Preparing for UPSC Prelims can feel overwhelming—there’s a mountain of sources, endless advice, and hundreds of booklists floating around. But if there’s one thing every topper agrees on, it’s this:

NCERTs are the foundation of UPSC preparation.

They are simple, authentic, easy to revise, and help you build conceptual clarity—something the UPSC exam is known to demand. But with dozens of NCERT books across subjects, a common doubt arises:

“Which NCERTs should I actually read for UPSC Prelims?”

This blog gives you a clear, subject-wise list of must-read NCERTs, along with practical tips on how to study them smartly.

Why NCERTs Matter for UPSC Prelims

Before we jump into the list, here’s why NCERTs are indispensable:

• They explain complex topics in simple language.
• They help in building strong basics for both Prelims and Mains.
• UPSC often lifts direct statements or concepts from NCERTs.
• They keep you away from unnecessary factual overload.
• They are written by experts and fully aligned with the UPSC syllabus.

Now let’s get to the most important part.

Must-Read NCERTs for UPSC Prelims (Subject-Wise List)

1. History

Ancient India

• Class VI – History: Our Past – I
• Class XI – Themes in World History (select ancient chapters)
• Class XII – Themes in Indian History – Part I

Why read?

UPSC routinely asks questions from early Indian history—Vedic age, Mauryas, Gupta era, religion, culture, etc. These books build a strong foundation.

Medieval India

• Class VII – Our Past – II
• Class XII – Themes in Indian History – Part II

Why read?

Though fewer questions come from medieval history, basics like Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and Bhakti–Sufi movements remain scoring.

Modern India

• Class VIII – Our Past – III
• Class X – India and the Contemporary World – II
• Class XII – Themes in Indian History – Part III
• (Optional but useful): Class XI – Themes in World History

Why read?

Modern history is heavily tested in Prelims—freedom struggle, reforms, movements, important personalities.

2. Geography

Physical Geography

• Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat
• Class VII – Our Environment
• Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography
• Class XI – India: Physical Environment

Why read?

Questions on climate, soil, rivers, monsoon, geomorphology, and natural phenomena often come straight from these books.

Human & Economic Geography

• Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography
• Class XII – India: People and Economy

Why read?

UPSC loves topics like migration, settlements, agriculture, industries, economy–geography linkages.

3. Polity

• Class IX – Democratic Politics – I
• Class X – Democratic Politics – II
• Class XI – Indian Constitution at Work
• Class XII – Politics in India Since Independence (select parts)

Why read?

These books simplify the Constitution, fundamental rights, Parliament, judiciary, and federalism—topics that form the backbone of UPSC Polity.

4. Economy

• Class IX – Economics
• Class X – Understanding Economic Development
• Class XI – Indian Economic Development

Why read?

Economy NCERTs help you understand basics—GDP, inflation, poverty, liberalization, employment—before you attempt advanced books or current affairs.

5. Environment & Ecology

NCERTs don’t have a dedicated environment book, but you should read:

• Class XII – Biology (Unit on Ecology)
• Class XI – Biology (Select chapters on environment)

Why read?

Questions on ecosystems, biodiversity, food chains, environmental issues often originate from here.

6. Science & Technology

Science NCERTs are not mandatory to read fully, but selective reading helps for Prelims:

• Class VI–X Science (focus on basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)
• Important topics include optics, electricity, nutrition, diseases, biotech basics, and everyday science principles.

Golden List: Absolute Must-Read NCERTs (Top 10)

If you want to keep it minimal yet powerful, start with these:

1. Class XI – Indian Constitution at Work

2. Class XII – India: People & Economy

3. Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography

4. Class XI – Indian Economic Development

5. Class VI – Our Past – I

6. Class VII – Our Environment

7. Class VIII – Our Past – III

8. Class X – Understanding Economic Development

9. Class XII – Themes in Indian History (Parts I, II & III)

10. Class XII – Biology (Ecology Units)

How to Study NCERTs for UPSC: Smart Strategy

1. Start from Class 6 onwards

• It helps you build concepts gradually.

2. Make small, crisp notes

• Focus on important facts, definitions, maps, tables, and diagrams.

3. Don’t memorize everything

• UPSC tests understanding—not rote learning.

4. Use NCERTs to decode PYQs

• Many PYQs become easy once your NCERT basics are clear.

5. Prefer multiple revisions

• Aim for 2–3 revisions before Prelims.

Final Thoughts

NCERTs are not just beginner-level books—they are the foundation of UPSC success. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or someone revising your basics, these books never fail to deliver clarity.

Start with one subject, stay consistent, and build your basics brick by brick. NCERTs will make your journey smoother and your concepts stronger—exactly what UPSC demands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I really need to read NCERTs for UPSC Prelims?

Yes. NCERTs form the base of your UPSC preparation. Their simple language and clear explanations help you understand core concepts, which is essential before moving to advanced books.

2. Which NCERTs should beginners start with?

Beginners should begin with Class 6–10 NCERTs for History, Geography, and Science, and then move to the Class 11–12 ones. This sequence helps build concepts step-by-step.

3. Can I skip Class 6–8 NCERTs and read only Class 11–12?

It’s possible, but not ideal. Lower-class NCERTs simplify topics and give you a strong foundation. Many aspirants who skip them later struggle with basic concepts.

4. How many times should I revise NCERTs?

At least 2–3 revisions are recommended. NCERTs are fact-rich, and repeated revision helps convert concepts into long-term memory.

5. Are old NCERTs better than new ones?

Both are good. For UPSC, new NCERTs are more than enough. Old NCERTs are optional and mainly useful for Modern History (like RS Sharma, Satish Chandra), but not compulsory.

6. Should I make notes from NCERTs?

Yes, but selectively. Don’t rewrite entire chapters. Note down only important facts, maps, definitions, diagrams, and timelines.

7. Can I rely only on NCERTs for clearing UPSC Prelims?

No. NCERTs are the foundation, but you will need standard books + current affairs + practice tests to complete your preparation.

8. How long does it take to finish all NCERTs for UPSC?

On average, it takes 45–60 days to complete Class 6–12 NCERTs with proper notes. If you study full-time, you can finish faster.

9. Should I read NCERTs in English or Hindi?

Choose the language you’re most comfortable with. UPSC does not give any advantage to English medium over Hindi medium, or vice versa.

10. Do I need to read Science NCERTs in detail?

Not entirely. Focus mainly on basic Physics, Biology, and everyday science concepts from Class 6–10. Detailed Class 11–12 Science is not necessary unless you have extra time.

11. Is solving NCERT questions important?

Not mandatory, but solving end-of-chapter questions can help check your understanding and boost memory retention.

12. Should I buy printed NCERTs or use PDFs?

Both work. Printed books are better for highlighting and revision, but PDFs are convenient if you prefer digital study.

Also check:

https://examessence.com/909-2-how-to-make-notes-from-the-hindu-and-pib-for-upsc/