
The NCERT Book List for UPSC is foundation for Civil Services Examination preparation. For aspirants beginning their preparation journey, the vast syllabus can seem overwhelming. This is where NCERT books come to the rescue.
NCERT textbooks from Class 6 to 12 form the bedrock of foundational knowledge required for UPSC preparation. Written in simple, accessible language, these books cover diverse subjects—from ancient history to environmental science—that align perfectly with the UPSC syllabus.
Why NCERT Book List for UPSC ?
Every year, approximately 25-30% of UPSC Prelims questions can be directly answered from concepts covered in NCERTs. These school textbooks may be designed for children, but they cover all relevant topics that form an integral part of the UPSC syllabus.
In this comprehensive guide, we present a complete NCERT book list for UPSC—organized by subject and class—explaining why each is important, which books deserve special attention, and how to read them effectively.
Why NCERT Book List for UPSC are Essential
Before diving into the specific book lists, it’s crucial to understand why NCERT Book List for UPSC are considered the gold standard for UPSC beginners:
1. Clear Concepts & Simple Language
NCERTs break down complex topics into easily digestible concepts, making them perfect for beginners. The content is organized logically and presented in straightforward language, helping you grasp fundamental ideas without feeling overwhelmed. This clarity is crucial—UPSC often tests conceptual understanding, and NCERTs excel at building that conceptual clarity.
2. Comprehensive Coverage of Basics
Though concise, these books are comprehensive, covering essential topics across History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment, Art & Culture, etc., which map closely to both UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabi. They ensure you cover all basic facts and concepts—from thousand-year-old histories to current political structures—providing a 360° foundation.
3. High Reliability and Authenticity
Published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), a government body, these books are known for their accurate and up-to-date information. You can trust that the data (historical dates, constitutional provisions, scientific facts) is correct. This authenticity ensures you won’t be misled by obscure or erroneous sources—a critical factor when building your knowledge base.
4. Direct Relevance to Exam Questions
Time and again, UPSC has picked questions directly from NCERT content. For example, in the 2016 Prelims, more than 5 questions were lifted straight from NCERT books. Mains questions too often expect a basic understanding that NCERTs provide. Studying NCERT Book List for UPSC can yield easy marks—you don’t want to miss those!
5. Building a Strong Foundation for Advanced Study
Perhaps most importantly, NCERTs make it easier to tackle standard reference books later. They familiarize you with core themes and vocabulary (terms like GDP, federalism, biodiversity) in a gentle learning curve. Once you’ve absorbed NCERT content, books like Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity or Spectrum’s Modern History become far easier to comprehend.
Complete NCERT Book List for UPSC (Subject-wise)
Below is a comprehensive list of NCERT books most relevant to UPSC Civil Services (Prelims and Mains), organized by subject. For each subject, we’ve listed the NCERT Book List for UPSC from Class 6 up to Class 12 that you should consider, highlighting which ones are especially important.
History NCERT Book List for UPSC (Class 6-12)
Recommended Books:
- Class 6: Our Pasts – I
- Class 7: Our Pasts – II
- Class 8: Our Pasts – III (Parts 1 and 2)
- Class 9: India and the Contemporary World – I
- Class 10: India and the Contemporary World – II
- Class 11: Themes in World History
- Class 12: Themes in Indian History – Parts I, II & III
Additional Reference: Old NCERTs – Ancient India by R.S. Sharma (old Class 11), Medieval India by Satish Chandra, Modern India by Bipan Chandra (old Class 12), and World History by Arjun Dev.
Why They’re Important: History NCERTs provide a chronological narrative of India and the world, written in an engaging story-like manner ideal for beginners. In the NCERT Book List for UPSC , the Class 11 and 12 books are especially important as they delve deeper into each era. For instance, Themes in Indian History Part III (Class 12) covers Modern India in detail—a period from which UPSC asks numerous questions in both Prelims and Mains.
Reading Priority: Give extra attention to modern history topics in Class 8 and Class 12 books since modern India has the highest weightage. Medieval and ancient history see fewer questions but provide essential context. If time permits, refer to Old NCERTs by renowned historians for richer detail.
Geography NCERT Book List for UPSC (Class 6-12)
Recommended Books:
- Class 6: The Earth Our Habitat
- Class 7: Our Environment
- Class 8: Resources and Development
- Class 9: Contemporary India – I
- Class 10: Contemporary India – II
- Class 11:
- Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- India – Physical Environment
- Class 12:
- Fundamentals of Human Geography
- India – People and Economy
Why They’re Important: NCERTs are the primary source for Geography basics, covering both Indian and world geography in an easy-to-digest form. They’re filled with maps, diagrams, and case studies that bring concepts to life.
Reading Priority: When you explore NCERT Book List for UPSC , Begin with Class 6-8 to familiarize yourself with fundamental ideas. As you progress, Class 9-10 NCERTs introduce more specifics about India’s geography. The most important are Class 11 and 12 NCERTs—they cover advanced concepts in physical geography and human/economic geography, as well as India-specific details that align directly with UPSC syllabus points.
Pro Tip: Use an atlas alongside geography NCERT Book List for UPSC to practice maps—NCERT exercises often prompt you to locate features on the map, which is great training for map-based questions.
Polity NCERT Book List for UPSC (Class 9-12)
Recommended Books:
- Class 9: Democratic Politics – Part I
- Class 10: Democratic Politics – Part II
- Class 11:
- Indian Constitution at Work
- Political Theory
- Class 12:
- Contemporary World Politics
- Politics in India Since Independence
Why They’re Important: A solid understanding of the Indian political system and Constitution is indispensable for UPSC. NCERT civics/political science textbooks present these fundamentals in a very accessible manner.
Reading Priority: If you are new to polity, start with Class 9 & 10 Democratic Politics for basic ideas. The real core, however, lies in Class 11 and 12 NCERTs. “Indian Constitution at Work” (Class 11) is perhaps the most important NCERT for polity—it systematically covers the entire Constitution of India in the simplest language. Many direct questions in Prelims can be answered from this book.
Economy NCERT Book List for UPSC (Class 9-12)
Recommended Books:
- Class 9: Economics
- Class 10: Understanding Economic Development
- Class 11: Indian Economic Development
- Class 12:
- Introductory Microeconomics
- Introductory Macroeconomics
Why They’re Important: The Indian Economy is a core component of GS3 and often overlaps with current affairs (budget, economic policies, etc.), so having clarity on economic basics is crucial. NCERT economics books use real-life examples to explain concepts like poverty, GDP, banking, etc.
Reading Priority: Class 11’s “Indian Economic Development” is extremely important—it focuses on India’s economic journey since independence. When you reach Class 12, focus on “Introductory Macroeconomics”—this book explains key macro concepts like national income, inflation, monetary policy, etc., which are directly relevant to UPSC.
Science NCERT Book List for UPSC (Class 6-10 and Selected 11-12)
Recommended Books:
- Class 6: Science
- Class 7: Science
- Class 8: Science
- Class 9: Science
- Class 10: Science
- Class 11 (Selected Chapters):
- Chemistry – Unit 14: Environmental Chemistry
- Biology – Units 4 & 5 (plant and human physiology related chapters)
- Class 12 (Selected Chapters):
- Chemistry – Unit 16: Chemistry in Everyday Life
- Biology – Units 8, 9 & 10 (biotechnology, health, and related chapters)
Why They’re Important: UPSC tests your understanding of everyday science phenomena and emerging tech, not high-level theoretical science. NCERT science books from Class 6 to 10 cover fundamental concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science in a clear, non-technical manner.
Reading Priority: For UPSC, the Class 9 and 10 science NCERTs are often sufficient to answer general science questions. The selected chapters from Class 11 and 12 cover important topics like Environmental Chemistry, physiology, and biotechnology that occasionally appear in UPSC questions.
Environment & Ecology NCERT Book List for UPSC
Recommended Books:
- Class 12 (Biology): Environmental Ecology Chapters – 13 to 16 (covers Organisms and Populations; Ecosystems; Biodiversity and Conservation; Environmental Issues)
- Additional Basics: Class 7 Geography – Our Environment
Why They’re Important: Environment has become a significant area for UPSC in recent years. While there isn’t a single NCERT textbook solely for environment, the last four chapters of Class 12 Biology NCERT form an excellent concise Ecology & Environment unit. These chapters cover essential concepts like ecosystems, food chains, biosphere reserves, species extinction, pollution, sustainable development, etc.
Reading Priority: Read these chapters thoroughly—they’ll help you tackle questions on topics such as trophic levels, functions of ecosystems, definitions of biodiversity, and environmental problems which UPSC often asks.
Indian Society NCERT Book List for UPSC (Class 6-12)
Recommended Books:
- Class 6: Social & Political Life – I
- Class 7: Social & Political Life – II
- Class 8: Social & Political Life – III
- Class 11:
- Sociology – Understanding Society
- Introducing Sociology (optional)
- Class 12:
- Indian Society
- Social Change and Development in India
Why They’re Important: Questions on Indian society and social issues appear in GS1 Mains, covering topics like diversity, globalization impact, poverty, women’s issues, communalism, etc. NCERTs—especially the Class 12 sociology books—provide a structured overview of India’s social fabric.
Reading Priority: Focus on Class 12 sociology NCERTs as top priority for society prep, because they align closely with UPSC’s syllabus (there are chapters on population policy, regionalism, communalism, gender, etc.).
Art & Culture NCERT Book List for UPSC
Recommended Books:
- Class 11: An Introduction to Indian Art – Part I
- Class 11: Living Craft Traditions of India – selected chapters (especially Chapters 9 & 10)
Why They’re Important: Indian art and culture is a vast area that often puzzles beginners. UPSC Prelims usually has a few questions on cultural heritage, and GS1 Mains also explicitly mentions art & culture. NCERT’s “Introduction to Indian Art” (Class 11) provides a structured overview of India’s cultural heritage, from prehistoric cave paintings to medieval era art forms.
Reading Priority: Since art & culture can be overwhelming, focus on the content of these books first rather than jumping into too many sources. They will give you 70-80% of what you need for basics.
How to Read NCERT Book List for UPSC Effectively
Reading the right books from NCERT Book List for UPSC is one part; reading them the right way is equally important. Here are practical tips to maximize your gains from NCERTs:
1. Study Subject-wise, Not Class-wise
A common mistake is trying to read NCERTs class by class. Instead, tackle one subject at a time across the classes. For example, read all the History NCERTs in chronological order (Class 6 through 12) so that you build continuity in the subject. This approach helps form connections between classes and ensures better retention and integrated understanding.
2. Active Reading and Note-Making
Don’t read NCERTs passively. Use active reading techniques: underline or highlight key points, jot down marginal notes, and summarize paragraphs in your own words. Make concise notes for each chapter, focusing on important facts, definitions, and concepts. This will help in quick revisions later and prevent having to re-read entire books before the exam.
3. Set a NCERT Schedule
There are quite a few NCERTs to cover, so plan it out. Allocate dedicated time for NCERTs in your study schedule and set target deadlines. For instance, you could aim to finish all NCERTs of one subject in 2-3 weeks. Having a timeline creates a sense of urgency and helps you maintain momentum.
4. Multiple Readings for Retention
Don’t expect to remember everything in one reading. It’s advisable to read NCERTs at least twice—the first time to understand concepts, the second (or third) time to reinforce memory and catch details you might have missed. Many toppers read NCERTs 2-3 times over the course of their preparation.
5. Integrate NCERTs with Advanced Books & Current Affairs
As you finish a subject’s NCERTs, transition to standard reference books for that subject. NCERTs will have given you the core concepts, so the advanced books will feel like an extension rather than something entirely new. Additionally, try linking NCERT knowledge with daily news. This habit of correlating theory and current events will deepen your understanding and make your study more relevant to UPSC’s analytical questions.
6. Use NCERT Exercises and Questions
At the end of NCERT chapters, there are often exercise questions. These are good to ensure you understood the chapter. Try to answer them without looking at the text. It can reveal any weak spots in your understanding. Some NCERT questions are surprisingly insightful and could resemble straightforward prelims questions.
7. Old vs New NCERT – Use Judiciously
Prefer the latest NCERTs for most subjects (they are more exam-oriented in polity, geography, economy) and use old NCERTs only for a few areas like History where additional depth is beneficial. For example, new NCERT history books are more colorful and narrative, while old ones are denser with facts—reading both can help, but if pressed for time, you might read new NCERT for understanding and skim old for extra facts.
FAQs About NCERT Book List for UPSC
Q: Are NCERT Book List for UPSC sufficient for UPSC preparation?
A: While the NCERT book list for UPSC provides an excellent foundation, they should be supplemented with standard reference books, current affairs, and practice tests for comprehensive preparation.
Q: How many times should I read NCERT books?
A: Most successful candidates read NCERTs at least twice—first for understanding, and a second time for reinforcement and retention.
Q: Should I read all NCERTs from Class 6 to 12?
A: Ideally, yes, especially for subjects like History, Geography, and Polity. However, if time is limited, prioritize Class 9-12 NCERTs and focus on Class 11-12 for most subjects.
Q: Old NCERTs vs. New NCERTs: Which are better?
A: New NCERTs are generally more aligned with the current UPSC pattern. However, old NCERTs for History (particularly R.S. Sharma’s Ancient India and Bipan Chandra’s Modern India) are still valuable for their detailed coverage.
Q: Can I skip NCERT books if I have a strong academic background?
A: Even with a strong background, NCERTs are recommended for their specific alignment with UPSC requirements and for their simple presentation of fundamentals.
Conclusion
For an absolute beginner in UPSC preparation, the NCERT book list for UPSC truly serves as the definitive guide to fundamentals. These books cover almost every domain of the vast syllabus in a structured, reliable, and easy-to-understand manner—from India’s historical past to the science behind everyday phenomena.
NCERTs are not just about clearing the prelims by answering a few direct questions; their real value lies in equipping you with the language of the subjects and a strong conceptual framework, which will percolate into your mains answers and even interviews.
Almost every topper’s strategy begins with NCERTs, and for good reason. Use this NCERT Book List for UPSC guide to check off the NCERTs for each subject, apply the reading techniques suggested, and you’ll find yourself increasingly comfortable with the seemingly vast UPSC syllabus.
Books from NCERT Book List for UPSC, combined with regular revision and integration with other resources, will turn into one of your strongest tools for cracking UPSC. Start today, stay consistent, and let NCERTs launch you on the path to success in the Civil Services Examination!
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