Updated on 25 February 2024 by IAS CENTRE
Disclosure: This post may contain some affiliate links, we may receive referral fees if you buy something from our links without any extra cost to you.
Welcome to IAS/UPSC exam preparation.
As we know time is the most precious resource in any walk of life and it is no different for UPSC exam preparation.
Many times UPSC aspirants waste lots of time searching for useful books and resources.
Also, they get distracted by not so useful books or study material, thereby wasting their time and realizing it later.
So to utilize this precious time, you should be careful in choosing the books and resources which save time and provide desired results.
In view of the above points, we have compiled the list of the most important books and resources for the UPSC prelims exam.
Here we go:
SYLLABUS
It is the most important document or resource for the exam. It acts as a guiding light throughout the UPSC exam process. So be thorough with the syllabus.
BOOKS
PAPER- I
Indian polity
- NCERT: Class 11th & 12th
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth Buy
History
- NCERT: Class 11th & 12th
- Modern India by Rajiv Ahir Buy
Economy
- NCERT: Class 11th & 12th
- Indian Economy by Shankar Ganesh Buy
OR
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh Buy
Geography
- NCERT: Class 11th & 12th
- Map: Orient BlackSwan Buy
OR
- Oxford Atlas Buy
Environment & Ecology
- Environment by Shankar IAS Buy
Art & Culture
- Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania Buy
Science & Technology: News Papers
Previous Years Papers
Disha Publications Buy
or
Arihant Publications Buy
PAPER II
CSAT:
Disha Publications Buy
or
Arihant Publications Buy
News Papers
- the Hindu
OR
- the Indian Express
For Books and Resources related to MAINS Exams read HERE.
PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS
They are very important, as it helps in understanding the type of questions UPSC is asking and also which areas of the syllabus are more important.
So refer to it after completing any topic given in the syllabus. It helps in evaluating which areas you are more comfortable with and where you need more effort.
TEST SERIES
Test Series along with previous years’ papers acts as a laboratory for UPSC exam preparation.
As it provides much-needed practice before the prelims exam.
It also helps in fine-tuning the many aspects of test-taking ability and preparation, such as:
Time: required in a particular test and in a question.
Accuracy: level in a test and in a section, etc.
So, in this way, you can use Test Series to practice as much as you can.
It is always tempting to buy the new arrival at bookstores or there is an issue of FOMO (fear of missing out), so be judicious on that.
The above resource is not exhaustive but kept at the minimum required for the UPSC civil service preliminary exam.
Since books & resources are minimum, your focus should be on revising it the maximum number of times possible.
As it helps in retention and avoiding silly mistakes during the prelims exam.
All the best for your future examinations and endeavors.
For all the latest updates and free study materials, please subscribe to IAS CENTRE. Thank You.