UPSC/IAS exam has a vast syllabus, and this holds a great matter of importance. However, because of such significance, you need to cover every subject and topic thoroughly. But this can create a lot of confusion, regarding which book or author needs to be followed. As the exam of UPSC/IAS is divided into three phases, and each phase holds its importance. This article is to provide you with the book list for UPSC.
We intend to provide you with all information regarding the books. In this article, you will get to know about book list for UPSC Prelims and booklist for UPSC Mains. Let’s get started. We intend to provide you with all information regarding the books. In this article, you will get to know about book list for UPSC Prelims and booklist for UPSC Mains. Let’s get started.
BOOK LIST FOR UPSC PRELIMS
UPSC Prelims is the first phase in getting one step closer to your dream and thus holds great importance. It will be your foundation phase, so you need to make sure that your preparation is up to the mark. And for that you need the right books.
Regarding syllabus, there are two papers in Prelims: GS1 and CSAT. The UPSC Prelims is an objective exam and with negative marking. The book list for UPSC Prelims is as follows:
| SUBJECT | UPSC BOOKS |
|---|---|
| Geography | 1. NCERT VI-X(Old Syllabus) 2. NCERT XI, XII(New Syllabus) 3. Certificate Physical Geography by G.C. Leong 4. World Atlas 5. Indian Geography by D.R. Khullar |
| History | 1. Indian’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma 2. A History of Ancient & Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh 3. History of Medieval India (800–1700 AD) by Satish Chandra 4.History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra (2009 Edition) 5. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra & Others 6. India After Independence (1947 – 2000) by Bipin Chandra & Others 7. From Plassey To Partition And After by Sekhar Bandopadhyaya WORLD HISTORY BOOKS 1. Contemporary World History for class XII (Old NCERT Book) 2. The Story of Civilization, Part 2 by Arjun Dev, NCERT 3. Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe |
| Economics | 1. Indian Economic Development XI Standard NCERT 2. Indian Economy by Sanjiv Verma 3.Introductory Macro Economics XII Standard NCERT 4. Economics Dictionary published by Collins & Penguin 5. Economic Survey (latest) 6. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper |
| International Relations | 1. India’s Foreign Policy Since Independence by V.P. Dutt 2. Current Affairs 3. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper |
| Indian Polity | 1. Constitution of India at Work (Class XI) NCERT Publication 2. Indian Polity by Laxmikant 3. Yojana Magazine 4. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper |
| CSAT | 1. CSAT II – Arihant 2. Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual 3. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
BOOK LIST FOR UPSC MAINS
Aspirants who qualify the UPSC Prelims can reach the mains stage of the prestigious IAS Exam.
About the number of papers in UPSC Mains, there are nine theory papers in UPSC 2020. Among these nine theory papers, there are two optional subjects.
We will advise the aspirants to follow these books for UPSC Mains preparation.
Here is the book list for UPSC Mains:
| SUBJECT | UPSC BOOKS |
| GS PAPER 1 History, Indian Heritage and culture | 1. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra 2. An Introduction to Indian Art Part 1: Textbook in Fine Arts for Class XI 3. History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra 4. India after Independence by Bipan Chandra 5. Ancient India by R.S Sharma |
| GS PAPER 1 Geography | 1. World Geography by Majid Husain 2. Certificate Physical and Human Geography – G C Leong 3. World Geography by Majid Husain 4. Fundamentals of Physical Geography NCERT Class 11 5. World Atlas |
| Polity and International Relations | 1. India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri 2. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth 3. Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu |
| Economy | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh |
| Ethics | Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary |
In the UPSC Mains exam, the aspirant gets the perk of choosing an optional subject as well. For the mark weightage, the optional paper constitutes 500 marks in total. As it holds such a considerable weightage, it becomes crucial that you follow the right books for your optional paper as well.
There is a vast resource available both online and offline. Because of such an abundant source, you must study from the best books.
These books are recommended by toppers, and below there are some links to videos of toppers. Kindly refer them for further guidance.
