Important NCERTs for UPSC Preparation

Essence of NCERTs for UPSC

NCERT textbooks are foundational resources for UPSC preparation. They provide clarity on basic concepts, are written in simple language, and cover a vast range of topics essential for the UPSC syllabus.

Why NCERTs are Essential for UPSC

1. Conceptual Clarity: NCERT books explain fundamental concepts clearly, which is crucial for answering both objective and subjective questions. Example: Understanding the basics of the Indian economy from NCERT helps in tackling complex economic issues in the exam.

2. Standard Language: The straightforward language of NCERTs aids in comprehending intricate topics without confusion. Example: NCERT’s explanation of historical events is simple yet detailed, making it easier to remember and recall.

3. Reliable Information: Being government publications, the information in NCERT books is accurate and trustworthy. Example: Facts about Indian polity and governance are reliable as presented in NCERT textbooks.

List of Important NCERTs for UPSC

Paper I (General Studies)

 History

1. History: NCERT Class VI – Our Past – 1
2. History: NCERT Class VII – Our Past – II
3. History: NCERT Class VIII – Our Past III
4. History: NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – 1
5. History: NCERT Class X – India and the Contemporary World – II
6. History: NCERT Class XI – Themes in World History
7. History: NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – 1
8. History: NCERT Class XII Themes in Indian History – II
9. History: NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – III
10. Old NCERT History books (RS Sharma, Satish Chandra, Bipin Chandra & Arjun Dev)

 Geography

1. Geography: NCERT Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat
2. Geography: NCERT Class VII – Our Environment
3. Geography: NCERT Class VIII – Resource and Development
4. Geography: NCERT Class IX – Contemporary India – I
5. Geography: NCERT Class X – Contemporary India – II
6. Geography: NCERT Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography
7. Geography: NCERT Class XI – India – Physical Environment
8. Geography: NCERT Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography
9. Geography: NCERT Class XII – India People and Economy

Art & Culture

1. Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art
2. Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)

INDIAN SOCIETY BOOKS (SOCIOLOGY and SOCIAL STUDIES)

1. Indian Society: NCERT Class VI – Social Science: Social & Political Life I
2. Indian Society: NCERT Class VII – Social Science: Social & Political Life II
3. Indian Society: NCERT Class VIII – Social Science: Social & Political Life III
4. NCERT Class 11-Sociology Book Introducing Sociology
5. NCERT Class 11-Sociology Book – Understanding Society
6. NCERT Class 12-Sociology Book – Indian Society
7. NCERT Class 12-Sociology Book – Social Change and Development in India

Paper-II (General Studies)

 Polity

1. Polity: NCERT Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part-1
2. Polity: NCERT Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
3. Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
4. Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Political Theory
5. Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics
6. Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence

Paper III (General Studies)

 Economy

1. Economy: NCERT Class IX Economics
2. Economy: NCERT Class X – Understanding Economic Development
3. Economy: NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development
4. Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics
5. Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics

 Science & Technology

1. Science: NCERT Class VI
2. Science: NCERT Class VII
3. Science: NCERT Class VIII
4. Science: NCERT Class IX
5. Science: NCERT Class X
6. Science: NCERT Class XI – Chemistry: Unit 14
7. Science NCERT Class XI – Biology: Units 4 & 5
8. Science NCERT Class XII – Chemistry Part II Unit 16
9. Science: NCERT Class XII – Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY BOOKS

1. Science: Class XII – Biology: last four Chapters (13 to 16)

Conclusion

Using NCERTs as the foundation of your UPSC preparation ensures a strong grasp of fundamental concepts. Complement these with advanced books and current affairs to excel in the examination.