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Booklist to study for UPSC Prelims, Mains & Optional Subjects PDF Download

What are the best books for IAS Exam preparation? Which IAS books should be studied for UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims and Mains)?

Taking inputs from toppers, we have prepared a detailed list of the best IAS books available in the market. Apart from NCERT books, now, there are at least 15 standard textbooks that will be extremely useful for IAS aspirants to crack the exam.

Booklist to study for UPSC Prelims, Mains & Optional Subjects

Books For IAS Prelims

There are two papers in Prelims (GS 1 and CSAT) and both are of objective type with negative marking. The best IAS books for UPSC Prelims are given below:

Books For IAS Mains

Subject

UPSC Books

History, Indian Heritage & Culture

[GS Paper 1]

Geography

[GS Paper 1]

  1. Certificate Physical & Human Geography (Oxford) by Goh Cheng Leong
  2. NCERTs (New Editions)
    - XI Standard:
    (1) India - Physical Environment
    (2) Fundamentals of Physical Geography
    - XII Standard:
    (1) India - People & Economy
    (2) Fundamentals of Human Geography
  3. School Atlas - Oxford
  4. Geography of India by Majid Husain

Ecology & Environment

  1. XII Standard NCERT Book on Biology (Chapters pertaining to Ecology)
  2. Certificate Physical & Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong (Second Half of the Book)
  3. Environment by Shankar IAS
  4. India Year Book (Chapters on Environment)
  5. The chapter on Climate Change from Economic Survey
  6. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper

Polity & International Relations

[GS Paper 2]

  1. Constitution of India at Work (Class XI) NCERT Publication
  2. Indian Polity by Laxmikant
  3. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
  4. Yojana Magazine

Economy

[GS Paper 3]

  1. Indian Economic Development XI Standard NCERT
  2. Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania
  3. Introductory Macro Economics XII Standard NCERT (Ignore all diagrams & mathematical formulas)
  4. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
  5. Economics Dictionary published by Collins & Penguin
  6. Economic Survey
  7. Indian Economy by Sanjiv Verma

Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

[GS Paper 4]

  1. Ethics in Governance, ARC Report
  2. Lexicon by Chronicle Publications
  3. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary
  4. The Book on Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude published by Access Publication

Social Issues

  1. XI Standard NCERT on Indian Society (Chapters on Unity & Diversity and Population Issues)
  2. XII Standard NCERT (Chapters on Communalism, Secularism and Urban Issues such as Poverty, Housing, etc.)
  3. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper

Governance Issues

  1. From Government to Governance by Kuldeep Mathur
  2. Ethics in Governance, ARC Report
  3. Governance in India by M. Laxmikanth
  4. Citizen-Centric Administration (Chapters 2, 5, 6, 7 & 8 only and box items in the report)

Developmental Issues

  1. Human Development Report & World Development Report
  2. Panchayati Raj in India by Kuldeep Mathur
  3. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
  4. Kurukshetra & Yojana Magazines

International Relations

  1. India’s Foreign Policy Since Independence by V.P. Dutt
  2. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
  3. International Relations by Pushpesh Pant

Security Issues

  1. India’s Security in a Turbulent World by Jasjit Singh, published by the National Book Trust of India
  2. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper

Science & Technology

  1. VIII, IX, X Standard NCERT books on Biology
  2. Science and Technology by Ravi P. Agrahari
  3. The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
  4. Monthly Magazine 'Science Reporter for Science & Technology'

Current Affairs

Monthly daily weekly edurev

Solved Papers

EduRev

UPSC Books For Optional Subjects

In the UPSC mains exam, a candidate has to choose an optional subject also. The optional papers count for 500 marks in total and therefore, it is imperative that the right books are read for the optional subjects also. The following table gives the links to the list of IAS books for the respective optional subjects.

UPSC Books For Optional Subjects

Public Administration


  1. IGNOU BA and MA Notes
  2. Administrative Thinkers by Prasad and Prasad
  3. New Horizons of Public Administration by Mohit Bhattacharya
  4. Public Administration And Public Affairs by Nicholas Henry
  5. Public Policy: Concept, Theory and Practice by Bidyut Chakrabarty and Prakash Chand
  6. Essentials of organisational behaviour by Stephen Robbins
  7. Public Administration - Laxmikant
  8. ARC reports
  9. Important reports from ministries

Sociology

Booklist for Sociology Optional Paper 1:

  • Introduction to Sociology by Anthony Giddens
  • Sociological Theory by George Ritzer
  • Sociology Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos & Holborn
  • A Dictionary of Sociology by John Scott
  • Sociological Thought by Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan
  • An Introduction to Political Theory by O P Gauba

Booklist for Sociology Optional Paper 2:

  • Social Change in Modern India by M N Srinivas
  • Caste Its Twentieth Century Avatar by M N Srinivas
  • Handbook of Indian Sociology by Veena Das
  • Indian Society: Themes and Social Issues by Nadeem Hasnain
  • Modernization of Indian Tradition by Yogendra Singh
  • Rural Sociology by S.L Doshi and P.C Jain
  • Social Background of Indian Nationalism by A R Desai

History

Philosophy

Paper I

  • W. T. Stace: A Critical History of Greek Philosophy (Plato and Aristotle).
  • Copleston: A History of Philosophy (Relevant Chapters from volume I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX & XI).
  • Anthony Kenny: A New History of Western Philosophy. OUP Oxford.
  • Datta & Chatterjee: An Introduction to Indian Philosophy. Rupa Publishing.
  • C. D. Sharma: A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy. MLBD.
  • Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy.

Paper II

  • John Hick: Philosophy of Religion.
  • Michael B. Wilkinson: Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction.
  • O. P. Gauba: Social & Political Philosophy.
  • Political Theory, An Introduction. Edited By Rajeev Bhargava & Ashok Acharya.
  • Oxford Dictionary of Politics.

Maths

Paper-1

Linear Algebra

  • Schaum Series - Seymour Lipschutz
  • Linear Algebra - Hoffman and Kunze

Calculus

  • Mathematical Analysis - S C Malik and Savita Arora
  • Elements of Real Analysis - Shanti Narayan and M D Raisinghania

Analytic Geometry

  • Analytical Solid Geometry - Shanti Narayan and P K Mittal
  • Solid Geometry - P N Chatterjee

Ordinary Differential Equations (Ode)

  • Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations - M D Raisinghania

Dynamics and Statics

  • Krishna Series

Vector Analysis

  • Schaum Series - Murray R. Spiegel
Paper-2

Algebra

  • Contemporary Abstract Algebra - Joseph Gallian

Real Analysis

  • Same As Calculus of Paper

Complex Analysis

  • Schaum Series - Speigel, Lipschitz, Schiller, Spellman

Linear Programming

  • Linear Programming and Game Theory - Lakshmi Shree Bandyopadhyay

Partial Differential Equations

  • Same As Ode of Paper 1
  • Advanced Differential Equations - M D Raisinghania

Numerical Analysis and Computer Programming

For Numerical Analysis

  • Computer Based Numerical and Statistical Techniques - M. Goyal
  • Numerical Methods - Jain, Iyengar and Jain

For Computer Programming

  • Digital Logic and Computer Design - M. Morris Mano

Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics

  • Krishna Series
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FAQs on Booklist to study for UPSC Prelims, Mains & Optional Subjects

1. What are the essential books recommended for IAS Prelims preparation?
Ans. For IAS Prelims preparation, it is crucial to focus on a few key books. Recommended titles include "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth for polity concepts, "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" by G.C. Leong for geography, and "General Studies Paper I" by various authors for overall knowledge. Additionally, "NCERT books" from classes VI to XII provide a solid foundation in various subjects.
2. Which books should be prioritized for IAS Mains preparation?
Ans. For IAS Mains, candidates should consider "Indian Art and Culture" by Nitin Singhania for art, "Indian Economy" by Ramesh Singh for economics, and "Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude" by subhash kashyap for ethics paper. Additionally, "General Studies Paper II, III, and IV" by various authors are essential for comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
3. How do I choose optional subject books for the IAS exam?
Ans. To choose books for optional subjects in the IAS exam, candidates should first assess their interests and strengths in particular fields. Once an optional subject is selected, it is advisable to refer to standard textbooks and resources like "Anthropology" by Nadeem Hasnain or "Sociology" by Giddens, depending on the subject chosen. Past examination papers and syllabus should guide the selection of specific books.
4. Are there any specific strategies for studying from these recommended books?
Ans. Yes, effective strategies include creating a study schedule that allocates time for each subject, summarizing chapters after reading, and making notes for revision. Regularly practicing previous years' question papers and taking mock tests will help reinforce knowledge and improve time management skills. Group discussions can also clarify doubts and enhance understanding.
5. How important are NCERT books in the preparation for IAS exams?
Ans. NCERT books are extremely important for IAS exam preparation as they provide a clear and concise understanding of fundamental concepts across various subjects. They cover the basics, which are essential for both Prelims and Mains. Candidates are encouraged to read NCERT books from classes VI to XII to build a strong foundation before diving into more advanced texts.
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