelims and mains questions come straight from NCERTs!
Subject-Wise NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation
Let’s go subject by subject and see which NCERTs are worth reading:
History: NCERT Book for Civil Services Examination
1. Class 6–12 History NCERTs (Old + New)
Why read? Gives you a chronological and conceptual understanding of India’s past.
- Class 6-8 Our Past series (New NCERT)
- Class 9 – India and the Contemporary World
- Class 10 – India and the Contemporary World – II
- Class 11 – Themes in World History
- Class 12 – Themes in Indian History Part I, II & III
Geography: NCERT Book for UPSE
2. Class 6–12 Geography NCERT book for upse
Why read? Crystal clear maps, concepts, and diagrams – perfect for prelims and mains.
- Class 6–8 Geography: The Earth, Our Habitat, Resources and Development
- Class 9 – Contemporary India Part 1
- Class 10 – Contemporary India Part 2
- Class 11 – Fundamentals of Physical Geography + India Physical Environment
- Class 12 – Fundamentals of Human Geography + India People and Economy
Political Science: NCERT Book for Civil Services Examination
3. Class 9–12 Political Science NCERT
Why read? Introduces democratic values, the Indian Constitution, and governance basics.
- Class 9 – Democratic Politics – I
- Class 10 – Democratic Politics – II
- Class 11 – Indian Constitution at Work
- Class 12 – Politics in India Since Independence
Economics NCERT Book for UPSE
4. Class 9–12 Economics NCERT
Why read? Strong basics in demand-supply, sectors of the economy, poverty, and budgeting.
- Class 9 – Economics (The Story of Village Palampur, etc.)
- Class 10 – Understanding Economic Development
- Class 11 – Indian Economic Development
- Class 12 – Introductory Macroeconomics
Science & Technology NCERT Book for UPSE
5. Class 6–10 Science NCERT (Selective Reading)
Why read? For prelims, science-based questions are gold for clarity.
Class 6–10 Science NCERT Books
Environment & Ecology
6. Class 12 Biology (Last Unit: Environment)
Why read? Basics of ecology, pollution, and biodiversity – asked frequently in prelims.
Class 12 Biology NCERT (Environmental chapters)
Best Standard UPSC Books After NCERTs
Once your NCERT foundation is strong, move on to these tried and tested UPSC preparation books used by toppers:
Polity
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Why? Considered the “Bible of Polity” for UPSC.
Buy on Amazon
History
India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra
Why? Beautiful storytelling + factual richness. Great for Mains.
Buy on Amazon
Ancient and Medieval India – R.S. Sharma & Satish Chandra (Old NCERT or Spectrum)
Why? Simple, to-the-point history coverage.
Buy on Amazon
Modern India – Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir
Why? Concise, structured, and loved by toppers.
Buy on Amazon
Geography
Certificate Physical and Human Geography – G.C. Leong
Why? Concept clarity + map-based understanding.
Buy on Amazon
Economy
Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania / Ramesh Singh
Why? Updated with government schemes and budget topics.
Buy Nitin Singhania’s Book
Environment
Environment by Shankar IAS
Why? UPSC-specific, current affairs integrated.
Buy on Amazon
Current Affairs
Daily Newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express)
Why? Builds your analytical ability for Mains + Interview.
Monthly Magazine – Vision IAS/PT365/Insights
Why? Great for revising current affairs quickly.
⭐ My Personal Favourite Out of All
If I had to pick just one book that changed the game for me in UPSC prep, it would be:
Polity by M. Laxmikanth – because this book doesn’t just help in Prelims, but it builds a strong foundation for Mains, Interview, and even life as a civil servant.
Final Words: Start Simple, Stay Consistent
UPSC is not about reading 100 different books. It’s about reading 10 good books, 3–4 times.
Start with NCERT books for UPSC, master your basics, and slowly move on to the best IAS preparation books listed above. Trust the process, stay consistent, and remember:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
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