NCERT for UPSC Preparation

NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation

NCERT for UPSC preparation are a crucial resource . They provide a clear understanding of basic concepts, which is essential for tackling the UPSC syllabus. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use NCERT books effectively for your UPSC journey:

Importance of NCERT Books for UPSC

1. Clarity of Concepts: NCERT books explain concepts in a simple and straightforward manner, which is particularly useful for building a strong foundation.
2. Authenticity: These books are published by the Government of India, ensuring that the information is accurate and reliable.
3. Comprehensive Coverage: NCERTs cover a wide range of topics that are directly relevant to the UPSC syllabus.
4. Foundation for Advanced Books: A thorough understanding of NCERT books makes it easier to grasp more complex topics from advanced reference books.

Recommended Books in NCERT for UPSC Preparation

History

1. Class VI: Our Past I
2. Class VII: Our Past II
3. Class VIII: Our Past III
4. Class IX: India and the Contemporary World – I
5. Class X: India and the Contemporary World – II
6. Class XI: Themes in World History
7. Class XII: Themes in Indian History I, II, and III

Geography

1. Class VI: The Earth Our Habitat
2. Class VII: Our Environment
3. Class VIII: Resource and Development
4. Class IX: Contemporary India I
5. Class X: Contemporary India II
6. Class XI: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India Physical Environment
7. Class XII: Fundamentals of Human Geography, India People and Economy

Polity

1. Class VI: Social and Political Life I
2. Class VII: Social and Political Life II
3. Class VIII: Social and Political Life III
4. Class IX: Democratic Politics I
5. Class X: Democratic Politics II
6. Class XI: Indian Constitution at Work, Political Theory
7. Class XII: Politics in India Since Independence, Contemporary World Politics

Economy

1. Class IX: Economics
2. Class X: Understanding Economic Development
3. Class XI: Indian Economic Development
4. Class XII: Introductory Macroeconomics, Introductory Microeconomics

Science

1. Class VI: Science
2. Class VII: Science
3. Class VIII: Science
4. Class IX: Science
5. Class X: Science
6. Class XI: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (selected chapters)
7. Class XII: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (selected chapters)

How to Use NCERT Books Effectively

1. Start Early: Begin your preparation with NCERT books to build a strong foundation before moving on to advanced reference books.
2. Make Notes: While reading, make concise notes of important points, definitions, and diagrams. This will help in quick revision later.
3. Understand Concepts: Focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote learning. Try to relate the concepts to current events and real-life examples.
4. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is crucial to retain the information. Periodically revisit your notes and the books themselves.
5. Solve Questions: At the end of each chapter, solve the questions provided. This will help in reinforcing the concepts and assessing your understanding.
6. Use Mind Maps: Create mind maps to visually organize information and interlink different concepts. This technique can be particularly useful for subjects like history and geography.
7. Integrate with Current Affairs: Relate the static concepts from NCERT books to dynamic current affairs. This will enhance your understanding and help in writing analytical answers in the exam.

NCERT for UPSC Preparation

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books are considered the cornerstone of UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation. These books provide a clear and concise understanding of basic concepts across various subjects, which is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. NCERT books are recommended by toppers and experts alike due to their straightforward language and comprehensive coverage of fundamental topics.

Why NCERT for UPSC is Essential

NCERT books are essential for UPSC aspirants because they lay a strong foundation for advanced studies. They cover the syllabus in a structured manner, making it easier for students to grasp complex topics. For instance, starting with NCERT for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Science ensures that aspirants build a robust base before moving on to more advanced reference books.

Step-by-Step Approach to Using NCERT for UPSC

1. Identify Relevant Books: Begin by identifying the NCERT books relevant to the UPSC syllabus. Typically, aspirants should focus on NCERT books from class VI to XII. For History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Science, these books provide the necessary groundwork.
2. Read Systematically: Start with the lower classes and gradually move to higher classes. This systematic approach helps in understanding the progression of topics. For example, start with History textbooks from class VI and move up to class XII.
3. Make Notes: While reading NCERT for UPSC, make concise notes. Highlight key points, make bullet points, and summarize each chapter. These notes will be invaluable for quick revisions.
4. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is crucial. Re-read your notes and the NCERT books multiple times. Revision helps in retaining information and clarifying doubts.

Subject-wise Strategy for NCERT for UPSC

History

• Ancient History: Start with NCERT class VI book “Our Past – I” and class XI book “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma.
• Medieval History: Read class VII book “Our Past – II” and class XI book “Medieval India” by Satish Chandra.
• Modern History: Focus on class VIII book “Our Past – III” and class XII book “Modern India” by Bipan Chandra. These books cover important events, movements, and personalities.

Geography

• Physical Geography: Begin with class VI to VIII books and move to class XI book “Fundamentals of Physical Geography” and class XII book “India: Physical Environment.”
• Human Geography: Read class XII book “Fundamentals of Human Geography” and “India: People and Economy.” These books cover various aspects of human geography and its impact.

Polity

• Indian Polity: NCERT class IX and X books provide a basic understanding of Indian political system. Class XI book “Indian Constitution at Work” and class XII book “Politics in India since Independence” offer detailed insights into the functioning of the Indian democracy.

Economy

• Indian Economy: Start with class IX and X books. For more detailed study, read class XI book “Indian Economic Development” and class XII book “Macroeconomics.” These books explain economic concepts and the Indian economy comprehensively.

Science

• General Science: NCERT books from class VI to X are sufficient for building a strong base in general science. For a more in-depth understanding, class XI and XII books for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are recommended.

How to Integrate NCERT for UPSC with Other Resources

While NCERT books provide a solid foundation, integrating them with other standard reference books and resources is essential for comprehensive UPSC preparation. For example:

• Reference Books: After completing NCERTs, move to standard reference books like “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth for Polity, “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh for Economy, and “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum for Modern History.
• Current Affairs: Regularly follow newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and online current affairs platforms to stay updated with the latest events. Current affairs should be integrated with the static knowledge from NCERTs.

Benefits of NCERT for UPSC Preparation

1. Clarity of Concepts: NCERT books explain concepts in a simple and lucid manner, making it easier for aspirants to understand and remember.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: They cover the entire spectrum of the UPSC syllabus at a fundamental level, ensuring no topic is left untouched.
3. Standardized Information: Being government-published books, NCERTs provide accurate and standardized information which is reliable for UPSC preparation.
4. Useful for Both Prelims and Mains: The information in NCERT books is useful for objective questions in Prelims as well as descriptive answers in Mains.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Using NCERT for UPSC

Challenge: Overwhelming Volume of Material

• Solution: Start early and create a timetable to cover NCERT books progressively. Prioritize based on the relevance to the syllabus and your strengths and weaknesses.

Challenge: Retention of Information

• Solution: Make concise notes and revise them regularly. Use mind maps and diagrams to visualize information.

Challenge: Linking Static Knowledge with Current Affairs

• Solution: Regularly follow news and current affairs to see the practical application of static knowledge from NCERTs. For example, when studying Polity, relate the constitutional provisions to current political events.

Conclusion

NCERT books are indispensable for UPSC preparation, providing a strong foundation in all major subjects. By systematically studying NCERT for UPSC, making notes, revising regularly, and integrating them with other resources, aspirants can enhance their understanding and retention of fundamental concepts. A strategic approach to using NCERT books can significantly boost your chances of success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.