When it comes to cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one piece of advice you’ll hear from almost every topper is:
But with so many options, how do you pick the right NCERT books for UPSC preparation? In this guide, we’ll help you choose wisely and study smart, so you focus only on what truly matters.
“Start your preparation with NCERT books.”
But with dozens of NCERT textbooks across various subjects and classes, it’s natural to wonder:
👉 Which NCERT books are actually relevant for UPSC?
👉 Do I need to read all of them?
In this blog, we’ll help you decode how to choose the right NCERT books for UPSC — efficiently and effectively.
Why NCERT Books Matter for UPSC
Before diving into the selection process, let’s understand why NCERTs are crucial for your UPSC journey:
✅ Authentic Source: Published by the Government of India, NCERTs are factually accurate.
✅ Simple Language: Ideal for beginners to build strong conceptual clarity.
✅ Foundation Builder: Help create a base for advanced reference books.
✅ Direct Questions in Exams: Many UPSC Prelims questions are lifted directly from NCERT content.
📜 History
Start from Class 6 to build your timeline understanding and go up to Class 12 for in-depth knowledge.
Class 6: Our Past – I
Class 7: Our Past – II
Class 8: Our Past – III
Class 9 & 10: India and the Contemporary World
Class 11: Themes in World History
Class 12: Themes in Indian History I, II, III
✔ Tip: Class 12 books are particularly useful for Mains GS Paper 1.
🌍 Geography
Geography NCERTs are considered the best for building conceptual clarity.
Class 6–8: Basics of earth, resources, and environment
Class 9: Contemporary India – I
Class 10: Contemporary India – II
Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India – Physical Environment
Class 12: Human Geography, India – People and Economy
✔ Tip: Class 11 and 12 are essential for both Prelims and Mains.
🏛️ Polity
For Polity, NCERTs provide a good introduction to the Constitution and democratic processes.
Class 9 & 10: Democratic Politics I & II
Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work
Class 12: Politics in India Since Independence
✔ Tip: These books are perfect to build a base before diving into Laxmikanth’s Polity.
💰 Economics
Economics might feel intimidating, but NCERTs simplify it really well.
Class 9 & 10: Basics of Indian economy
Class 11: Indian Economic Development
Class 12: Introductory Macroeconomics
✔ Tip: Focus more on Class 11 and 12 books for understanding economic terms and concepts.
🌿 Environment & Ecology
NCERTs don’t have a dedicated book for environment, but related topics are scattered across:
Biology Class 12: Chapters on ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation
✔ Tip: Supplement with “Shankar IAS Environment” for detailed coverage.
🔬 Science & Technology
Only basic science is needed for UPSC, and NCERTs cover that well.
Class 6–10 Science books (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
✔ Tip: Helps in Prelims, especially for CSAT and general awareness.
📘 Old vs New NCERTs: Which One to Prefer?
Old NCERTs: More factual and detailed (especially for History and Geography)
New NCERTs: More visual, simplified, and concept-focused
✔ Recommendation:
Use Old NCERTs for History, and New NCERTs for other subjects if you’re just starting out.
📝 How to Read NCERTs Effectively
Reading NCERTs isn’t just about flipping pages. Here’s how to get the most out of them:
Start from Class 6 and go upward
Highlight important points
Make short notes for revision
Revise at least 2–3 times
Solve PYQs (Previous Year Questions) to understand relevance