UPSC Prelims Book List 2024 includes general studies books, history books, GK books, NCERT Books and more. Candidates must buy the best books and include them in their preparation for the exam.
Table of Contents
The UPSC Prelims book list 2024 covers subject-wise books. NCERT books are the number one source of study material and have proven time and again to be crucial for preparation. Besides, UPSC exam is one of the most challenging and competitive exams in India.
Candidates appearing for the exam search high and low for the best study material consulting toppers and experts every day. The internet has a vast amount of material that candidates can refer to, but the right books can be hard to come by, especially in the last few days leading to the UPSC exam. Candidates must also refer to question papers and mock tests about managing time better and clearing the exam.
NCERT Books For UPSC Prelims
NCERT books are the most prefered source of study material among aspirants appearing for the UPSC exams. Even a UPSC prelim book list by toppers will include inevitable NCERT books in various subjects.
Here's a list of the best NCERT books For UPSC Prelims:
- Best History NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
- Best Geography NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
- Best Political Science NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
- Best Economics and Sociology NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
- Best Science NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
Best History NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
The UPSC is one of the most popular exams in the country, and it is a dream for almost every youngster to clear it. Tabulated below is the list of Best History NCERT books for candidates preparing for the UPSC Prelims:
| Class | Subject | Book Name |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Class VI | History | Our Past |
| NCERT Class VII | History | Our Past - I |
| NCERT Class VIII | History | Our Past II and III |
| NCERT Class IX | History | India and the Contemporary World – I |
| NCERT Class X | History | India and the Contemporary World – II |
| NCERT Class XI | History | Themes In World History |
| NCERT Class XI | History | An Introduction to Indian Art (Art & Culture) |
| NCERT Class XI | History | Ancient India (R.S. Sharma) |
| NCERT Class XI | History | Medieval India (Satish Chandra |
| NCERT Class XII | History | Modern India (Bipin Chandra) |
| NCERT Class XII | History | Themes In Indian History – I |
| NCERT Class XII | History | Themes In Indian History – II |
| NCERT Class XII | History | Themes In Indian History – III |
Also Read: Best UPSC Coaching in India: Centres, Fees, Duration, Reviews
Best Geography NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
Every candidate aspires to pass the UPSC prelims. Even the salary is very attractive in the job if the candidate qualifies for an exam and gets recruited.
Given below are some useful and efficient geography NCERT books for aspirants preparing for UPSC prelims:
| Class | Subject | Book Name |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Class VI | Geography | The Earth Our Habitat |
| NCERT Class VI (Old) | Geography | Lands and Peoples Part I |
| NCERT Class VII | Geography | Our Environment |
| NCERT Class VII (Old) | Geography | Lands and Peoples Part II |
| NCERT Class VIII | Geography | Resource and Development |
| NCERT Class VIII (Old) | Geography | Lands and Peoples Part III |
| NCERT Class IX | Geography | Contemporary India – I |
| NCERT Class X | Geography | Contemporary India – II |
| NCERT Class XI | Geography | Fundamentals of Physical Geography |
| NCERT Class XI | Geography | India – Physical Environment |
| NCERT Class XII | Geography | Fundamentals of Human Geography |
| NCERT Class XII | Geography | India – People and Economy |
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Best Political Science NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
Political Science is one of the most important disciplines to crack the UPSC exam. NCERT textbooks and references are also a lot of help for the aspirants.
Listed below are the best NCERT books in political science for candidates preparing for UPSC prelims:
| Class | Subject | Book |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Class IX | Political Science | Democratic Politics Part – I |
| NCERT Class X | Political Science | Democratic Politics Part – II |
| NCERT Class XI | Political Science | Indian Constitution at Work |
| NCERT Class XI | Political Science | Political Theory |
| NCERT Class XII | Political Science I | Contemporary World Politics |
| NCERT Class XII | Political Science II | Politics in India since Independence |
Also Read: How to Crack UPSC? Essential Tips and Techniques
Best Economics and Sociology NCERT Books for UPSC Prelim
Economics and sociology are also crucial for passing the UPSC exams. Many students aspire to write this exam even from their childhood.
Tabulated below are the best NCERT books in economics and sociology for aspirants aiming to clear UPSC prelims:
| Class | Subject | Book Name |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Class IX | Economics | Economics |
| NCERT Class X | Economics | Understanding Economic Development |
| NCERT Class XI | Economics | Indian Economic Development |
| NCERT Class XII | Economics | Microeconomics |
| NCERT Class XII | Economics | Introductory Macroeconomics |
| Indian Society: NCERT Class XI | Sociology | Understanding Society |
| Indian Society: NCERT Class XII | Sociology | Indian Society |
| Indian Society: NCERT Class XII | Sociology | Social Change and Development in India |
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Best Science NCERT Books for UPSC Prelims
Apart from the respect of the job, the salary also comes as an attraction for the aspirants. Many of the toppers suggest using NCERT reference guides for clearing the UPSC.
Given below are the best NCERT books in the discipline of science for candidates preparing for UPSC prelims:
| Class | Subject | Book Name |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Class VI | Science | Science |
| NCERT Class VII | Science | Science |
| NCERT Class VIII | Science | Science |
| NCERT Class IX | Science | Science |
| NCERT Class IX | Science | Science - (Exemplar Problems) |
| NCERT Class X | Science | Science - (Exemplar Problems) |
| NCERT Class XI | Science | Science |
| NCERT Class XII | Science | Chemistry: Unit 16 | Biology: Units 8, 9, 10 |
| NCERT Class XII | Science | Chemistry: Unit 14 | Biology: Units 4,5,13,16 |
Also Read: UPSC Preparation for Prelims and Mains
UPSC Prelims Book List By Toppers
IAS toppers advise that candidates start their UPSC preparation with NCERT books and then move on to the standard reference books. UPSC booklists from toppers can vary, and different candidates will find a use for different suggestions every year. The knowledge and proficiency in the subject are what matters the most.
Keep in mind that the UPSC prelims consist mainly of MCQs and that the UPSC Mains are more essay type questions. The UPSC Prelims are a qualifying exam that allows aspirants to appear for the UPSC Mains to secure the required marks.
If you want to know which books to read for UPSC prelims, we have a list below, recommended and advised by previous toppers:
Best Books for UPSC Prelims General Studies
The candidate is expected to have a great level of IQ and has to be fine-tuned with current affairs. Tabulated below are some of the best books in General Studies for the students or candidates preparing for UPSC prelims:
| UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper | Subject Specification | Book Name |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper - I | Indian Heritage and Culture | The Wonder That Was India - by A.L. Bhasham (author) |
| Indian Art and Culture Nitin Singhania | ||
| Best Book For History For UPSC Prelims | India's Ancient Past R.S. Sharma | |
| History Of Modern India Bipan Chandra | ||
| India's Struggle For Independence Bipan Chandra | ||
| Geography of the World and Society | Geography of India Majid Husain | |
| Oxford School Atlas Oxford | ||
| Certified Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong | ||
| General Studies Paper-II | Political Science | The Indian Constitution at Work (NCERT) |
| Indian Polity - Laxmikanth (author) | ||
| Introduction to the Constitution of India - D.D. Basu (author) | ||
| Governance in India by Laxmikanth | ||
| India Year Book | ||
| Contemporary World Politics (NCERT) | ||
| General Studies Paper - III | Economics | The Economic Survey |
| Science and Technology in India | ||
| The Environment for Civil Services | ||
| India Year Book | ||
| Indian Economy by Uma Kapila | ||
| ARC Report on Disaster Management | ||
|
General Studies Paper - IV |
Ethics |
Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude |
| IAS Mains General Studies Ethics ( Arihant Manual General Studies - 4) |
Also Read: IAS Book List - Best Books Recommended by Toppers for both Prelims and Mains Preparation
UPSC Prelim Books in Hindi Medium
Every day the number of UPSC aspirants increases. They come from various corners of India, and with this in mind, candidates can also choose to answer the exams in Hindi if convenient.
Given below is a list of the best NCERT Books in Hindi and other reference books for the UPSC Prelims:
| Class | Subject | Book Name |
|---|---|---|
| Class 9 | Social Sciences | Loktantrik Rajniti |
| Samakalin Bharat I | ||
| Arthashastra | ||
| Bharat Aur Samkalin Vishwa- I | ||
| Class 10 | Social Sciences | Bharat Aur Samakalin Vishwa Part-II |
| Arthik Vikas Ki Samajh | ||
| Samakalin Bharat | ||
| Loktantrik Rajniti | ||
| Class 11 | Economics | Bhartiya Arthavyavastha Ka Vikas |
| Geography | Bhartiya Bhautik Paryawaran | |
| Bhugol Mein Prayogatamak Karya | ||
| Bhautik Bhugaul Ke Moolya Siddhanth | ||
| World History | Vishwa Itihas Ke Kuch Vishay | |
| Political Science | Bharat ka Sanvidhan | |
| Siddhanth Aur Vyahvahar | ||
| Rajneeti Siddhanth | ||
| Sociology | Samajshastra Bhag-I | |
| Samaj ka Bodh | ||
| Class 12 | Economics | Parichayaatmak Vyashti Arthashastra |
| Parichayaatmak Sukshma Arthashastra | ||
| Geography | Manav Bhugaul Ke Moola Siddhantha | |
| Bharat Log Aur Arthvyavastha | ||
| History | Bhartiya Itihas Ke Kuch Vishay Bhag-I | |
| Bhartiya Itihas Ke Kuch Vishay Bhag-II | ||
| Bhartiya Itihas Ke Kuch Vishay Bhag-III | ||
| Political Science | Samakalin Vishwa Rajniti | |
| Swatantra Bharat Mein Rajniti Bhag-II | ||
| Sociology | Bhartiya Samaj | |
| Bharat Mein Samajik Parivartan Aur Vikas |
Also Read: Negative Marking in UPSC for Prelims and Mains
Additional Books For UPSC Prelim Books In Hindi Medium
The candidates have an option to write in Hindi or English, in whichever subject they are comfortable with. Given below are some additional books that can be helpful for candidates appearing for UPSC prelims in the Hindi medium:
| Subject | Book Name |
|---|---|
| History | Prarambhik Bharat Ka Parichay by Ram Sharan Sharma |
| Madhyakaleen Bharat – Rajniti, Samaj Aur Sanskriti by Satish Chandra | |
| Bharat Ka Rashtria Aandolan by Bipin Chandra | |
| Adhunik Bharat Ka Itihas by Bipin Chandra OR Spectrum (Hindi) by Rajiv Ahir | |
| Bharatiya Kala, Sanskriti Evam Virasat: Civil Sewa Pariksha Hetu by Meenakshi Kant | |
| Bharat: Gandhi Ke Baad by Ram Chandra Guha | |
| Samkaleen Vishwa Ka Itihas 1890 – 2008 by Arjun Dev | |
| Political Science | Bharat Ki Rajvyavastha by Lakshmikanth |
| Bharat Ka Samvidhan: Ek Parichaya by DD Basu | |
| Bharat Ki Videsh Niti by VN Khanna | |
| Hamari Sansad by S Kashyap | |
| Geography | Bharat Ka Bhugol by Spectrum |
| Bharat Evam Viswa Ka Bhugol by Majid Hussain | |
| Bhautik Bhugol by Majid Hussain | |
| Orient Blackswan (Vishwa Atlas Laghu Sanskaran) | |
| Economics | Bhartiya Arthvyavastha by Ramesh Singh |
| Sociology | Samajik Samasyayein by Ram Ahuja |
| Samaj Ka Bodh (NCERT class 11) | |
| Samajshastra Parichaya (NCERT Class 11) | |
| Bhartiya Samaj (NCERT Class 12) | |
| Environment | Paryavaran Evam Paristhitiki: Civil Sewa Pariksha Hetu by Majid Hussain |
| Paryavaran Evam Paristhiti by K Siddhartha | |
| Science & Technology | Vigyan Evam Prodhyogiki Ka Vikas – TMH – Sheelwant Singh |
| Vigyan Evam Prodhyogiki Ka Vikas – TMH – Sheelwant Singh | |
| Security | Bharat Ki Aantrik Suraksha by Mukhya Chunuatiya |
| Ethics | IAS Mukhya Pariksha Samanya Addhyan Paper 4 Nitishastra |
| Satyanishtha Aur Abhiruchi by Arihant | |
| General Knowledge/ Current Affairs | Lucent's Samanya Gyan |
| Bharat 2023 –The Publication Division (GOI) | |
| IGNOU books | |
| Yojana magazine/Kurukshetra |
The best GK book for UPSC Prelims will invariably be the Manorama Year Book of the present year. You will find this book in Hindi as well as English in most of the bookstores.
Aspirants answering in Hindi-medium and choosing Hindi Literature as their optional subject should go through the IAS Hindu Syllabus before proceeding.
Also Read: How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level?
Best MCQ Books For UPSC Prelims (Multiple Choice Questions)
Getting a good grip on MCQs needs a lot of reading with books that hit the targeted questions you can expect. The Best Books For UPSC Prelims - General Studies, Indian History, Indian Political Science, Economics, Etc, are all presented below.
Candidates should also make sure to refer to numerous articles on the internet about current events and articles from experts in a specific subject.
| Paper | Medium | Book Name |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | English | Indian History (MCQ Series) |
| Indian Polity (MCQ Series) | ||
| General Science (MCQ Series) | ||
| Geography & Environment (MCQ Series) | ||
| MCQs For CSAT | UPSC Portal Paper - 1 (Set of 5 Books) | |
| Hindi | Indian Economy & Indian Year Book (MCQ Series) | |
| Bhartiya Itihas (MCQ Series) | ||
| Bhartiya Rajya Vyavastha (MCQ Series) | ||
| Paper 2 | English | Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (MCQ Series) |
| Basic Numeracy (MCQ Series) | ||
| General Mental Ability Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability (MCQ Series) |
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Why is it Important to have Good UPSC Prelims Books?
The UPSC Prelims are going to test your knowledge, patience, and thinking. You will find that there is no limit on how much you need to study and read to prepare for the examination. Make sure you have the best objective book for UPSC Prelims, individually for each subject you are going to answer. Unlike the IAS mains, the UPSC Prelims are only objective type questions. Additionally, make sure you read the UPSC Syllabus entirely and plan your study schedule.
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