When you start your UPSC journey, one of the first big questions is: “Which books should I read?” With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry because, we’ve a list of Important books for UPSC and made it simple for you!
This article gives you a subject-wise list of Important books for UPSC that every serious UPSC aspirant follows. And more importantly, we’ll show you how 𝐂𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 – ιαѕ αcαdєму can make your preparation smarter, faster, and more focused. Let’s dive in!
Aspirants must note that First, go through the NCERT then, they should follow standard books for better understanding of concepts.
List of Important Books for UPSC
1. Polity – Know Your Rights & Duties
📘 Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth – Must-read for Prelims also, helps in Mains
📘 Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu – For deeper understanding, also helps in understanding the constitition more clearly
📘 NCERTs (Class 9–12) – For building basics, as a result, you will be able to understand core concepts easily.
2. History – Know Your Past to Shape the Future
🏺 Ancient & Medieval India – Old NCERT by R.S. Sharma & Satish Chandra
📖 Modern India by Bipin Chandra (NCERT or Spectrum)
📖 India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipin Chandra
🗺️ Tamil Nadu Board Class 11–12 History Books – Simple & concise
3. Geography – Understand the World Around You
🧭 NCERTs (Class 6–12) – Crystal-clear fundamentals
🗺️ Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
🗺️ Atlas – Oxford/Orient BlackSwan – Practice map-based questions
4. Economy – Understand the Backbone of India
💰 Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania – For Prelims, also helps in Mains
💰 Economic Survey & Budget Summary – Latest data, analysis
💰 NCERTs Class 9–12 – To clear basics
5. Environment – UPSC’s Favorite Topic
🌱 𝐂𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 Environment Book and class notes – Easy explanations.
🌍 NCERT Biology Class 12 (Select Chapters) – For ecology basics
🌱 Current Affairs (PIB, Down to Earth) – Updated knowledge
6. Science & Tech – Be Aware of the Future
🔬 NCERTs (Class 6–10) – Basic science understanding
🧪 Science Reporter Magazine / Current Affairs – For latest advancements
7. Ethics (GS Paper IV) – Mirror of Your Mind
🧠 Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
🧠 Ethics by Subbarao
🧠 Case Study Practice Booklets (𝐂𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 Exclusive Material)
8. Current Affairs – Heartbeat of UPSC
🗞️ The Hindu / Indian Express – Daily reading
🗞️ Yojana, Kurukshetra Magazines – Development-related topics
🗞️ Monthly Compilations – “𝐂𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒” Exclusive PDFs
Why 𝐂𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 – ιαѕ αcαdєму is Your Best UPSC Partner?
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Conclusion
Books are your tools, but guidance makes the real difference. At 𝐂𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 – ιαѕ αcαdєму, we don’t just teach – we mentor, support, and push you until your name is in the final list.
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𝐂𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 – ιαѕ αcαdєму
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