Top NCERT Books Preparing For IAS / Civil Service Examinations

Top NCERT Books Preparing For IAS / Civil Service Examinations

Introduction:

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. Aspirants aiming for success in this examination often seek reliable resources to aid their preparation journey. Among these resources, NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) books hold a special place. Known for their comprehensive coverage and clarity of concepts, NCERT books serve as the backbone for understanding various subjects covered in the CSE syllabus. In this article, we delve into the top NCERT books that can significantly contribute to the preparation strategy of civil services aspirants.

1. **NCERT Books for Preliminary Examination**:

The preliminary stage of the Civil Services Examination is primarily aimed at testing the candidate's knowledge and aptitude. NCERT books play a crucial role in building a strong foundation for this stage. Some of the must-read NCERT books for the preliminary examination include:

A. **History**: NCERT textbooks like "Ancient India" (Class XI), "Medieval India" (Class IX), and "Modern India" (Class X) provide a comprehensive understanding of Indian history, which is an essential component of the preliminary examination.

B. **Geography**: Books such as "Fundamentals of Physical Geography" (Class XI) and "India: Physical Environment" (Class XI) cover topics like climate, landforms, and natural resources, which are integral to the geography portion of the examination.

C. **Polity**: "Indian Constitution at Work" (Class XI) and "Political Theory" (Class XI) offer insights into the political system, governance, and constitutional provisions, crucial for the polity section of the preliminary examination.

D. **Economics**: NCERT books like "Indian Economic Development" (Class XI) and "Macroeconomics" (Class XII) provide a fundamental understanding of economic concepts, policies, and issues relevant to the exam.

E. **Science and Technology**: "Science" (Class IX and X) and "Biology" (Class XI and XII) cover basic science concepts and developments in technology, which are essential for the science and technology portion of the examination.

2. **NCERT Books for Mains Examination**:

The mains stage of the Civil Services Examination assesses the candidate's in-depth understanding and analytical ability across various subjects. NCERT books serve as valuable resources for building a conceptual understanding required for this stage. Some of the recommended NCERT books for the mains examination include:

A. **History**: NCERT textbooks such as "Themes in Indian History" (Class XII) and "World History" (Class X) provide nuanced insights into historical events, themes, and perspectives, aiding candidates in writing analytical essays and answers.

B. **Geography**: Books like "India: Physical Environment" (Class XI) and "Human Geography" (Class XII) offer detailed discussions on geographical phenomena, human-environment interactions, and contemporary issues, essential for answering geography-related questions in the mains examination.

C. **Polity**: "Indian Constitution at Work" (Class XI) and "Contemporary World Politics" (Class XII) delve into constitutional provisions, governance structures, international relations, and global issues, facilitating comprehensive answers in the polity and international relations sections.

D. **Economics**: NCERT books such as "Indian Economic Development" (Class XI) and "Macroeconomics" (Class XII) cover economic theories, policies, and issues, enabling candidates to write coherent and analytical responses in the economics paper.

E. **Science and Technology**: "Biology" (Class XI and XII) and "Chemistry" (Class XI and XII) provide foundational knowledge of scientific principles, developments, and applications, crucial for addressing questions related to science and technology.

3. **Additional Tips for Effective Utilization of NCERT Books**:

While NCERT books serve as indispensable resources for CSE preparation, aspirants can maximize their utility through strategic approaches:

A. **Thorough Reading and Note-making**: Read NCERT books thoroughly, making concise notes of key concepts, dates, and facts to aid revision and quick reference.

B. **Integration with Current Affairs**: Relate NCERT concepts to current affairs to develop a holistic understanding of subjects and enhance answer quality in the examination.

C. **Practice and Revision**: Solve exercises and practice questions provided in NCERT books to reinforce understanding and improve retention. Regular revision is essential to maintain conceptual clarity.

D. **Supplementary Resources**: While NCERT books form the foundation, supplement your preparation with reference books, online resources, and mock tests to diversify your knowledge and practice.

Conclusion:

NCERT books serve as indispensable resources for civil services aspirants, providing a solid foundation across various subjects covered in the examination syllabus. Through their comprehensive coverage, clarity of concepts, and alignment with the UPSC syllabus, NCERT books facilitate effective preparation for both the preliminary and mains stages of the Civil Services Examination. By integrating NCERT readings with current affairs, practicing regularly, and supplementing with additional resources, aspirants can enhance their chances of success in this prestigious examination. Embrace the power of NCERT books, unlock your potential, and embark on a rewarding journey towards a career in the civil services.