Books for UPSC | Top 10 books to help you ace your exams!

To pass the UPSC exam, you must choose the most comprehensive books for UPSC IAS preparation from a plethora of study material accessible both online and offline. You should begin your studies with NCERT books for UPSC and subsequently go to standard reference books, according to IAS toppers.

The best book for UPSC can differ from each student and is based on multiple factors, such as their grasp, and approach, among others. Only objective-type questions are asked in the UPSC Prelims, however, descriptive essay-type questions are asked in the IAS Mains. Hence, it is critical to select the appropriate IAS test books online for the various phases of the UPSC exam. 

We’ve listed some of the recommended books for UPSC that can help you ace the UPSC exams as well as the interview phase.

1. Indian Polity for Civil Services Examination by M Laxmikanth (Polity)

This UPSC book, often called the ‘Bible of Polity,’ provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. Going over the content in the book can help you get high grades in both the prelims and mains. It is one of the most popular UPSC study materials. The author, M Laxmikanth is a political science graduate who has worked with UPSC applicants for several years, and hence his experience shows in the book in the form of the information imparted.

2. Indian Economy for Civil Services by Nitin Singhania (Economy)

The book is organized in a methodical way to show how the country’s economic growth and development have fluctuated through time. Various flowcharts, tables, graphs, and examples are included for better and more thorough comprehension. Among the numerous subjects explored were economic diplomacy, energy security, and relationships between diplomacy, defence, and international organizations. Nitin Singhania, the author of the book is a post-graduate in economics and a public servant.

3. Geography of India by Majid Hussain (Geography)

This book for UPSC is a reference for India’s geographical terrain and provides a thorough understanding of these aspects. Maps, facts, and statistics on the country’s geographic location are included as important aspects of the book. The ninth edition has been revised to reflect changes in the status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The book also includes information on government programs and activities. 

4. Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change, & Disaster Management – Dr. Ravi Agrahari (Environment)

This book, published by McGraw Hill, addresses all of the key environmental challenges and offers practical answers. The book provides applicants with answers to questions about disaster management that are important to successfully crack the UPSC exams. 

5. Manorama

Manorama is one of the most important books for UPSC that talks widely about the general knowledge aspects of the UPSC exams. The topics in the book include – 

• Census reports
• Election results 
• Religious Census report
• Economic indicators
• Art forms
• Science and Medicine
• Space
• Environment
• Literature
• History
• Sports
• Government Policies and Schemes

These topics expand to national holidays, new appointments in government offices, the list of Union Cabinet Ministers, Awards, Books, Cinema, Sports, and other related topics.

The book also turns out to be a beneficial asset to teachers, researchers, and journalists.

6. India after Indira Gandhi – The History of the World’s Largest Democracy – Ramchandra Guha. 

Most history books for UPSC simply cover the period up to India’s independence, with a few chapters on modernization and liberal reforms. However, this is the book that will teach you all you need to know about Indian politics post-independence. The book tells the story of India’s post-independence political and economic trajectory.

The recent addition of the book contains 900 pages, this makes it lengthy to read in one go. Hence, it’s a smart idea for students to plan. The book is organized into chapters, headers, and subheadings, which makes it easy to read. 

This aids in the division of the entire book into manageable chunks. Students should take short, self-reflective notes while reading the text. For a reference, you can use Bipan Chandra’s “India Since Independence” for a more comprehensive understanding.

7. ‘Facets of Indian Culture’ by Spectrum (Culture)

Studying India’s rich culture and customs may be time-consuming. This UPSC book offers a comprehensive reference to India’s art styles, architecture, literary and intellectual traditions, as well as beliefs and mythology. It also includes a variety of practice question papers, both solved and unsolved. 

8. A Brief History of Modern India, by Rajiv Ahir (History)

Another best book for UPSC includes ‘A Brief History of Modern India’, written by Rajiv Ahir, which delves into the arrival of the Portuguese in the nation and subsequent events. It progresses to the point where Europeans gain total control of the Indian subcontinent. 

9. Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao, and P.N. Roy Chowdhury (Ethics)

This is one of the most up-to-date and thorough books on the UPSC topics that you can get your hands on. It includes solved papers, writing tips, and confidence-building activities. It is a best-seller for UPSC or any comparable competitive test preparation, co-authored by Subba Rao and P. N. Roy Chowdhury.

10. Challenges of Internal Security of India – Ashok Kumar and Vipul Anekant (General studies)

Yet another best book for UPSC preparation is Challenges of Internal Security of India. This book, published by McGraw Hill, discusses challenges to the country’s internal security as well as other current topics. The fourth version includes information on the present state of Jammu and Kashmir, the new social media code, internet restrictions in India, and the COVID-19 impacts. Ashok Kumar IPS and Vipul Anekant DANIPS collaborated on the book.

What we have to say

• Be it self-learning, or via coaching, books are one of the most important UPSC companions regardless of the route you take to studying for the exams.
• Apart from NCERT books for UPSC exams, be psychologically prepared to acquire 10-15 standard textbooks for various topics.
• However, along with reading books, time management is equally important to reap fruitful results. Hence, starting your preparations early can help a lot.
• Quality books may be used as supplements to your preparation and can greatly help with your studies. 

We hope you found this blog informative. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts! You can also get in touch with us if you have any doubts. 

Liked this blog? Read: UPSC syllabus | 8 Amazing tips to prepare for the exam

FAQs

Q1. Where can you find NCERT books for UPSC exams?

Answer – NCERT books are available in bookstores across India as well as on e-commerce websites.

Q2. How many books are required to cover each topic of UPSC prelims?

Answer – There are no set amount of books that applicants must read to finish the course. Each book focuses on a different topic and takes a unique perspective. Candidates can choose the books they want to read.

Q3. What is the language of the UPSC question papers?

Answer – The language of the UPSC question papers is in Hindi and English only except for the language papers.