Here is the list of Books/Sources Recommended for UPSC CSE
- UPSC CSE preparation involves going through its immense syllabus scattered around numerous books.
- It is important to learn from the correct source for positive results.
From the vast ocean of reference material, selecting the right one is paramount for aspiring candidates, the right set can lead to success. We at IAS Origin based on our years of experience and successful track record, bring you a list of books and reference material that can lead you to success.
However, there is a catch, a recommended list might work wonders for one while not for another aspirant. Hence it is recommended that the books are chosen based on the aspirant’s prior expertise and subject knowledge. Opting for right IAS exam books is crucial considering the distinct question formats in UPSC Prelims (MCQs) and Mains (descriptive essays) stages.
List of UPSC CSE Books Categorised by Subjects
As an aspirant you have to study History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Art & Culture, Environment, Indian Society, International Relations, Internal Security, Ethics, Social Justice & Disaster Management.
FOR HISTORY |
Ancient History & Medieval History |
OLD NCERT |
Ancient India – R.S. Sharma |
Medieval India – Satish Chandra |
NEW NCERT |
Our Past I |
Our Past II |
Themes I |
Themes II |
New Tamil Nadu History Textbook – Class XI |
MODERN INDIAN HISTORY |
Our Past III (Both Part I & II) [NCERT Class VIII] |
Themes of Indian History III (NCERT Class XII) |
A brief History of Modern India – Spectrum Publication |
India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipin Chandra |
Any Basic Standard Material or IAS Origin Module |
WORLD GEOGRAPHY |
Our Environment – Class VII |
The Earth Our Habitat – Class VI |
Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT Class XI) |
Fundamental of Human Geography (NCERT Class XII) |
Goh Cheng Leong; Certificate Physical & Human Geography |
INDIAN GEOGRAPHY |
Resources & Development – Class VIII |
Contemporary India – II – Class X |
India Physical Environment (NCERT Class XI) |
India; People & Economy (NCERT Class XII) |
Any Basic Study Material or IAS Origin Module |
FOR POLITY |
Democratic Politics IX |
Democratic Politics, II, Class X |
Indian Constitution at Work (NCERT Class XI) |
Political Theory |
Laxmikanth – Indian Polity |
Daily News Paper of Current Affairs by IAS Origin |
Any Basic Standard Material or IAS Origin Module |
FOR ART & CULTURE |
New TN History TextBook |
VIth – XIIth new NCERT History textbooks |
Introduction to Indian Art (NCERT Class XI) |
Living Craft Traditions of India (NCERT Class XII) |
Indian Culture by Nitin Singhania |
Any Basis standard Material or IAS Origin Module. |
ENVIRONMENT |
XIIth Biology NCERT; Chap- 13,14,15,16 |
XIth Chemistry NCERT; Chap – 14 |
Geography NCERT; Natural Vegetation & Wildlife chapters from Std. VIII to XI |
ICSE Environment Education Std X (for Mains) |
Shankar IAS Environment |
Daily News Paper or Current Affairs by IAS Origin |
Any Basic standard material or IAS Origin Module |
INDIA SOCIETY |
NCERT Class XI – Sociology: Understanding Society |
NCERT Class XII – Indian Society |
NCERT Class XII – Social Change & Development in India |
Daily News Paper or Current Affairs by IAS Origin |
Any Basic Standard Material or IAS Origin Module |
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS |
Class XII Political Science: Contemporary World Politics |
Challenge & Strategy: Rethink India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri |
Daily News Paper or Current Affairs by IAS Origin |
Any Basic Standard Material or IAS Origin Module |
ETHICS |
A Practical Approach to Ethics Integrity & Aptitude – D.K. Balaji |
Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude |
Daily News Paper or Current Affairs by IAS Origin Module |
SOCIAL JUSTICE |
Daily News Paper or Current Affairs by IAS Origin |
Any Basic Study Material or IAS Origin Module |
DISASTER MANAGEMENT |
Daily News Paper or Current Affairs by IAS Origin |
Any Basic Standard Material or IAS Origin Module |
The aforementioned list seems unending, and a mere look is not advisable for the faint hearted. But with the right strategy, planning, dedication, & guidance everything is possible. We at IAS Origin are here to help you navigate this vast ocean of books and study material.
