Welcome to the community! It's great to hear that you are planning to prepare for Odisha civil services. Starting your preparation on the right foot is crucial, and deciding whether to begin with NCERT books or directly jump into standard books is an important consideration. Let's explore both options in detail.



NCERT books are considered the foundation for UPSC and state civil services exams. They provide a comprehensive understanding of various subjects and lay the groundwork for further studies. Here are some advantages of starting with NCERT books:

1. Conceptual Clarity: NCERT books are designed to provide conceptual clarity on various subjects. They explain the fundamentals in a simple and easy-to-understand language, which is helpful for building a strong foundation.

2. Vast Coverage: NCERT books cover a wide range of topics and subjects, including history, geography, science, economics, and more. This broad coverage helps in gaining a holistic understanding of different areas, which is beneficial for civil services exams.

3. Structured Approach: NCERT books follow a well-structured approach, starting from basic concepts and gradually progressing to more advanced topics. This sequential learning ensures a smooth learning experience and helps in retaining information effectively.

4. Relevance to Exams: Many questions in the civil services exams are directly or indirectly based on concepts covered in NCERT books. Thus, studying them thoroughly can enhance your chances of scoring well in the exams.



While NCERT books are essential, some aspirants prefer to directly study standard books. Here are a few points to consider:

1. In-depth Knowledge: Standard books provide in-depth knowledge and detailed information on specific subjects. If you have prior knowledge or a strong foundation in a particular subject, studying standard books directly can help you delve deeper into the subject matter.

2. Exam Focus: Standard books are often tailored specifically for civil services exams, covering all the relevant topics and concepts. They provide you with the necessary information and analytical skills required to tackle the exam questions effectively.

3. Supplementary Materials: Along with standard books, you can refer to additional study materials, reference books, and online resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. This approach allows you to explore different perspectives and gather more information.

4. Time Management: Studying standard books directly can save time as you can focus on the specific topics that are more relevant to the exam. However, it is essential to ensure that you cover all the necessary subjects and topics adequately.



Both starting with NCERT books and directly studying standard books have their advantages. It is recommended to strike a balance between the two approaches. Starting with NCERT books can provide a strong foundation, and then gradually moving on to standard books can help you gain in-depth knowledge. Remember to supplement your studies with practice tests, current affairs updates, and revision. Good luck with your preparation!