Top 15 Must-Read Books for UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims & Mains)
Preparing for the Books for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a dream journey for many aspirants. But with the ocean of study materials available, selecting the right books becomes absolutely crucial. To help you ace both Prelims and Mains, we have compiled a definitive list of the Top 15 Must-Read Books for UPSC preparation. These books are recommended by toppers and experts alike and will help build a solid foundation for your UPSC journey.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aspirant, this list covers essential subjects like History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Environment, and Current Affairs. So, let’s dive right in!
1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Why Read: A Bible for polity preparation. Easy-to-understand language, exam-oriented, and extremely useful for both Prelims and Mains.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-II).
2. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Why Read: Provides a comprehensive understanding of India’s economy with clear concepts, diagrams, and analysis.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-III).
3. Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
Why Read: Crisp and to-the-point. Great for understanding physical geography concepts.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-I).
4. Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
Why Read: Essential for understanding the richness of India’s cultural heritage.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-I).
5. Ancient and Medieval India by R.S. Sharma & Satish Chandra (Old NCERTs)
Why Read: Authoritative sources for historical understanding of India.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-I).
6. Modern India by Bipin Chandra (Old NCERT and ‘India’s Struggle for Independence’)
Why Read: Must-read for a detailed perspective on India’s freedom movement.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-I).
7. History of Modern World by Arjun Dev (Old NCERT)
Why Read: Helpful for World History topics in Mains.
Recommended For: Mains (GS-I).
8. Environment and Ecology by Shankar IAS Academy
Why Read: Comprehensive yet simple guide for environmental issues.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-III).
9. Science and Technology (NCERT + Updates)
Why Read: Basic NCERTs + regular updates from newspapers and PIB are vital for dynamic science topics.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-III).
10. General Studies Paper 2 Manual by MHE
Why Read: Covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.
Recommended For: Mains (GS-II).
11. Governance in India by M. Laxmikanth
Why Read: Useful for understanding public administration and governance issues.
Recommended For: Mains (GS-II).
12. Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Why Read: Best book for developing ethical understanding and case studies.
Recommended For: Mains (GS-IV).
13. India Year Book (Latest Edition)
Why Read: Government publication that covers all significant events, policies, and schemes.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (All GS Papers).
14. Economic Survey (Latest)
Why Read: Highlights key economic developments and government initiatives.
Recommended For: Prelims and Mains (GS-III).
15. India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha
Why Read: Provides in-depth knowledge of post-independence Indian politics and governance.
Recommended For: Mains (GS-I and Essay Paper).
Bonus Tip: Don’t Miss NCERT Books (Class 6 to 12)
Before jumping into the standard books, build a strong foundation with NCERT textbooks. Especially for subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Polity — NCERTs are gold mines.
How to Effectively Use These Books for UPSC Preparation?
Prioritize: Start with NCERTs and gradually move to standard books.
Revise: Multiple revisions are key to success.
Make Notes: Summarize chapters in your own words for quick revisions.
Practice: Attempt mock tests, past year question papers, and solve daily quizzes.
Stay Updated: Follow newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs.