UPSC Books for General Studies Booklist for UPSC Prelims & Mains
General Studies Booklist for UPSC: Although your UPSC booklist may vary depending on your prior knowledge and ability, here is a comprehensive list that both new and experienced UPSC candidates can use for their UPSC preparation needs. Some of the books are likely to be useful for both the Prelims and the Mains. It is critical that you have a thorough understanding of the material and exam format before proceeding.
| Booklist for UPSC Prelims & Mains | |
| History | NIOS course books for classes XI and XII on – Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, National Movement & Contemporary World and Culture of India. A History of Ancient & Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh, India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma (published by Oxford University Press), History of Medieval India (800–1700 AD) by Satish Chandra (published by Orient Longman), History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra, India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra & Others From Plassey to Partition and After by Sekhar Bandopadhyaya |
| World History | The Story of Civilization, Part 2 by Arjun Dev (NCERT), Contemporary World History for class XII (Old NCERT Book), Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe, |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography (Oxford) by Goh Cheng Leong, XI Standard: (1) India – Physical Environment, (2) Fundamentals of Physical Geography XII Standard: (1) India – People & Economy, (2) Fundamentals of Human Geography, School Atlas – Orient Black Swan |
| Social Issues | XI Standard NCERT on Indian Society (Chapters on Unity & Diversity and Population Issues), XII Standard NCERT (Chapters on Communalism, Secularism and Urban Issues such as Poverty, Housing, etc.), |
| Indian Polity | Constitution of India at Work (Class XI) NCERT, Indian Polity by Laxmikant, From Government to Governance by Kuldeep Mathur, Panchayati Raj in India by Kuldeep Mathur |
| Indian Economy | Indian Economic Development XI Standard NCERT, Indian Economy by Sanjiv Verma, Introductory Macro Economics XII Standard NCERT, Economics Dictionary published by Collins & Penguin |
| Ecology & Environment | XII Standard NCERT Book on Biology (Chapters pertaining to Ecology), India Year Book (Chapters on Environment), Environment – By Elite IAS |
| Science & Technology | VIII, IX, X Standard NCERT books on Biology, The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper, Monthly Magazine ‘Science Reporter for Science & Technology’ |
| Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | Ethics in Governance, ARC Report Lexicon by Chronicle Publications | Book on Ethics: Integrity & Aptitude published by Access Publication |