Books and Study Materials for Optional Subjects in UPSC

When preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, choosing the right optional subject is crucial. The optional subject carries significant weightage and can greatly impact your overall score. While there are no specific books or study materials recommended by the UPSC for each optional subject, candidates can refer to various sources to enhance their understanding and knowledge in their chosen optional subject. Here are some recommendations for popular optional subjects:

1. History:
- NCERT textbooks: Old NCERT textbooks like "Ancient India" by RS Sharma, "Medieval India" by Satish Chandra, and "Modern India" by Bipan Chandra provide a strong foundation.
- Bipan Chandra's "India's Struggle for Independence" is a comprehensive book covering the freedom struggle.
- Norman Lowe's "Mastering Modern World History" provides an in-depth understanding of world history.

2. Geography:
- NCERT textbooks: "Fundamentals of Physical Geography" and "India: Physical Environment" by NCERT are highly recommended.
- Goh Cheng Leong's "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" is a widely used book covering both physical and human geography.
- Savindra Singh's "Physical Geography" is a comprehensive book focusing on the physical aspects of geography.

3. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR):
- NCERT textbooks: "Political Theory" and "Contemporary World Politics" by NCERT provide a strong foundation.
- M. Laxmikanth's "Indian Polity" covers the Indian political system in detail.
- Andrew Heywood's "Politics" provides an in-depth understanding of political theories and concepts.

4. Public Administration:
- Nicholas Henry's "Public Administration and Public Affairs" is a comprehensive book covering the basics of public administration.
- Mohit Bhattacharya's "New Horizons of Public Administration" covers various aspects of public administration.
- Rajni Goyal and Ramesh Arora's "Public Administration: Theory and Practice" is a recommended book for understanding the key concepts.

5. Sociology:
- Haralambos and Holborn's "Sociology: Themes and Perspectives" is a popular book covering various sociological concepts.
- Anthony Giddens' "Sociology" provides a comprehensive understanding of sociological theories.
- IGNOU's BA Sociology study material is also useful for a comprehensive understanding of sociology.

It is important to note that these are just recommended books and study materials. Candidates should also refer to other sources like newspapers, government reports, academic journals, and online platforms like EduRev for additional information and current affairs related to their optional subject. Additionally, solving previous years' question papers and taking mock tests can greatly enhance preparation.