While finding the best books for UPSC, you may find yourself buying every book in the bookstore. But you need to shortlist and get your hands on the right ones. Otherwise, when you finally sit to read those books, you may be overcome by thoughts like "too many books, too little time"!
Hence, to make you worry a little less and study a little more, we have compiled an exhaustive booklist of books for UPSC Preparation, recommended by toppers. You should follow only a specific UPSC book list to ensure you're not digressing too much from the core syllabus. Please note that you do not have to read all the books in their entirety. Make sure you download our micro-topics syllabus PDF (redirect to lead form) and read the books provided in accordance with it, in the UPSC booklist. That way, you can keep yourself focused on the actual UPSC syllabus.
Here’s the book list that is sure to help you with exhaustive preparation for UPSC.
Although the best books for UPSC may vary in accordance with your previous knowledge and expertise, here is an exhaustive booklist that both fresh aspirants and experienced ones can refer to for their UPSC Preparation. Some of the books may be relevant for both Prelims and Main. Before checking it out, you must know the syllabus and exam pattern well. Check out this article to learn about UPSC CSE Exam Pattern & Syllabus.
Check out the table below for the only UPSC booklist you’ll need, while studying for the Civil Services Prelims examination.
Paper |
Booklist |
|
|
General Studies (Paper II) |
|
General Studies - 1 & 2 |
|
|
Here is the UPSC booklist that you should be reading while preparing for UPSC CSE Main:
Paper |
Booklist |
|
|
All GS Main Papers I-IV |
|
Compulsory English Paper |
|
Compulsory Essay Paper |
|
History Optional Paper |
|
Also, read | How to choose optional subjects for UPSC
Here is a list of all the titles of NCERT books for UPSC that every aspirant should read for preparation for the UPSC exam:
Subject |
Title of the NCERT Book For UPSC |
History |
|
Art & Culture |
|
Polity |
|
Geography |
|
Economy |
|
Environment & Ecology |
|
Must-read | How to make NCERT Notes For UPSC | Download NCERT Compilations
This booklist for UPSC is recommended by almost all the toppers, as well as UPSC experts. Now that you have an entire list there should be no worrying about what to read!
If you need a kick-start to get you started and help you ace UPSC CSAT, check out our CSAT coaching programs here.
NCERTs, along with some other standard books must be read for comprehensive UPSC Preparation. Check out the detailed list available on our website.
Yes, with a proper study strategy, you certainly can. Check out our detailed UPSC syllabus to get you started.
You can start with NCERT and then go through the detailed book suggestions by the toppers of the past year. Make sure you shortlist the books you are aiming to study before you start full-fledged preparation.