Best Books for UPSC Preparation

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest exams in India. A well-structured study plan and the right set of books can make a significant difference in preparation. Here is a subject-wise list of the best books to help you crack the UPSC exam.

1. General Studies (Prelims & Mains)

History

• Ancient & Medieval History: Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 & 12 Books, R.S. Sharma’s India’s Ancient Past (for Ancient History), and Satish Chandra’s Medieval India (for Medieval History)
• Modern History: Spectrum’s A Brief History of Modern India, Bipan Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence
• World History (Mains): Norman Lowe’s Mastering Modern World History

Geography

• NCERT Books (Class 6-12)
• G.C. Leong’s Certificate Physical and Human Geography
• Atlas by Oxford or Orient BlackSwan

Polity

• Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
• Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu

Economy

• NCERT Class 9-12 Economics Books
• Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
• Economic Survey & Budget (Latest Edition)

Environment & Ecology

• NCERT Class 12 Biology (Relevant Chapters)
• Shankar IAS Environment Book

Science & Technology

• NCERT Science Books (Class 6-10)
• Current Affairs from The Hindu, Indian Express & PIB

2. Current Affairs & Newspapers

• Newspapers: The Hindu / Indian Express
• Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra, Down to Earth
• Government Reports: Economic Survey, Budget, NITI Aayog Reports
• Website: Daily Current Affairs Date Wise and Month Wise

3. Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (GS Paper IV)

• Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude by G. Subba Rao
• Case studies from past year question papers

4. Essay Writing

• Essays for Civil Services by Pulkit Khare
• Reading newspapers and practicing essay writing

5. CSAT (Paper-II in Prelims)

• CSAT by Arihant Publication
• CSAT Manual by Tata McGraw Hill

6. Optional Subject Books

Each optional subject requires specific books. Some popular optional subjects and their books are:

Public Administration

• New Horizons of Public Administration by Mohit Bhattacharya
• Public Administration by M. Laxmikanth

Geography

• Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
• NCERT Geography Books (Class 6-12)

Political Science & International Relations

• An Introduction to Political Theory by O.P. Gauba
• International Relations by Pavneet Singh

Conclusion

Selecting the right books is crucial for UPSC preparation. NCERTs form the foundation, while reference books provide in-depth knowledge. A disciplined study routine, combined with regular answer writing and current affairs reading, can help you excel in the exam.