Importance Of NCERT Notes in UPSC Preparation

NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) notes are important for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) preparation for several reasons:

1.Foundation Building: NCERT textbooks provide a solid foundation of fundamental concepts in various subjects such as history, geography, economics, political science, science, and mathematics. This foundation is crucial for understanding higher-level topics covered in UPSC exams.

2.Clarity and Conciseness: NCERT notes are known for their clarity and concise explanations. They present complex topics in a simplified manner, making it easier for aspirants to grasp difficult concepts.

3.Aligned with UPSC Syllabus: The UPSC syllabus often overlaps with topics covered in NCERT textbooks, especially for subjects like history, geography, polity, and economics. Studying NCERT notes ensures that aspirants cover the essential topics required for the exam.

4.Language and Writing Style: UPSC exams demand clear and effective communication skills. By reading and summarizing NCERT notes, aspirants can improve their writing style, vocabulary, and articulation of ideas, which are essential for answering UPSC exam questions.

5.Illustrative Examples: NCERT textbooks include numerous examples and illustrations to explain concepts. These examples not only aid in understanding the subject matter but also provide valuable insights that can be used in answers during the UPSC exam.

6.Historical Context: NCERT notes offer valuable insights into historical events, their context, and their impact on society and governance. Understanding historical context is crucial for answering questions related to current affairs and policy issues in the UPSC exam.

Overall, NCERT notes serve as a comprehensive resource for building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills required for success in the UPSC exam.

NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation

UPSC Preparation Books from NCERT History Books:

History: NCERT Class VI - Our Past

History: NCERT Class VII - Our Past - I

History: NCERT Class VIII - Our Past II and III

History: NCERT Class IX - India and the Contemporary World - I

History: NCERT Class IX - India and the Contemporary World - II

History: NCERT Class X - Themes In World History

History: NCERT Class XII - Themes In Indian History - I

History: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History - II

History: NCERT Class XII - Themes In Indian History - III

NCERT Books about Indian Society for UPSC exam:

Indian Society: NCERT Class VI - Social Science: Social & Political Life I

Indian Society: NCERT Class VII - Social Science: Social & Political Life II

Indian Society: NCERT Class VIII - Social Science: Social & Political Life III

Indian Society: NCERT Class XI - Sociology: Understanding Society

Indian Society: NCERT Class XII - Indian Society

Indian Society: NCERT Class XII - Social Change and Development in India

IAS aspirants can also refer the class 12 book for Sociology.

NCERT Indian Art and Culture books for UPSC:

Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI - An Introduction to Indian Art

Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI - Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)

UPSC Preparation Books from NCERT Geography Books for IAS:

Geography: NCERT Class VI - The Earth Our Habitat

Geography: NCERT Class VII - Our Environment

Geography: NCERT Class VIII - Resource and Development

Geography: NCERT Class IX - Contemporary India - I

Geography: NCERT Class X - Contemporary India - II

Geography: NCERT Class XI - Fundamentals of Physical Geography

Geography: NCERT Class XI - India - Physical Environment

Geography: NCERT Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography

Geography: NCERT Class XII – India – People and Economy

Additional IAS preparation books for reference: Old NCERT books for History (Pre 2000s):

Ancient India (class XI) by RS Sharma: This covers the ancient Indian history syllabus completely

Alternative Published version: India’s Ancient Past – RS Sharma: Covers all of the NCERT syllabi for IAS and is more detailed in all aspects. Should be a good substitute

Medieval India (class IX) by Satish Chandra

Alternative Published version: History of Medieval India – Satish Chandra: More detailed than the NCERT but less easy to read. NCERT would be better

Modern India (class X) by Bipin Chandra: Best book for UPSC Medieval History

Alternative Published version: India Before Independence: Bipan Chandra’s published book is readily available and is more comprehensive, but the NCERT is more objective and more comfortable to read

World History (Class X): Should be enough for an intro to world history

Continue reading below to know which NCERT books to study for IAS for General Studies Paper-II.

NCERT UPSC Preparation Books for General Studies Paper-II:

Polity NCERT Books for UPSC

Polity: NCERT Class IX - Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I

Polity: NCERT Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II

Polity: NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work

Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics

Polity: NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence

For Polity: Class 9 to 12 NCERT books should be read in detail, with a focus on 11th and 12th (of which World Politics, only if time permits).

Read on for information on which books to read for UPSC GS Paper III.

UPSC Books from NCERT for General Studies Paper III:

NCERT Books on Economy for UPSC

Economy: NCERT Class IX – Economics

Economy: NCERT Class X – Understanding Economic Development

Economy: NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development

Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics

Economy: NCERT Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics

Science & Technology IAS Preparation Books from NCERT

Science: NCERT Class VI

Science: NCERT Class VII

Science: NCERT Class VIII

Science: NCERT Class IX

Science: NCERT Class X

Science: NCERT Class XI – Chemistry: Unit 14 & Biology: Units 4 & 5

Science: NCERT Class XII – Chemistry: Unit 16 & Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10

UPSC Books from NCERT on Environment & Ecology

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

For Economics: Reference of class 9 to 12 NCERT books for IAS should be ideal, but if you are familiar with the subject, class 11 and some chapters in class 11 and class 12 (micro + macro) would be sufficient. So, read selectively!

For Science: Refer textbooks of class IX and X that would be good enough for your IAS exam preparation.

The next list covers IAS Books from NCERT for Civil Services GS IV.

NCERT IAS Books for General Studies Paper IV:

Ethics: NCERT Class XII – Psychology: Not too significant from the exam perspective, however good for some basics. Read selectively.

Importance of Good IAS Books

UPSC Prelims 2024 was held on 28th May, 2023.

UPSC Prelims 2024 is scheduled for 26th May 2024.

To follow up on the upcoming civil services examination, aspirants may check UPSC Calendar in the linked article.

Out of a plethora of study material available both online and offline, it is crucial that the candidates select the best books for UPSC IAS preparation.

IAS toppers recommend that aspirants start their UPSC preparation with NCERT books and then move on to the standard reference books.

The best IAS books can vary from candidate to candidate depending on their previous expertise and knowledge of the subject matter. However, the UPSC booklist recommended by experts are listed in this article subject-wise.

Choosing the right IAS exam books online for different stages of the UPSC exam is quite important. The UPSC Prelims comprises only objective type questions while the IAS Mains contains descriptive essay type question papers.

Not only should the candidates be selective about the UPSC preparation books but also divide the reading list into Prelims and Mains preparation.

Subject	UPSC Book list
History	NCERT 11th Ancient and Medieval NCERT 12th Modern Indian History Indian Art & Cukture by Nitin Singhania India's Struggle for Independence - Bipin Chandra
Geography	NCERT VI-X Old Syllabus NCERT XI,XII New Syllabus World Atlas (Orient Black Swan) Certificate Physical Geography - G C leong
Indian Polity	NCERT IX-XII Indian Polity - M Laxmikanth NCERT XI Economic Development & Policies in India - Jain & Ohri
Economics	Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania
International Relations	Current Affairs NCERT XII (Contemporary World Politics)
CSAT	Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Aggarwal
Solved Papers	IAS General Studies Prelim Solved Papers by Vishal Publications

UPSC PreparationBook List - Best For IAS Mains

The candidates who qualify for the UPSC prelims examination will be eligible for the IAS Mains examination. There are 9 theory papers out of which 2 papers are optional. The candidates can follow the given book details for the preparation of the UPSC Preparation 2023 – Here, we have mentioned the best general studies books for the UPSC Mains 2023 –

Subject	UPSC Books
History,Indian Heritage & Culture [GS Paper 1]	Ancient India by RS Sharma India after Independence by Bipan Chandra History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
Geography [GS Paper 1]	Ancient India by RS Sharma India after Independence by Bipan Chandra History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
Polity & International Relations [GS Paper 2]	Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth International Relations: Pushpesh Pant
Economy [GS Paper 3]	Environment and Disaster Management by Tata McGraw Hill Indian Economy – Nitin Singhania Challenges to Internal Security of India by Ashok Kumar
Ethics [GS Paper 4]	Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary
Solved Papers	IAS General Studies Prelims Solved Papers – Vishal Publications

UPSC Book List For Optional Subjects

Subjects	UPSC Books
Agriculture	Agronomy By Yellamananda Reddy Soil Science – D.K Das Or Brady Genetics By B.D.Singh Entomology – Vasantha Raj & David Special Issue of Agriculture by The Hindu
Anthropology	N. Hasnain: Tribal India Herskovits: Cultural Anthropology Surender Nath: Forensic Anthropology Herskovits: Cultural Anthropology Stein & Rowe: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Botany	Taxonomy: Nair along with Datta Embryology: Bhojwani and Bhatnagar Physiology and Biochemistry: Salisbury and Ross or Fritz and Noggle Economic Botany: Kochar or Verma
Chemistry	Theoretical principles of inorganic chemistry – G.S. Manku, Extradiction of metals, Principle of inorganic chemistry – Puri, Sharma, Jauhar. Advance physical chemistry – Gurdeep Raj A guide to mechanism in organic chemistry – Peter Sykes
Economic	International Economics – Bo Soderston National Income Accounting – Bakerman Banking – S.B. Gupta International Trade – Bo Soderston
History	History of Modern India – Shekhar Bandopadhyaya/Bipan Chandra India’s Ancient Past – R.S. Sharma The Wonder That Was India – A.L. Basham Ashoka and the Decline of the Mauryas – Romila Thapar India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra and Others
Management	Financial: Pandey/Chandra/Khan & Jain/Bearley Economics: Any good economics book Operations: Adams/Taha Organisational Design: Khandwala; Madhukar Shukla
Mathematic	Ordinary Differential EQs:- MD Raising Lumina, Golden series-NP Bali Real Analysis – Shantinarayan, Royden Linear Programming – SD Sharma Solid Mechanism – Kazmioo
Electrical Engineering	Modern Central Engineering – Ogata Electromagnetic Waives and Field – R.N. Singh Surveying and Levelling – T P Kanetakar Heat Conversion – Arora & Kundwar
Urdu	Urdu Shairi ka Tauqidi Mutala – Suenbul Nigar Urdu Nasr ka Tauqidi Mutala – Suenbul Nigar Urdu Adab Ki Tarikh – Noorul Hasan Naqvi
Psycology	Psychology Robert A Baron Social Psychology Baron & Byrne The Psychology of Small Groups Shaw

How to prepare For a UPSC Interview?

UPSC Interview

The UPSC interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. It aims to assess the candidate’s suitability for administrative roles. The interview panel evaluates the candidate’s communication skills, depth of knowledge, analytical ability, and overall personality. It is important to be well-prepared, confident, and articulate while answering questions to leave a positive impression. The personality test assesses your intrinsic personality rather than your knowledge (which was previously examined in the mains and preliminary exams). In addition to the total 2025 marks, the UPSC Interview procedure lasts roughly 30 minutes and is worth 275 points. This 30-minute procedure can transform your life and make your ambition of working for the government a reality. Based on the results of the Personality Test and the main examination, the final merit list is created. For applicants, a good interview score may significantly improve their rank & chances of receiving better treatment.

Importance of DAF (Detailed Application Form) for UPSC Interview

To successfully answer the questions asked during the UPSC interview, it is crucial to understand every single component of your detailed application form carefully. The panel’s information on you drives all of the fundamental inquiries addressed in the UPSC interview. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully fill out the entire application form and properly prepare it.

Watch Mock Interview by Air 1 Aditya Srivastava (Rank 1 CSE 2023)

Watch Mock Interview by Air 1 Ishita Kishore (Rank 1 CSE 2022)

Watch Mock Interview by Air 3 Gamini Singla (Rank 3 CSE 2021)

Tips to prepare for a UPSC Interview

Get The Components of your DAF

Everything you listed on the DAF, including the significance of
your name and the prominent features of your area, may be
discussed during the interview. Therefore, read the form many times,
list all possible questions, and prepare succinct responses.

Opinions On Current Events

Prepare your three-month supply of current events so that you can
respond to queries about them succinctly and briefly. As yourespond
to such inquiries, be sure to be upbeat.

Responding to Hypothetical Inquiries

You should know an IAS/IPS/IFS officer’s legal rights and obligations.
You must respond to the inquiries in a manner that avoids
going above and beyond to address the issue. Your responses must fall within
the purview of the legal authority granted to you by your profile.

Responding to Behavioural Inquiries

When responding to the questions, be composed and calm,
project confidence, and be direct if you are unsure of the answers.
You may skip the question and respond,“I’ll have to take it for
now; I’ll have to read more about it.”

Don't Be Overconfident

Knowledge is undermined, and arrogance results from
overconfidence. Never overestimate your chances of luck
sticking with you since you never know when it could.
Although the UPSC interview is challenging, you may succeed
with confidence and a good outlook. Pay careful attention to
the questions being asked by the interview panel.

Be Cautious While Selecting Your Words

Try to be eloquent while responding to the questions, as the
interview panel is more concerned with how you talk and the
words you choose to convey your ideas

Do Not Lie

One of the most important interview tips is this!
Please don’t make up your replies with phoney facts;
they’ll probably figures it out immediately and catch you

Mock Interview

You may prevent blunders by practising the mock
interview before the actual interview. Your friends and
knowledgeable mentors may aid you in that.

Wear Clean and Comfy clothes

Dress formally for the day of the interview since you should
seem professional. Dark pants and a light-coloured shirt are
appropriate for males to seem professional. For female
candidates, a plain saree or churidar is advised.

Document - Check

Doing a document check in advance is crucial to preventing
the last-minute rush. Make sure you have all the
paperwork organised and available in one file.

Get Enough Rest

Don’t sleep all day. If you worry a lot about the interview,
it can affect your effectiveness. Get a good night’s
sleep the night before & try not to worry too much!

Understanding the Interview's True Objective

The main goal of the interview is to evaluate the candidate’s
potential for having good administrative abilities. The panellists’
purpose is to evaluate a candidate’s personality for civil service,
not to test their knowledge.

Questions, rebuttals, hypothetical case studies, etc., elicit your
personality qualities and evaluate you based on your responses,
mental clarity, body language, etc. Never assume that the board
members are out to get you or to make you seem bad.
You ought to think positively.

Watch Srushti Deshmukh MOCK Interview (Rank 5,CSE 2018)

Watch Apala Mishra MOCK Interview (Rank 9,CSE 2020)

Watch Akshat Jain MOCK Interview (Rank 2,CSE 2018)

Conclusion

The UPSC interview is a personality exam. So, try to be sincere
and convey your thoughts. Please put on a business dress to
make yourself seem professional. Make sure you have all the
necessary papers with you. Aspirants should form a small group
to debate ideas and attempt to attend as many interview
sessions as possible to determine their strengths and limitations.
Utilise constructive criticism in the mock interviews and work to
enhance those areas. Finally, approach the interview with
complete confidence and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.

Start your Journey From Scratch!