About UPSC
UPSC Booklist & Resources – Best Books to crack IAS Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services examination, esteemed for its rigorous assessment of a wide range of subjects, challenges aspirants to demonstrate a profound understanding and analytical capability across various domains.
Before we look into the preparation and study resources , it’s pivotal to grasp the structure of the UPSC CSE, which is segmented into Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. Each stage demands distinct preparation strategies and resource selections, underlined by an adaptable approach to mastering the vast syllabus.
This blog is dedicated to guiding UPSC candidates through the vast ocean of resources, providing a curated list of indispensable books for UPSC and materials to maximize their utility for the Preliminary stage of the UPSC examination.
[Blog: UPSC Prelims GS Syllabus & PYQ: Focus on What Matters]
Preliminary Examination: Building a Solid Foundation
The Preliminary stage is your first milestone, where a well-structured preparation strategy is key. Here’s a focussed and best books for IAS to cover the extensive static and dynamic portion of syllabus effectively:
A. Static Portion of Syllabus
1. Polity & Governance
- Prelims Syllabus: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Primary (Essential) References
- 9th -10th NCERT: Democratic Politics,
- 11th NCERT: Indian Constitution at Work.
- M. Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity.”
- VisionIAS Value Addition Material – Polity and Governance.
- VisionIAS Quick Revision Module (QRM) – Polity
- Secondary (Additional) References
- D.D. Basu’s “Introduction to the Constitution of India”
- Subhash Kashyap’s “Our Political System”
- 2nd ARC Reports (1st, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th ,13th, 14th & 15th) on various aspects of governance and polity
[Polity 7-year PYQ Trend Analysis and Discussion]
2. Indian and World Geography
- Prelims Syllabus: Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
- Primary (Essential) References
- 11th NCERTs: Fundamentals of Physical Geography; India Physical Environment
- 12th NCERTs: India People & Economy; Fundamental of Human Geography
- Goh Cheng Leong’s: “Certificate Physical and Human Geography.”
- Orient Longman or Oxford Atlas.
- VisionIAS Value Addition Material – Geography.
- VisionIAS Quick Revision Module (QRM) – Geography.
- Secondary (Additional) References
- Old NCERT: Books of Geography (class 6,7,8)
- IX and Xth NCERT: Contemporary India Part 1 & 2
- ICSE 9th & 10th: Total Geography
- Down To Earth Magazine
- Website of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare – Annual reports, etc.
[Geography 7-year PYQ Trend Analysis & Discussion]
3. History of India (Ancient, Medieval and Modern) and Art & Culture
- Prelims Syllabus: History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Primary (Essential) References:
- Old NCERT: Ancient India; Medieval India; Modern India
- Class XI NCERT – Introduction to Indian Art (part-1).
- New NCERT: Themes in Indian History Part 1,2&3.
- Upinder Singh’s “A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century”.
- “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipin Chandra.
- CCRT website for Art & Culture.
- VisionIAS Quick Revision Modules : Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Art & Culture.
- Secondary (Additional) References
- TN Board History, Class XIth textbooks
- NIOS Art & Culture
- AL Basham’s “The Wonder That Was India”( specific chapters- like “The Harappa Culture & The Aryans; Religion: Cults, Doctrines and Metaphysics; The Arts: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Music and The Dance & Language and Literature
- “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum Publication for modern history
- “From Plassey to Partition: A History of Modern India” by Sekhar Bandyopadhyay
- B.L. Grover’s “Modern Indian History”.
[Modern India 7-year PYQ Trend Analysis and Discussion]
[Ancient, Medieval and Art & Culture 7-year PYQ Trend Analysis & Discussion]
4. Indian Economy and Development
- Prelims Syllabus: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- Primary (Essential) References:
- 11th NCERT: Indian Economic Development
- 12th NCERT: Macroeconomics
- 12th NCERT: Microeconomics
- 12th NCERT: Business Studies (for Financial Market only)
- Vision IAS Value Addition Material – Economy.
- VisionIAS Quick Revision Module (QRM) – Economy.
- Secondary (Additional) References
- Union Budget and Economic Survey
- Websites like Ministry of Finance, Arthapedia, Vikaspedia, investopedia
- Official sites of WTO, IMF, WIPO and regulatory bodies like RBI, SEBI etc.
[Economy 7-year PYQ Trend Analysis & Discussion]
5. Environment & Ecology
- Prelims Syllabus: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
- Primary (Essential) References:
- Our Environment – NCERT (VII)
- NCERT Biology 12th – Unit 10 on Ecology (chapter 13, 14, 15 & 16)
- NCERT Chemistry 11th (Part II) – Chapter 14 (Environmental Chemistry)
- ICSE Environmental Education 9th & 10th
- VisionIAS Value Addition Material – Environment
- VisionIAS Quick Revision Modules (QRM) – Environment
- Secondary (Additional) References
- Ecology & Environment Chapter (India Year Book)
- Ecology and Environment – ICSE books 11th & 12th
- Down to Earth magazine
- Website of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Earth Sciences – Annual reports, etc
- Official website of the UN, MOEFCC etc and other international organizations involved in conservation efforts.
[Environment 7-year PYQ Trend Analysis & Discussion]
6. Basic Science and Science & Technology (S&T)
- Prelims Syllabus: General Science.
- Primary (Essential) References:
- 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th NCERT: Science
- Class 12th Biology NCERT (Read Chapters according to syllabus)
- Official Websites like ISRO, DST, DRDO, DAE etc.
- Science Reporter Magazine
- Secondary (Additional) References
- Official Websites like ISRO, DST, DRDO, DAE etc.
- Science Reporter Magazine
B. Dynamic portion of syllabus or Current Affairs (Across all the subjects)
- Prelims Syllabus: Current events of national and international importance.
- Primary (Essential) References:
- Standard newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express.
- VisionIAS Daily News Today
- VisionIAS Monthly Current Affairs Magazine
- VisionIAS PT 365
- Secondary (Additional) References
- Yojana, Kurukshetra magazines.
- Websites like PIB, PRSIndia.org for legislative and policy analysis
- Major newspapers and magazines like TOI, Livemint, The Economic Times, Business Standard, Economic & Political Weekly, Frontline, and India Today for diverse perspectives on current issues
[Blog : How to Prepare Current Affairs for Prelims]
Having navigated through the exhaustive booklist and resources essential for the Preliminary stage of the UPSC examination, it becomes clear that preparation is not just about hard work but smart work. Utilizing these IAS books resources effectively can turn the daunting task of covering the vast syllabus into a manageable endeavor.
As you approach your studies, remember that integrating these materials with consistent practice, analysis of previous years’ question papers, and regular mock tests will sharpen your edge for the examination.
[Blog: Toppers Learning Insights on Prelims]
In a nutshell, embarking on the UPSC journey requires diligence, strategic planning, and the right set of resources. This blog aims to streamline your preparation process, offering a blueprint to chart your course through the extensive syllabus efficiently. Remember, consistency, revision, and a balanced approach towards mental and physical well-being are key to succeeding in the UPSC examination
