UPSC Book List - Best Books for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains
The Best Books for UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation are those that offer a well-organized and comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. These books should help you save time by providing detailed explanations and stay updated with the latest changes in the exam pattern and content. Selecting the right UPSC CSE Books is crucial for each stage of the exam. The Prelims consist of objective-type questions, while the Mains require descriptive answer writing skills. It's essential for aspirants to be discerning in their choice of books and categorize their reading list into Prelims and Mains preparation materials.
The Best Books for UPSC Prelims are the ones that cover the syllabus of General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2 (CSAT) and all the essential topics for each General Studies like History, Geography, Environment, Economics, Polity, Art and Culture etc. Here is a list of all the important UPSC Prelims Books one should read to prepare for the exam:
Aspirants who clear the UPSC Prelims Examination become eligible for the UPSC Mains examination. The Mains exam consists of 9 theory papers, of which 2 are optional. For the UPSC Preparation, aspirants can refer to the following recommended books for general studies:
Subject
UPSC Books
History, Indian Heritage & Culture (GS Paper 1)
Ancient India by RS Sharma
India after Independence by Bipan Chandra
History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra
Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
Your Optional Subject Paper 1 and Paper 2 in total carries a total of 500 marks accounting for a significant weightage in UPSC Mains. To prepare for these subjects, it is extremely important to use the right books:
Optional Subjects
Best UPSC Books
Agriculture
Agronomy By Yellamananda Reddy
Soil Science – D.K Das Or Brady
Genetics By B.D.Singh
Entomology – Vasantha Raj & David
Special Issue of Agriculture by The Hindu
Anthropology
Paper 1:
Braintree material
Physical Anthropology – P Nath
Anthropology Simplified – Vivek Bhasme (very good source for diagrams and answer structuring)
Following good UPSC books is crucial for effective preparation for the Civil Services Examination. These books serve as invaluable resources that provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and help candidates understand the concepts thoroughly. Here's why it's important to follow good UPSC books:
Comprehensive Coverage: Good books cover the entire UPSC syllabus in a well-organized manner. They address all the topics and sub-topics comprehensively, ensuring that candidates have a solid understanding of each subject.
Conceptual Clarity: These books explain concepts in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for candidates to grasp complex topics. They provide in-depth explanations, examples, and illustrations to help candidates build a strong conceptual foundation.
Updated Content: The UPSC exam pattern and syllabus undergo periodic revisions, and good UPSC books are regularly updated to reflect these changes. Following updated books ensures that candidates are aware of the latest developments and are well-prepared for the exam.
Time-saving: Good books help candidates save time by providing relevant and concise information. They eliminate the need to refer to multiple sources, thereby streamlining the preparation process and allowing candidates to focus on studying effectively.
Practice Questions: Many books include practice questions and previous years' papers, allowing candidates to assess their understanding and practice answering different types of questions. This helps candidates gauge their preparedness and identify areas that require further attention.
Overall, following good UPSC books is essential for candidates looking to crack the Civil Services Examination. These books not only provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus but also help candidates build a strong conceptual foundation, stay updated with the latest developments, and practice effectively for the exam.
Other Resources
Apart from Books, an aspirant can refer to various other UPSC Study Material curated by experts that can help in saving time and increase reading efficiency. List is a list of resources that you can use to add to your reading:
