NCERT books form the foundation of UPSC preparation and are recommended by every successful candidate and expert. These books, designed for school students, provide clear, concise, and authentic information on various subjects that form the core of the UPSC syllabus. Understanding which NCERT books to read and how to use them effectively is crucial for building a strong foundation for UPSC 2026.
NCERT books are valued for their simplicity, accuracy, and comprehensive coverage of basic concepts. They help you build conceptual clarity without overwhelming you with unnecessary details. This guide will help you identify exactly which NCERT books to read for UPSC 2026 and how to make the most of them.
Why NCERT Books for UPSC?
1. Authentic and Reliable Information:
- Published by government body
- Factually accurate content
- No controversies or biases
- Regularly updated
2. Conceptual Clarity:
- Simple language
- Clear explanations
- Builds strong foundation
- Easy to understand
3. UPSC-Friendly Content:
- Aligned with UPSC syllabus
- Covers basic to intermediate level
- Direct questions asked from NCERTs
- Helps in both Prelims and Mains
4. Comprehensive Coverage:
- All major subjects covered
- Systematic progression
- Interconnected topics
- Holistic understanding
5. Time-Efficient:
- Concise content
- No redundancy
- Quick to complete
- Good for revision
Complete List of NCERT Books for UPSC
HISTORY:
Class 6:
- Our Pasts - I (Ancient History basics)
Class 7:
- Our Pasts - II (Medieval History introduction)
Class 8:
- Our Pasts - III (Modern History begins)
Class 9:
- India and the Contemporary World - I
Class 10:
- India and the Contemporary World - II
Class 11:
- Themes in World History (World History)
Class 12:
- Themes in Indian History - I, II, III (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
GEOGRAPHY:
Class 6:
- The Earth: Our Habitat (Geography basics)
Class 7:
- Our Environment (Physical Geography)
Class 8:
- Resources and Development
Class 9:
- Contemporary India - I (Indian Geography)
Class 10:
- Contemporary India - II (Indian Geography continued)
Class 11:
- Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- India: Physical Environment
- Practical Work in Geography - I
Class 12:
- Fundamentals of Human Geography
- India: People and Economy
- Practical Work in Geography - II
POLITY:
Class 9:
- Democratic Politics - I (Introduction to Democracy)
Class 10:
- Democratic Politics - II (Federalism, Political Parties)
Class 11:
- Indian Constitution at Work (Detailed Polity)
- Political Theory
Class 12:
- Contemporary World Politics (International Relations)
- Politics in India since Independence
ECONOMY:
Class 9:
- Economics (Basic concepts)
Class 10:
- Understanding Economic Development
Class 11:
- Indian Economic Development
Class 12:
- Introductory Microeconomics
- Introductory Macroeconomics
SCIENCE:
Class 6:
- Science (Basic Science)
Class 7:
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
Class 8:
- Science (Continued)
Class 9:
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Class 10:
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Class 11:
- Physics - I, II
- Chemistry - I, II
- Biology
Class 12:
- Physics - I, II
- Chemistry - I, II
- Biology
ENVIRONMENT:
Class 12:
- Biology (Chapters on Ecology and Environment)
SOCIOLOGY (Optional):
Class 11:
- Introducing Sociology
- Understanding Society
Class 12:
- Indian Society
- Social Change and Development in India
PSYCHOLOGY (Optional):
Class 11:
- Introduction to Psychology
Class 12:
- Psychology
FINE ARTS (For Culture):
Class 11:
- An Introduction to Indian Art - Part I
Class 12:
- Living Craft Traditions of India
Priority-wise NCERT Books
MUST READ (High Priority):
History:
- Class 6: Our Pasts - I
- Class 11: Themes in World History
- Class 12: Themes in Indian History (All 3 parts)
Geography:
- Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- Class 11: India: Physical Environment
- Class 12: India: People and Economy
Polity:
- Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work
- Class 12: Politics in India since Independence
Economy:
- Class 11: Indian Economic Development
- Class 12: Introductory Microeconomics
- Class 12: Introductory Macroeconomics
Science:
- Class 6-10: Science (All books)
- Class 11-12: Biology (for Environment)
SHOULD READ (Medium Priority):
History:
- Class 7-10: Our Pasts series
- Class 9-10: India and Contemporary World
Geography:
- Class 6-10: Geography books
- Class 12: Fundamentals of Human Geography
Polity:
- Class 9-10: Democratic Politics
- Class 11: Political Theory
- Class 12: Contemporary World Politics
Economy:
- Class 9-10: Economics books
OPTIONAL (If Time Permits):
Science:
- Class 11-12: Physics, Chemistry (selected chapters)
Sociology:
- Class 11-12: All books (if taking as optional)
Psychology:
- Class 11-12: All books (if taking as optional)
Fine Arts:
- Class 11-12: For culture and art questions
How to Read NCERT Books
First Reading (Understanding):
Duration: 2-3 months Approach:
- Read slowly and carefully
- Understand concepts thoroughly
- Don't skip any chapter
- Make notes of important points
- Highlight key facts and dates
- Solve exercises at chapter end
Second Reading (Consolidation):
Duration: 1-1.5 months Approach:
- Read faster than first time
- Focus on highlighted portions
- Revise your notes
- Make concise summary notes
- Connect topics across subjects
- Practice previous years' questions
Third Reading (Revision):
Duration: 15-20 days Approach:
- Quick revision
- Read only notes and highlights
- Focus on weak areas
- Revise important facts and figures
- Test yourself with questions
Note-Making Strategy:
What to Note:
- Important definitions
- Key facts and figures
- Dates and events
- Cause and effect relationships
- Comparisons and contrasts
- Maps and diagrams
How to Make Notes:
- Use bullet points
- Keep it concise
- Use colors for categorization
- Draw flowcharts and diagrams
- Make separate note for each subject
- Leave space for adding information
Integration with Current Affairs:
- Link NCERT concepts with current news
- Update notes with recent examples
- Use NCERT knowledge to understand current issues
- Make connections between static and dynamic portions
Subject-wise Reading Strategy
History:
Order of Reading:
- Class 6 (Ancient basics)
- Class 12 (Detailed Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Class 11 (World History)
- Class 7-10 (Supplementary reading)
Focus Areas:
- Timeline of events
- Important personalities
- Social and cultural developments
- Economic changes
- Freedom struggle
Geography:
Order of Reading:
- Class 11 Physical Geography
- Class 11 India Physical Environment
- Class 12 India People and Economy
- Class 6-10 (Basic concepts)
- Class 12 Human Geography
Focus Areas:
- Maps and locations
- Physical features
- Climate and vegetation
- Resources and industries
- Population and migration
Polity:
Order of Reading:
- Class 11 Indian Constitution at Work
- Class 12 Politics in India
- Class 9-10 Democratic Politics
- Class 12 Contemporary World Politics
Focus Areas:
- Constitutional provisions
- Government structure
- Rights and duties
- Political processes
- Governance issues
Economy:
Order of Reading:
- Class 11 Indian Economic Development
- Class 12 Microeconomics
- Class 12 Macroeconomics
- Class 9-10 Economics
Focus Areas:
- Basic economic concepts
- Indian economy structure
- Economic planning
- Sectors and industries
- Economic reforms
Science:
Order of Reading:
- Class 6-10 Science (All)
- Class 11-12 Biology (Environment chapters)
- Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry (Selected topics)
Focus Areas:
- Basic scientific principles
- Everyday science
- Environmental issues
- Scientific developments
- Technology applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping Lower Classes:
Many candidates skip Class 6-8 books thinking they're too basic. These books provide foundational understanding essential for higher classes.
2. Reading Too Fast:
Rushing through NCERTs without understanding defeats the purpose. Take time to grasp concepts.
3. Not Making Notes:
Reading without notes makes revision difficult. Always make concise notes for quick revision.
4. Ignoring Exercises:
Chapter-end questions are important for self-assessment. Don't skip them.
5. Reading Only Once:
NCERTs need multiple readings for complete retention. Plan for at least 2-3 readings.
6. Not Integrating with Current Affairs:
NCERTs provide static knowledge. Link it with current events for better understanding.
7. Skipping Diagrams and Maps:
Visual elements are crucial, especially in Geography and Science. Study them carefully.
8. Reading Without Understanding:
Mere reading without comprehension is useless. Ensure you understand what you read.
9. Not Practicing Questions:
After reading, practice previous years' questions based on NCERTs to test understanding.
10. Delaying NCERT Reading:
Start with NCERTs from day one. They form the foundation for advanced preparation.
Conclusion
NCERT books from Class 6 to 12 are essential for UPSC preparation, covering History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Environment. These books provide the foundational knowledge required for both Prelims and Mains. The key is to read them systematically, make concise notes, and revise multiple times.
Start with high-priority books (Class 11-12 for major subjects) and then cover lower classes for comprehensive understanding. Read slowly in the first attempt, focusing on conceptual clarity. Make detailed notes during second reading and use them for quick revision before the exam.
Don't underestimate the importance of NCERTs. Many direct questions in Prelims come from these books, and they provide the basic framework for Mains answers. Integrate NCERT knowledge with current affairs for holistic understanding.
Use UPSC.AI's NCERT-based study modules and chapter-wise tests to ensure complete coverage and retention. Our platform provides NCERT summaries, important questions, and integration with current affairs to optimize your preparation. Remember, a strong NCERT foundation is half the battle won in UPSC!