best essay books for upsc mains

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Books for UPSC Civil Service Main Exam Preparation

Last updated on August 31, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

The below-mentioned books are based on the feedback from many aspirants/toppers who found them useful for the exam.

We keep updating this page when new books worth the time and money of candidates appear in the market.

Table of Contents

Books for UPSC Civil Service Main Exam Preparation (Click on the links to buy online)

Books for UPSC Civil Service Main Exam overlap with many books recommended for Prelims. But Mains stage demands certain additional books as there are new topics like Foreign Relations, Internal Security, Ethics etc.

We suggest a mix of NCERT Books, Government websites, newspapers along with new textbooks in the market for mains preparation. Don’t forget to read our online study materials for mains too.

UPSC Books for Indian Polity and Constitution

• Indian Polity – by M. Laxmikanth ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Important Acts that Transformed India – by Alex Andrews George ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Important Judgments that Transformed India – by Alex Andrews George ( Click to buy from Amazon )

UPSC Books for Indian History and Culture

• Indian Art and Culture – by Nitin Singhania ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Ancient and Medieval India – by Poonam Dalal Dahiya ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Modern Indian History – by Sonali Bansal and Snehil Tripathi ( Click to buy from Amazon )

UPSC Books for Indian Geography and World Geography

• Certificate Physical And Human Geography – by Goh Cheng Leong ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Geography of India – by Majid Husain ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Oxford Student Atlas for India ( Click to buy from Amazon )

UPSC Books for Indian Economy

• Indian Economy – by Ramesh Singh ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Indian Economy – by Nitin Singhania ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Indian Economy Key Concepts – by Sankarganesh Karuppiah ( Click to buy from Amazon )

UPSC Books for Science and Technology

• Science and Technology – by Ravi P. Agrahari ( Click to buy from Amazon )

UPSC Books for Environment – Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change

• Environment – By Shankar IAS ( Click to buy from Amazon )

UPSC Books for Current Affairs

• India 2021 Yearbook – by Rajiv Mehrishi ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• The Malayala Manorama English Yearbook 2021  –  by Mammen Mathew ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• India 2021 – Publications Division Paperback – by Publications Division ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for Essay (UPSC Mains Essay Paper)

• Selected Contemporary Essays Paperback – by Saumitra Mohan ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• 151 Essays – by Disha Experts ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for India Since Independence (Part of UPSC Mains GS1 Paper)

• Post-Independence India: For Civil Services Examinations – by Sonali Bansal and Snehil Tripathi ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for World History (Part of UPSC Mains GS1 Paper)

• World History – by Krishna Reddy ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for Indian Society (Part of UPSC Mains GS1 Paper)

• Indian Society: Themes and Social Issues – by Nadeem Hasnain ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for Governance (Part of UPSC Mains GS2 Paper)

• Governance in India Paperback – by M. Laxmikanth ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for Foreign Relations of India (Part of UPSC Mains GS2 Paper)

• International Relations – by Pavneet Singh ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for Internal Security (Part of UPSC Mains GS3 Paper)

• Challenges to Internal Security of India – by Ashok Kumar and Vipul Anekant ( Click to buy from Amazon )

IAS Books for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (UPSC Mains GS4 Paper)

• Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude for IAS General Studies – by Niraj Kumar ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude – by M. Karthikeyan ( Click to buy from Amazon )
• Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude – by G Subba Rao & P N Roy Chowdhury ( Click to buy from Amazon )

Civil Services Optional Subject Books (Paper 6 and Paper 7)

Books to Prepare Some of the Popular Optional Papers for IAS Mains:

• Sociology Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• Public Administration Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• History Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• Geography Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• Economics Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• Philosophy Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• Psychology Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• Agriculture Optional: Books for Mains Exam .
• Political Science Optional: Books for Mains Exam .

Useful IAS Books and Magazines For Free Download and Reference

• NCERT Books Download .
• Buy NCERT Books Online .
• Yojana Magazine Download.
• Kurukshetra Magazine Download.
• Buy Pratiyogita Darpan Magazine .
• IGNOU Books Download .
• IAS Books Mains General Studies  – For more reference in GS1, GS2, G3 and G4.
• Free IAS Study Materials for UPSC Prelims and Mains .

Books for Other Exams (Click on the links to buy online)

• UPSC NDA/CDS/IES Exam Books .
• SSC Exam Books .
• Banking Exam Books .
• MBA Exam Books .
• Engineering Books .

UPSC Books at Online Stores!

• IAS Books in Hindi: List of Useful Books For Hindi Medium Aspirants .
• Latest IAS Books: Click To Buy New Releases For UPSC Preparation .
• Recommended list of UPSC books available in Flipkart .
• The full list of UPSC books available on Flipkart .
• The full list of UPSC books available on Amazon .

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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

July 30, 2013 at 2:27 pm

Sir, if i am appearing for ias – 2014 when shall i start making notes out of daily newspaper. shall i start it by now or after mains 2013. although i am reading newspaper regularly but what is right tme to take notes.

December 16, 2013 at 7:52 pm

Sorry for not keeping tracking of all comments…But to answer your query, note taking is advised from Day1. But it should be done on priority basis after Mains 2013.

April 17, 2014 at 8:20 pm

Sir, u will provide online coachine .plz…..inform me

June 8, 2016 at 6:40 am

Name:-satya prakash vill:- Khaje atwar sarai state:-bihar dist:-nalanada Pincode:-803118

September 19, 2013 at 4:56 pm

loved everything u posted here.!!! thank you just sooo much.!!!!! 🙂 😀 huge help…

December 16, 2013 at 7:53 pm

Welcome. Appreciate the feedback 🙂

November 20, 2013 at 2:58 pm

this site is very useful for ias’s dreamer

December 16, 2013 at 7:55 pm

Happy to hear the positive comments:-)

April 14, 2016 at 9:34 pm

Sir pls suggest me some management books for optional

January 14, 2014 at 10:49 pm

Sir I have tmh general studies.i recently bought Access Publishing general studies paper 1 and 2 which is very good too with all good authors.sir have you gone through these two later books.

January 14, 2014 at 11:52 pm

January 20, 2014 at 4:50 pm

sir, I have taken admission in ignou January 2014 session in b.a. Will I be eligible for ias 2016

March 27, 2014 at 6:46 am

Sir, Cannot open Socialogy books link… Plz Fix it… 4 Sociology – Civil Services Books – Mains Exam.

March 29, 2014 at 7:58 pm

Dear Dharmesh,

Thanks a lot for pointing out that. The link issue is fixed. Let us know if you find any further difficulties.

June 7, 2014 at 10:41 am

sir,i want to know that is english litt and langvage both are useful in ias if i do ba hons with english then up to whch extend it is useful for the preparation

June 1, 2017 at 9:20 am

Not so important but it improves your language and if u r able to improve your language from side then choose those subjects as hons. Which is your optional in mains it manage your time other wise u have to concentrate on graduation also

June 8, 2014 at 3:36 pm

Sir, I find no books on Anthropology for CIvil Services Main exam. would you kindly suggest me.

June 8, 2014 at 8:53 pm

i’m looking for on line or postal coaching for civil service(main) exam…. please inform me….

June 9, 2014 at 12:08 am

your suggested booklist immensly helped me to select my required books on respective subjects…

June 6, 2016 at 9:57 am

Great to know about that. All the best!

June 9, 2014 at 12:13 am

sir, what books shall i refer for essay paper??i have few..they are argumentative indian and imagining india….i need you to suggest a few more…

June 18, 2014 at 9:33 pm

no material for animal husbandary & veterinary science

July 18, 2014 at 5:51 pm

Sir Kya ram chandra guha aur dusre writer ki book hindi me aati hai

August 6, 2014 at 8:43 pm

Thanx for information

September 10, 2014 at 8:43 pm

Sir kya spectrum ki Indian culture Hindi me milegi

September 20, 2014 at 10:29 pm

Sir my optional is agriculture will u conduct online or postal classes for agriculture optional

November 13, 2014 at 8:52 pm

hello sir thanks you for providing valuable information can you suggest for world history and culture baliyan notes better or vaji 2. vaji printed or vaji handwritten which one is better

December 2, 2014 at 9:02 pm

Sir my self Debtanu I am so in ubi how can I manage my to get into civil service which book should I start to get in to the prelims in 2015 although I have bought 2 books of one is history of modern India and Indian polity

December 15, 2014 at 3:22 pm

Dis site iz very usful ias achivars Tnx alot of u

December 24, 2014 at 9:24 am

best site for upsc aspirants

June 6, 2016 at 9:58 am

Thank you for the feedback. All the best!

December 28, 2014 at 1:22 am

sir, i am a clerk in para military forces . I want to know that can i preparation and get success in jpsc or not because i have spent my 8-9 hrs in office so it is possible or not

January 2, 2015 at 7:49 am

This site is very useful for IAS aspirants.

January 25, 2015 at 6:47 pm

dear sir maire pas coching or dheli join karne ki koe samvawna nahi hai phir v mai esme saphal hona chahta hu apse kuchh feetback chahta hu sir

February 1, 2015 at 3:16 pm

Can u pls post the books needed to prepare for Electrical Engineering optional.

February 5, 2015 at 5:19 pm

Hello Sir..Good evening…sir please tell the Name of the books that are very much helpful for CSE Mains examination of Political Science optional subject with their publication and author’s..Thank you

March 6, 2015 at 9:10 am

So far so good..very much helpful

March 31, 2015 at 3:34 pm

Hello, I’m planning to take political science as an optional subject..can you suggest me the books for it..nothing is mentioned regarding political science in this post

March 31, 2015 at 4:28 pm

You may expect a post on Political Science optional, strategies and books to read soon.

April 6, 2015 at 9:00 am

SIR, My birth date in 1995 year…what am i eligible for civil service exam-2016?

April 24, 2015 at 7:38 pm

Thanks for giving a online free books and coaching, I decided to take management as my optional so i need a reference book and main book for my preparation thank you.Roghini Ravi Kumar

July 4, 2015 at 12:44 pm

Can we use second hand/old edition books for the preperation?

July 5, 2015 at 1:16 pm

Could you please suggest books for the optional subject Mathematics in mains? Thanks,

July 6, 2015 at 8:31 am

How important are NCERT books from preparation point of view? (Both for prelims and mains) I mean do i need to go through std 6-12 books or should I start with the books above mentioned?

August 1, 2015 at 11:56 am

plz suggest me maths books for optional.

August 1, 2015 at 6:04 pm

plz suggest me maths books for optional.also give me some important strategy for this subject.

August 22, 2015 at 6:15 pm

A good and amuch useful site.very useful and good for ias aspirants.i have download it today and find it good.

September 25, 2015 at 10:22 am

An assamese medium is allowed for main written exam of all (except English) GS i-iv and optional subject. Please provide details.

October 6, 2015 at 11:18 am

Clear IAS is Best app for For me i am IAS aspirant

June 6, 2016 at 9:59 am

Great to know that aspirants like you are taking the best out of ClearIAS app. All the best!

October 26, 2015 at 1:42 pm

Sir, i m really good at zoology. I will choose it as an optional subject. Its syllabus that u had posted is not typical, but still can you point out some books for zoology. Thank u 🙂

November 2, 2015 at 11:03 am

Sir, i shall be thankful to you if you kindly suggest a books for UPSC main 2016 with the latest edition.

November 9, 2015 at 12:08 am

Sir, Which are the optional subjects.. in which stage shoul i choose it in prelims or mains. ??

November 22, 2015 at 2:12 pm

Hello sir my name is Saiyam and my dream is to become an IAS OFFICE but I am little bit confused related to the books that I should refer and also I want that some guide line so that I can be on the right track for becoming an IAS OFFICE and transforming my dream in to the reality …… So sir can u plzz help me by giving your guidance ……….

December 9, 2015 at 1:36 pm

Sir, I am Master in fisheries with double graduation, one in zoology and other in fisheries (B. F.Sc.). I want to prepare and qualify IAS exam and I know only a little about it. Can you please help me in advising that how to start and how much knowledge is required. Actually, the problem with me is that I know very much about fisheries and zoology but my general knowledge is very poor.

December 12, 2015 at 5:51 am

sir tou will will provide online coching please inform me

February 27, 2016 at 7:43 am

Sir pls suggest me some good material for physics optional in mains

March 6, 2016 at 10:38 am

Hello sir, I am complete double degree graduation,one in history,and other in law.and. I have take admission in IGNOU in MA history,am very confused can you p/s help me in advising that how to start and I decided to take history as my optional subject.so I need a reference book I want ur suggestion.p/s help me.

March 22, 2016 at 10:06 pm

which subject is the most important for the mains paper

April 19, 2016 at 10:45 am

Books for optional – physics

April 23, 2016 at 12:16 pm

sir me ias ki teyari karna chata hu is ke liye kon si book lu.

May 23, 2016 at 8:11 pm

Hello sir, I’m not cleared about my doubt that there is scalling in optional subject paper 6 ,7 plz suggest I can take subject as veterinary science is useful bcoz I’m graduated in this subject or either geography in which I hv some interest

June 6, 2016 at 11:20 pm

Sir my optional subject is political science and international relations…which book ‘ll refer to study…

August 5, 2016 at 5:54 pm

Sir, I am a commerce graduate, I am worried about my optional papers. My first query, is it mandatory to choose two(2) optional paper? and another you does not share any link for commerce stream. If you share some idea it will be help full to me. I am still unable to choose 2nd optional paper (1st, Commerce & Accountancy). So please help me and suggest some books on commerce stream.

August 6, 2016 at 12:32 pm

Sir good morning i am rajesh .i am confused that how to start prepartion for ias .and suggest me some books for ias exam and geography main books.

August 19, 2016 at 1:28 am

Hi sir I’m the very beginner for the upsc prpeartion sit pls provide me the list of books for the entire history prpeartion in the exam point of view

September 16, 2016 at 2:49 pm

I want a personal email describing, 1. The books to prepare for Pre and Mains, optional History 2. What to read for Current Affirs with their backdrop 3. Various surveys, programmes and schemes 4. Various websites of government 5. Last years papers of pre & mains, how to get (and if possible, with answers)

Please give me this information, as I can’t join any coaching due to money issue and time constraints. (Email id given below)

October 14, 2016 at 9:02 pm

Respected sir, I am a BALLB 1st sem student.I am interested too in social service.To serve the society IAS is the only platform for me.But I am in confusion that from where I should start my preparation. And also I want to take law as an optional .sir, plz suggest me.

October 25, 2016 at 7:38 pm

sir ji plz provide the anthropology option book or material for the mains

November 26, 2016 at 8:50 pm

Sir.. Way are the books to be referred for zoology optional

February 25, 2017 at 10:38 pm

Sir Im preparing with Geography as optional. But I really don’t have any idea for General studies Paper 1, 2,3,4 for Main.. Can you suggest me some best book .. please reply and also reply about the books about their speciality.

April 13, 2017 at 6:41 pm

Sir, Is it possible to post the latest YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazines

May 20, 2017 at 6:27 pm

Sir, now I passed 12th class & after graduation I want to give ias exam , which books I should read which mainly not changed & how I should prepare for that.

October 27, 2017 at 10:07 pm

Clear your graduation first,In addition current affairs

June 1, 2017 at 12:52 pm

Hello sir I need some books to suggested for anthropology optional ..I kindly request you to suggest me.. Thank you

July 3, 2017 at 8:18 am

Hello ClearIAS, In your website, only sociology optional book list is seen instead of respective optional when selected, so kindly make a change in your website, so, the aspirants would have a chance to view the books list for other optional too.

July 3, 2017 at 11:02 am

@Gopi: Thank you for bringing this to our notice. We have updated the links now.

July 16, 2017 at 10:00 pm

Thanks @ClearIAS for your kind cooperation…

July 12, 2017 at 5:09 pm

Sir if I select marathi language in ias mains exam, then are the optional subject in marathi language. Pls reply

July 16, 2017 at 10:02 pm

Thanks @ClearIAS for your kind cooperation of making changes…

September 24, 2017 at 10:52 am

hai sir….. iam preparing for ias but nt able to understand how to prepare for indian polity main plz suggest material for it plzzzzzz

October 27, 2017 at 10:05 pm

Sir,First off aĺ thank you so much for guiding us. Please share your views regarding zoology as a optional,as my subject was zoology till my graduation. After graduation i have stopped my academics,Sir please give your suggestion.

December 14, 2017 at 2:06 pm

Hello sir Firstly, thankyou so much for this wonderful opportunity. Can you list out the books for management subject as optional? Thanks

January 4, 2018 at 2:03 pm

sir i need the english material in mains exam (optional) subject and telugu material also sir

March 19, 2018 at 10:11 pm

Sir it’s time for me ask u a valuable question that sir can I take my optional subject as education

March 29, 2018 at 4:18 am

sir,I want to take optional subject as physics.Please suggest me the books and notes.Want your Help.

May 8, 2018 at 1:14 pm

ARE YOU SURE THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO CLEAR UPSC AFTER READING ALL THIS BOOKS..??

May 21, 2018 at 9:40 am

July 7, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Sir can you please provide books for optional subject mathematics

July 18, 2018 at 12:59 am

Sir will u plz provide books for optional subject law ?? 🙏

September 12, 2018 at 9:44 pm

After completion of law u may concentrate towards iAs …then both konowledge and power prosper in your life hopefully

March 5, 2019 at 8:28 am

Sir I want a zoology book for upsc

May 16, 2019 at 6:23 pm

Sir, please can you provide books for botany ,please

July 25, 2019 at 12:49 pm

Dear Sir, I am MBA in Marketing. i need guidance in selection of subjects in mains exam. As i did masters in marketing.

August 14, 2019 at 5:55 pm

Sir do I have to buy all the books or one book is enough for each paper(GS-1,GS-2,GS-3,GS-4)

November 4, 2020 at 12:37 pm

This is very helpful information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.electronics devices

February 5, 2021 at 9:09 am

Usually, I never comment on blogs, but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself from saying something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up.RO Water Purifier Services, Alkaline Water Machine Sale and Service

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• IAS Preparation
• Best Books For English Paper Of UPSC Main Exam

Best Books for Civil Services Mains Exam- English

Here, we bring a list of best books to refer to prepare for the English Compulsory paper of UPSC Civil Service (Main) Exam.

Compulsory English Book for IAS

Best books for the preparation of English Paper for Civil Services Main Exam:

Book Name: Compulsory English Author:  A P Bhardwaj  

The Compulsory English Book comes handy to IAS Aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Main Exam. It is highly recommended to aspirants who want to learn Compulsory English of the UPSC Mains Exam.

This book will be an asset for UPSC Exams and other competitive exams.  

Key Feature:

This book contains sufficient explanation of concepts with examples that will make the learning process easier for aspirants’.  

Book Name: Contemporary Essays For Civil Services Examinations Author:  Ramesh Singh

This book provides gives an insight on writing excellent essays. This book is highly recommended to IAS Aspirants.  

Key Features:

• It is considered as prerequisites of a good essay.
• The book provides introductory write-up on the art of essay writing
• This book provides a reference to vital government data and documents in most essays
• The topics in the book are meticulously designed to the present situation that will meet the aid the aspirants’ in their preparation.  

Book Name: UPSC Civil Services Main Exam – Indian Society: A General Overview 1st Edition Author Name: B. Ramaswamy

This book will aid the UPSC Aspirants to understand the formation of Indian Society and its cultures and contains all the details of Indian Society.

The book contains in-depth information about Indian Society and topics like

• Salient features of Indian society, diversity of India
• Role of women and women’s organization, effects of globalization on Indian society, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
• Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies  

Book Name: Unique Quintessence of a Compendium of Essays Author Name: J K Chopra

This book is regarded as one of the best essay books for the UPSC Mains Exam Preparation.

• The book consists of 120 essays.
• Covers political, economic, social and other topics
• Gives a decent idea to the students about essay writing
• This book also contains solved previous years civil services question papers

Book Name: The Vault of Essay Author Name:  Yagya Nand Jha

This is all about UPSC Exams and contains topics that cover almost all the sections of the civil services exam. It is highly recommended to IAS Aspirants to go through this book to get a good hold on the essay writing.  

This book covers Essays on topics like-

• Political & Economic Issues
• National & International Issues
• Social Issues
• Science-Tech, Environmental & Ecological Issues
• Philosophical & Quotation Based Issues
• Cultural Issues & Personalities

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Best Books for UPSC Prelims & Mains 2024

Looking for reliable resources when studying for the UPSC CSE? Nowadays, aspirants have access to a plethora of books and study materials both online and in print, but they must do their homework to determine which ones will best serve them in their preparation. If you want to get into the UPSC, start with the NCERT books and then move on to the more advanced reference books. The candidate’s familiarity with the material and their level of experience with the exam will inform their decision over which UPSC exam book guide to use.

In this article, you will learn recommended books for ias by toppers and the Best Books for UPSC Prelims 2024 and Best Books for UPSC mains 2024 Examination. Also, you will have valuable insights about the importance of books and study material for the UPSC IAS Exam.

Table of Content

UPSC Prelims books – Best Books for IAS Prelims

Upsc mains books – best books for ias mains, upsc book list for optional subjects – best books for upsc, importance of ias preparation books, highlights of upsc study material, significance of quality ias study materials.

It is recommended that everyone preparing for UPSC CSE 2024 thoroughly review the Prelims booklist.

The General Studies Paper 1 and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test are the prerequisites for entry into the IAS. Each of these works is an objective study.

Candidates should put more effort into understanding the concepts behind the topics for the prelims. Therefore, both journals need to have a dependable yet condensed booklist.

The booklist they have supplied comprises both UPSC prelims GS books and books for CSAT, which will assist you in covering the topics and provide an in-depth grasp of themes given in the curriculum.

It would help to familiarise yourself with the UPSC curriculum in detail to understand the material better.

Next, they included a table with the finest IAS books for prelims, including a list of GS books and a booklist for the UPSC CSAT (excluding NCERTS):

Those who do well enough in the UPSC preliminary exam will move on to the IAS main exam. There are nine theory papers, out of which two papers are optional. Those interested in studying for the UPSC Preparation 2023 exam can use the information provided here.

We’ve compiled a list of the top books on general knowledge that you can use to ace the UPSC Mains Exam in 2023.

To help you succeed in the UPSC Mains Exam 2023, they have developed a list of the available UPSC Optional Subjects.

Books written specifically for India’s Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams can be invaluable study tools. Candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) are chosen through these rigorous examinations. Examinees can benefit from preparation books since they provide valuable insight into the structure and content of tests, sample questions and other study aids.

Books written specifically to prepare for the UPSC exam can be useful, but they shouldn’t be your only resource. A well-rounded and comprehensive preparation for the UPSC exams requires utilising multiple resources, including online study aids, practice tests, and coaching programmes.

1. UPSC PYQs Integrated

Notes 2.0 includes all of the UPSC Mains Exam questions from 2013 to 2020. Students can better prepare for tests if they know what is expected.

UPSC also has a habit of asking the same questions more than once. Comparing India with Western secularism is only one example; questions about urban flooding have also come up frequently in previous UPSC exams. Mastering PYQs will aid in providing suitable responses.

2. Concept Maps and Timelines

Tables, flowcharts, bullet points, and timelines are all condensed forms of high-yield information that will aid with memorization and recall. When it comes time to study, this will be invaluable. Students can revise a single page rather than the entire chapter.

3. Every subject is thoroughly covered

Notes cover many current events, including the Taliban’s conquest of Afghanistan, the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend internet access, the SC’s decision to create a quota for the economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes, and the controversies surrounding Indian secularism.

Critical Opinions covers a wide range of subjects related to critical thinking. Most questions answered in the UPSC Mains test are opinion-based; they have tried to teach the same in Notes 2.0. The question of why the Congress party agreed to India’s partition is one such case. Could India’s split have been prevented? Notes 2.0 has this covered.

4. Pearls of Knowledge

There are pearls of wisdom hidden in Notes 2.0. Was it the British who brought political unity to India, for instance?

5. Other Features

• Thin and crisp volumes on themes like Disaster Management, Post-Independence, and World History so busy professionals can read them in their spare time. Reading and reviewing books is simple.
• Notes 2.0 is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing numerous textbooks, as it covers current events, theory, critical opinion concerns, and PYQs.
• The paper and binding are of good enough quality that a student’s use of a highlighter or pen won’t damage the pages.
• India’s most popular online educational hub provides study guides for the UPSC test. Visit their site for the best UPSC prep, hand-picked by the industry’s foremost instructors.

You can only prepare for the civil services test with solid IAS books. Here are five reasons why they’re so crucial:

• Coverage That Goes Above And Beyond: The best IAS preparation materials thoroughly cover the exam’s extensive curriculum, helping candidates hone their knowledge in every study area.
• Clarity of Thought: They aid in laying a solid groundwork by simplifying difficult topics for their readers, who are thus more able to absorb and apply the information presented.
• Importance of the Exam: The best IAS books are designed with the UPSC exam in mind, including material similar to that found on the exam.
• Exercise and Review: Candidates can test their knowledge and prepare for the exam with the help of practice questions, past papers and revision notes found in many IAS publications.
• Effective use of Time: Using recommended IAS books might help candidates make the most efficient use of their time by pointing them toward the most relevant and useful study materials.

This brings us to the end of this part. Up to this point, they’ve given you all the information you need to succeed with the UPSC exam book guide . Hope you find the extensive talk above valuable for your preparation. We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming UPSC exam and ask that you please excuse us. To Your Success!! Don’t Stop Studying!

Useful Resources:

Starting Your UPSC Journey

• How to Start Preparing for UPSC from Scratch

PSC Exam Resources and Materials

• UPSC Previous Year Question Paper & Solutions
• Science and Technology Notes for UPSC Prelims
• History Notes for UPSC Exam 2023
• Indian Economy Notes For UPSC Exam (On Latest Syllabus)
• Polity Notes for UPSC Exam 2023
• Geography Notes For UPSC Exam 2023
• History of Modern India Notes For UPSC
• History of Ancient India Notes For UPSC
• History of Medieval India Notes For UPSC

UPSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern

• UPSC Syllabus 2024 PDF – IAS Prelims & Mains Syllabus
• UPSC Exam Pattern 2023

UPSC Prelims and Mains Preparation

• UPSC Prelims 2024
• UPSC Mains 2024
• Best Optional Subject for UPSC

UPSC Interview Preparation and Insights

• UPSC Interview Preparation
• Top UPSC IAS Interview Questions (2023)
• UPSC IAS Mock Interview Guidance and Experiences – 2023

FAQs on Best Books for UPSC Prelims and Mains

1. what are the must-read books for upsc prelims.

For General Studies, books like NCERT textbooks, ‘Indian Polity’ by M. Laxmikanth, and ‘Certificate Physical and Human Geography’ by G.C. Leong are highly recommended. For current affairs, regular reading of newspapers like ‘The Hindu’ or ‘Indian Express’ is essential.

2. Which books are best for UPSC Mains preparation?

‘An Introduction to the Constitution of India’ by D.D. Basu, ‘India After Gandhi’ by Ramachandra Guha for Indian History, and ‘Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude’ by Subba Rao are crucial for Mains. Subject-specific books based on the chosen optional subject are also important.

3. Are NCERT books enough for UPSC preparation?

NCERT books are fundamental for building a strong base, especially for subjects like History, Geography, and Science. However, advanced preparation requires additional standard books.

4. How can I cover current affairs effectively for UPSC?

Regular reading of newspapers, following credible news websites, and monthly magazines like ‘Yojana’ and ‘Kurukshetra’ are effective for covering current affairs.

5. Can you suggest some books for UPSC Prelims CSAT paper?

‘CSAT Manual by TMH’ or ‘Cracking the CSAT Paper-2’ by Arihant Experts are good choices for CSAT preparation.

6. What books should I read for UPSC Ethics paper?

‘Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude’ by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary is a popular choice for the Ethics paper in Mains.

7. Are there any comprehensive guides for UPSC Prelims and Mains?

Comprehensive guides like ‘IAS General Studies Prelims Solved Papers’ by Disha Experts can be helpful for practice and understanding the exam pattern.

8. How important are previous year question papers for UPSC preparation?

Solving previous year question papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern and type of questions asked. Books like ’22 years CSAT General Studies IAS Prelims Topic-wise Solved Papers’ by Disha Publication are useful.

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UPSC Foundation Courses

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.

Best Books for UPSC Prelims

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:

UPSC Book List for Mains

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:

UPSC Books for Optional Subjects

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:

Importance of Following Good UPSC Books

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.
• P ractice 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:

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