To start the preparation of UPSC one should complete the NCERT books of class VI to XII as the basics are given in those books. After completing NCERT one will switch to other particular relevant book. For UPSC mains one need to supplement their every day Newspaper (The Hindu) reading with certain books to have a deep insight over varied topics that are now part of the new syllabus.
To gain knowledge on diverse topics it is prudent to read standard texts rather than depending on materials provided by various coaching institutions. First hand reading of basic books enables aspirant to tackle questions of different dimensions. Reading newspaper everyday is sine qua non of UPSC preparation.
Following is the list of books that are necessary for UPSC Civil Services Mains exam-
1) Shorter Constitution Of India (Set of 2 Volumes) 14th Editon – D.D.Basu (THIS IS PURELY FOR REFERENCE – VERY GOOD BOOK TO HAVE)
OR This Small Book :
Introduction to the Constitution of India
2) India Year Book 2016 – Publication Division, Govt.of India
3) Economic Survey
4) India Since Independence – new edition
5) India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra
6)Indian Economy : For Civil Services Examinations– Ramesh Singh
For Beginners:
The Indian Economy – Sanjiv Verma
8) Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations – Laxmikanth
9) Geography of India- Majid Hussain
10) Ethics In Governance
11) India After Gandhi: The History Of The World’s Largest Democracy
12) Mastering Modern World History – New Edition – Norman Lowe
13) Trends in Indian Culture and Heritage: For Civil Services
Or this book from Government of India: The Gazetteer of India: History and Culture Vol II
14) India’s Foreign Policy – Muchkund Dubey
15) Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri
16) Certified Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong
17) India’s National Security – A Reader (Oxford University Press – Important for Paper-IV GS)
