Best NCERT Books for UPSC – Foundation Building

Building a Strong Foundation for UPSC with NCERT Books

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of the most challenging and prestigious examinations in India. Aspiring civil servants must prepare extensively to cover a vast syllabus that includes subjects ranging from history and geography to current affairs and polity. One of the most effective ways to build a solid foundation for this exam is through NCERT books. These books, published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, are essential for anyone starting their UPSC preparation journey.

” Though, NCERT is not sufficient for the UPSC examination but it is considered as the Geeta for this examination”

Why NCERT Books?

1. Authentic and Reliable Information
   NCERT books are known for their authenticity. Written by experts and reviewed thoroughly, these books provide accurate and reliable information, ensuring that aspirants are studying from a credible source.
2. Conceptual Clarity
   The NCERT books are designed to build a strong conceptual foundation. They explain complex topics in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, making them ideal for beginners who need to grasp the basics before moving on to more advanced materials.
3. Comprehensive Coverage
   NCERT books cover a wide range of subjects that are part of the UPSC syllabus. From the fundamentals of Indian history to the intricacies of
   geography and the basics of Indian polity, these books provide a comprehensive overview of essential topics.
4. Cost-Effective
   NCERT books are affordable and easily accessible. They are available at reasonable prices, and many of them can be accessed online for free, making them a cost-effective resource for UPSC aspirants.

Recommended NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation

History

1. Class VI – Our Past
2. Class VII – Our Past – I, II
3. Class VIII – Our Past – III, Part I, II
4. Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I
5. Class X – India and the Contemporary World – II
6. Class XI – Themes in World History
7. Class XII – Themes in Indian History – I, II, III

Geography

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

Polity

1. Class VI – Social and Political Life – I
2. Class VII – Social and Political Life – II
3. Class VIII – Social and Political Life – III
4. Class IX – Democratic Politics – I
5. Class X – Democratic Politics – II
6. Class XI – Indian Constitution at Work
7. Class XII – Political Science – II (Contemporary World Politics)

Economics

1. Class IX – Economics
2. Class X – Understanding Economic Development
3. Class XI – Indian Economic Development
4. Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics

Science
For general science, especially for prelims, focus on:

1. Class VI to X – Science

How to Utilize NCERT Books Effectively

1. Sequential Reading
   Start reading the books in a sequential manner. Begin with the basics from the lower classes and gradually move up to the higher classes. This helps in building a strong foundation and understanding the progression of topics.
2. Make Notes
   While reading, make concise notes of important points, facts, and summaries. This will help in quick revisions and aid in retaining information better.
3. Highlight Key Points
   Highlighting important points and underlining key sentences can help in revising quickly and efficiently.
4. Multiple Readings
   Read the books multiple times to ensure thorough understanding and retention. The more you read, the clearer the concepts will become.
5. Practice Questions
   At the end of each chapter, try to solve the questions provided. This will help in assessing your understanding of the topic and in practicing answer writing.

Conclusion

NCERT books are an indispensable resource for UPSC aspirants. They provide a clear, concise, and comprehensive understanding of the subjects that form the foundation of the UPSC syllabus. By studying these books diligently, making notes, and practicing regularly, aspirants can build a strong foundation that will help them tackle the more advanced and specialized materials required for the exam. Remember, a strong foundation is the key to success in the UPSC exam, and NCERT books are the perfect starting point for that journey.