Which books to read for UPSC Civil Services(IAS) Exam?
Well, this question is a fundamental one and also probably the most asked. But worry not! For, we have a purposefully and diligently crafted list of booksto help you succeed
Why is it important to select the right books?
Because, its your selection of books that determines most part of your success
Is reading too many books a good idea?
Is eating too much good for health? No, Not at all!! Same applies in the case of reading books too. Select the right books, read them multiple times, analyse and you're ready.
Do I have to read different books for prelims and mains?
Not exactly. For the most part, books for prelims and mains are the same but the way of reading is different. In prelims, you just have to pick an answer out of the four options, whereas in Mains, you should be thorough in analysis and facts are less important.
However, mains preparation requires extra set of books due to addition of various topics in syllabus
For example, internal security topic is only there in Mains, not in preliminary
Polity
Basic Books:
- NCERTs-Class-VI to Class-XI(Download here)
- Most important NCERT is Indian Constitution at Work(Class XI)
Advanced Books:
Additional Reading:
- Economic survey
- India Year Book and
- The Hindu for current affairs
Please buy the books by clicking on the links below
(Disclosure: It helps us generate some revenue to maintain the website)
Geography
Geography preparation for prelims and mains is hardly different from one another. So, a comprehensive preparation for prelims and mains can be done at the same time
Basic Books:
- NCERTs from Class VI to XII
- Principles of Geography (old NCERT for Class XI) is a must read
Advanced Books
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
- Geography of India by Majid Hussain
- Oxford Atlas(good for mapping India resources and places)
- Orient Longman Atlas(good for mapping international resources)
Please buy the books by clicking on the links below
(Disclosure: It helps us generate some revenue to maintain the website)
Economy
Economy, more precisely Indian Economy is probably one of the most interesting topics in civil services preparation. It doesn't involve formulas or calculations-its not the scary academic economics or complicated business economics.
Take a deep breath! This subject is going to take you through amazing journey across Indian economy
Basic Books:
- NCERT Books of Class IX-XII(Download Here)
- Indian Economic Development(NCERT Class XI) is a must read
Please bear in mind that focus in civil services exam is almost entirely on Macroeconomics. So, don't bang your head against the wall in trying to understand microeconomics
Advanced Books:
Additional Reading:
- Economic survey
- India Year Book and
- The Hindu for current affairs
Please buy the books by clicking on the links below
(Disclosure: It helps us generate some revenue to maintain the website)