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Preparing for the Civil Services Examination requires a strategic approach, and one of the most effective ways to build a strong foundation is through NCERT Books for UPSC. These books offer conceptual clarity and straightforward explanations that are extremely useful for both UPSC Prelims and Mains. In this guide, we provide a complete overview, topic-wise recommendations, and subject-wise NCERT Books for UPSC PDF to be downloaded for free from the article below, all tailored to the UPSC CSE Exam.
NCERT Books for UPSC
NCERT Books for UPSC are essential for building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment, and Sociology. Covering classes 6 to 12, these books offer clear, authentic, and easy-to-understand content that aligns with the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus. Toppers and experts recommend starting preparation with the NCERT Books for UPSC before moving on to advanced materials. UPSC Aspirants can download the NCERT Books PDF for free from the link provided below in the article.
NCERT Books for UPSC – History
For History preparation, NCERT Books for UPSC help develop a chronological and factual understanding of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history. These books offer accurate content, free from ideological bias, and are updated regularly by reputed historians.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – History | ||
| Class | Book Name | Download PDF Link |
| Class 6 | Our Past – I |  |
| Class 7 | Our Past – II | |
| Class 8 | Our Past – III | |
| Class 9 | India and the Contemporary World – I | |
| Class 10 | India and the Contemporary World – II | |
| Class 11 | Themes in World History | |
| Class 12 | Themes in Indian History – I | |
| Class 12 | Themes in Indian History – II | |
| Class 12 | Themes in Indian History – III | |
NCERT Books for UPSC – Geography
Understanding Geography is critical in both UPSC Prelims and Mains. The NCERT Books for UPSC on Geography provide scientific explanations supported by maps and diagrams that aid visual memory.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – Geography | ||
| Class | Book Name | Download PDF Link |
| Class 6 | The Earth Our Habitat | |
| Class 7 | Our Environment | |
| Class 8 | Resources and Development | |
| Class 9 | Contemporary India – I | |
| Class 10 | Contemporary India – II | |
| Class 11 | Fundamentals of Physical Geography | |
| Class 11 | India Physical Environment | |
| Class 12 | India People and Economy | |
| Class 12 | Fundamentals of Human Geography | |
NCERT Books for UPSC – Polity
The NCERT Books for UPSC on Political Science and Polity provide basic knowledge of the Constitution, governance, and democratic values. These books are highly recommended before reading advanced polity books like Laxmikanth.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – Polity | ||
| Class | Book Name | Download PDF Link |
| Class 6 | Social & Political Life – I | |
| Class 7 | Social & Political Life – II | |
| Class 8 | Social & Political Life – III | |
| Class 9 | Democratic Politics – I | |
| Class 10 | Democratic Politics – II | |
| Class 11 | Indian Constitution at Work | |
| Class 11 | Political Theory | |
| Class 12 | Politics in India since Independence | |
| Class 12 | Contemporary World Politics | |
NCERT Books for UPSC – Economy
For aspirants struggling with economic concepts, NCERT Books for UPSC on Economics offer clarity through everyday examples. These books simplify macro and microeconomics for Prelims and Mains alike.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – Economy | ||
| Class | Book Name | Download PDF Link |
| Class 9 | Economics | |
| Class 10 | Understanding Economic Development | |
| Class 11 | Indian Economic Development | |
| Class 12 | Introductory Microeconomics | |
| Class 12 | Introductory Macroeconomics | |
NCERT Books for UPSC – Science
Although optional in Mains, General Science is a significant component of Prelims. The NCERT Books for UPSC from Class 6 to 10 for Science are enough to cover this section comprehensively.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – Science | ||
| Class | Book Name | Download PDF Link |
| Class 6 | Science | |
| Class 7 | Science | |
| Class 8 | Science | |
| Class 9 | Science | |
| Class 10 | Science | |
NCERT Books for UPSC – Physics, Chemistry and Biology
NCERT books for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Class 6–12) are essential for building a strong foundation for the UPSC Prelims, especially in the Science and Technology section. These books explain concepts in a clear, concise manner ideal for beginners. Aspirants can download the free PDFs from table below.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – Physics, Chemistry and Biology | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Subject | Book Title | Download PDF Link |
| 11 | Physics | Physics Part I | |
| 11 | Physics | Physics Part II | |
| 11 | Chemistry | Chemistry Part I | |
| 11 | Chemistry | Chemistry Part II | |
| 11 | Biology | Biology | |
| 12 | Physics | Physics Part I | |
| 12 | Physics | Physics Part II | |
| 12 | Chemistry | Chemistry Part I | |
| 12 | Chemistry | Chemistry Part II | |
| 12 | Biology | Biology | |
NCERT Books for UPSC – Sociology & Society
The NCERT Books for UPSC for Sociology help candidates understand social issues, caste, class, and economic disparities, all of which are important for GS Paper 1 and Essay Paper.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – Sociology & Society | ||
| Class | Book Name | Download PDF Link |
| Class 11 | Introducing Sociology | |
| Class 11 | Understanding Society | |
| Class 12 | Indian Society: Structure and Change | |
| Class 12 | Social Change and Development in India | |
NCERT Books for UPSC – Art & Culture
Though limited in number, the NCERT Books for UPSC covering culture are useful to grasp the basics of Indian heritage. These should be supplemented with advanced books, but they provide an excellent starting point.
| NCERT Books for UPSC – Art & Culture | ||
| Class | Book Name | Download PDF Link |
| Class 11 | An Introduction to Indian Art | |
| Class 11 | Living Craft Traditions of India | |
| Class 12 | Craft Traditions of India: Past, Present, and Future) | |
NCERT Books for UPSC FAQs
Which NCERT Books for UPSC should I start with first?
Begin with Class 6 to 10 NCERT Books for UPSC, especially for History, Geography, and Science to build foundational knowledge.
Are old or new NCERT Books for UPSC better?
Both are useful, but new NCERT Books for UPSC are more structured for beginners. For detailed knowledge, older versions can be used selectively.
Are NCERT Books for UPSC sufficient for Prelims?
NCERT Books for UPSC cover most of the basics for Prelims, but they should be supplemented with current affairs and advanced books.
Can NCERT Books for UPSC help in Mains preparation?
Yes, especially for General Studies Papers I, II, and III. NCERT Books for UPSC provide conceptual clarity required to write analytical answers.
Where can I download NCERT Books for UPSC?
Free PDFs of NCERT Books for UPSC are available on the official NCERT website and various UPSC preparation portals.
How many times should I read NCERT Books for UPSC?
At least 2–3 thorough readings of NCERT Books for UPSC are recommended before moving to standard UPSC books.
Are NCERT Books for UPSC useful for Optional Subjects?
Yes, for subjects like Geography, History, and Sociology, NCERT Books for UPSC are highly beneficial as supporting texts.
