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UPSC Booklist by Toppers: Insights from IAS Rank Holders

April 28, 2025

When it comes to cracking the toughest exam in India — the UPSC Civil Services Examination — every decision matters, especially the choice of study material. Aspirants often find themselves overwhelmed with endless books, notes, and materials. That’s why following a trusted UPSC Booklist by Toppers becomes a smart move.

In this guide, we bring you a carefully curated booklist based on insights from successful IAS rank holders, helping you focus your preparation and maximize your chances of success.

Why Trust a UPSC Booklist by Toppers?

Top rankers have already navigated the maze of the UPSC syllabus and know what works best. Following their booklist offers several advantages:

  • Saves Time: No need to waste months figuring out the right materials.

  • Builds Strong Fundamentals: The right books clarify concepts in simple ways.

  • Enables Multiple Revisions: A short, powerful list is easier to revise thoroughly.

  • Reduces Confusion: Focused study avoids information overload.

If your goal is to study smart and crack the exam, sticking to the UPSC Booklist by Toppers is your first step.

Complete Subject-Wise UPSC Booklist by Toppers

Here’s a compilation based on interviews and notes from various top rankers:

1. History

  • Ancient & Medieval India:

    • Old NCERT by RS Sharma (Ancient)

    • Old NCERT by Satish Chandra (Medieval)

  • Modern India:

    • “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra

  • Art and Culture:

Tip from Toppers: Focus more on Modern India for Prelims and Mains. Make concise notes for quick revisions.

2. Geography

  • Physical Geography:

    • “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by GC Leong

  • Indian Geography:

    • NCERTs of Class 11 and 12 (New)

  • World Maps:

    • Regular practice of locating important places from current affairs.

Tip from Toppers: Diagrams and maps can fetch you extra marks in Mains.

3. Polity

  • Indian Polity:

    • “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth

Tip from Toppers: Don’t just memorize — understand the working of Indian democracy, constitutional bodies, and landmark judgments.

4. Economy

  • Basic Concepts:

    • NCERT Class 11 – Indian Economic Development

  • Reference Book:

    • “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh (selectively)

Tip from Toppers: For Prelims, clarity on basic terms (like GDP, inflation, fiscal deficit) is critical. For Mains, connect economic concepts with current events.

5. Environment and Ecology

  • Primary Source:

    • Shankar IAS Environment Book

  • Supplement with:

    • Current Affairs and official reports (like IPCC, UNEP summaries).

Tip from Toppers: Environment is becoming increasingly important in Prelims. Focus on treaties, organizations, and Indian environmental laws.

6. Science and Technology

  • No single book required:

    • Focus on NCERT basics (especially Biology)

    • Read Science and Tech pages in newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express.

7. Current Affairs

  • Newspapers:

    • The Hindu or Indian Express

  • Monthly Magazines:

    • Vision IAS Monthly Current Affairs

    • Insights on India compilations

Tip from Toppers: Make your own current affairs notes to save revision time before exams.

8. Ethics (GS Paper 4)

  • Book:

    • “Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude”

  • Additional Practice:

    • Analyze real-life ethical dilemmas and case studies from newspapers.

Final Advice from IAS Toppers

  • Stick to a limited set of books and revise them multiple times.

  • Complement static books with current affairs — not separately, but integrated with your subjects.

  • Practice answer writing daily to polish your understanding and expression.

  • Mock tests and previous years’ papers are non-negotiable.