UPSC Books – Best Books for UPSC Prelims and Mains 2023 | UPSC Book List
By Balaji
Updated on: March 17th, 2023
UPSC Books are the most important part of the Civil Services Exams preparation for Prelims and Mains. While shortlisting the UPSC book list, you may find yourself confused and feel like buying every book that is available in the store. But you need to make the right call when it comes to choosing the right books for UPSC preparation. To help you out, we have compiled a complete list of UPSC Books that are recommended by the toppers and exam experts.
We have prepared a separate list of UPSC Books for Prelims and Mains because the Prelims round comprises only objective-type questions and the Mains deal with descriptive essay-type question papers. You can also check the complete UPSC Book list for optional subjects. However, the Best Books for UPSC can vary from candidate to candidate depending on their previous knowledge and expertise in the subject matter.
Table of content
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1. UPSC Book List 2023
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2. UPSC Book List PDF
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3. UPSC Books for Prelims
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4. Books for UPSC Mains 2023
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5. UPSC Books for History
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6. Best Books for UPSC Art & Culture
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7. UPSC Booklist for Geography
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8. UPSC Books for Polity
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9. IAS Books for Economics
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10. UPSC Booklist for Environment
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11. UPSC Booklist for Internal Security [Mains GS Paper 3]
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12. Ethics Books for UPSC 2023
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13. NCERT Book List for UPSC
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14. UPSC Book List of Optional Subjects
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15. UPSC Book List in Hindi
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16. How to Read the UPSC Books?
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17. Importance of UPSC Books for the IAS Exam
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18. UPSC Books Online
UPSC Book List 2023
One of the most important parts of the CSE exam preparation is choosing the right set of UPSC books for prelims, mains, and optional subjects. Several experts and toppers recommended books to help you curate your UPSC book list to clear the exam with a good score. One of the most important things to remember while choosing the right booklist for UPSC is to have a limited number of books on your list and focus on quality rather than quantity.
Book list for UPSC prelims includes both GS and CSAT, whereas UPSC books for mains include compulsory subjects, GS and all optional subjects. We have curated toppers recommended, and experts suggested IAS books, which will help you clear the exam on the first attempt. For your convenience, we have segregated the booklist subject-wise and for different stages.
- UPSC Prelims Books – GS + CSAT
- UPSC Book List for Mains
- Books for UPSC Optional Subjects
Subject-wise segregation of IAS Books is as follows:
- IAS Books for History – Prelims & Mains GS Paper 1
- UPSC Book List for Art & Culture
- IAS Books for Geography – Prelims & Mains GS Paper 1
- Books for IAS Polity – Prelims & Mains GS Paper 2
- UPSC Economics Books – Prelims & Mains GS Paper 3
- UPSC Book List for Environment
- Books for IAS – Internal Security
- UPSC Books for Ethics
Apart from this, a list of NCERT books is also mentioned.
UPSC Book List PDF
Download the complete UPSC Booklist PDF using the direct link mentioned below. The UPSC Books PDF contains the list of best books for Prelims and Mains. The booklist is carefully selected and categorized subject-wise for the upcoming exam.
The books included in the above-mentioned booklist include both standard books for UPSC and the advanced ones to be covered after that.
UPSC Books for Prelims
The UPSC Prelims exam is an objective exam and is a qualifying round. Choosing the best books for UPSC Prelims is crucial to ensure that you have comprehensively covered the entire Prelims Syllabus. The UPSC Books for Prelims include books for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 (CSAT). There are plenty of books to choose from for the prelims exam therefore, the best way to begin your exam preparation is by completing the NCERT Books for UPSC for all the subjects.
Standard Books for UPSC Prelims
- India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra
- Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
- NCERT Class 11 & 12 for Ancient & Medieval
- Certificate Physical Geography – G C Leong
- NCERT – Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- UPSC Books for Indian Polity – M Laxmikanth
- Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania
Also, go through a detailed strategy on How To Prepare for UPSC Prelims.
UPSC Books for CSAT
The CSAT exam is designed to test the candidates’ problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical ability skills. Below we have mentioned some CSAT Books for UPSC that would help you to enhance these skill sets.
- Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual
- Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R S Aggarwal
Books for UPSC Mains 2023
Those candidates who crack the Prelims stage of the UPSC Exam will have to appear Mains. Here choosing the best booklist for UPSC Mains would give them a headstart with their preparation. Below we will cover the best UPSC books for the Mains round subject-wise that would be helpful for the candidates.
Before choosing the right USPC Mains Books, it is important to understand the UPSC Exam Pattern for the Mains exam as it contains numerous papers. We have categorized the UPSC Book List for Mains subject-wise as per the GS Papers.
- UPSC Books for GS1 – History, Indian Art & Culture, Geography
- UPSC Booklist for GS Paper 2 – Polity & IR
- UPSC GS Paper 3 Books – Economics, Environment and Internal Security
- UPSC Preparation Books for GS4 Ethics
UPSC Books for History
There are two levels of Books for the UPSC History syllabus. Beginners must go through the NCERT Books or NIOS books for Classes 11 and 12. Candidates must also go through a detailed strategy on How to Prepare History for UPSC.
- NCERT XI (Ancient & Medieval)
- NCERT XII (Modern Indian History)
UPSC Book list for UPSC Prelims History
After completing the basic books, you can move on to the following History Books for IAS.
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra & Others
- A Brief History of Modern India (2018‑2019) Book by Rajiv Ahir
- History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra
- Ancient India by R.S Sharma
Booklist for UPSC History [Mains GS Paper 1]
The history section of UPSC Mains Syllabus includes History and Indian Heritage & Culture. In the UPSC Mains exam, world history is also included. Check the selected UPSC Booklist to complete the history section.
- Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
- India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma, published by Oxford University Press
- A History of Ancient & Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh
- History of Medieval India (800–1700 AD) by Satish Chandra, published by Orient Longman
- India After Independence (1947 – 2000) by Bipin Chandra & Others
- From Plassey To Partition And After by Sekhar Bandopadhyaya
Best Books for UPSC Art & Culture
Studying Indian culture and heritage for the Prelims exam would be much easier with the following Art & Culture Books for UPSC Prelims. As per the latest trend, 4-5 questions have been asked from Art & Culture every year in the prelims.
- NCERT Class 11 – An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I
- NCERT Class 11 – Living Crafts Traditions of India
- NCERT Class 12 – Craft Traditions of India
- Indian Art & Culture By Nitin Singhania
UPSC Booklist for Geography
Geography is asked in both UPSC Prelims and Mains. Go through the Geography Syllabus for UPSC and choose the right books for IAS Exam. It is one of the most important subjects in the exam as many questions are asked in both pre and mains.
IAS Books for Geography Prelims
Geography Books for UPSC Prelims include both Indian and world geography, and the following are recommended books for this subject.
- Certificate Physical Geography – G C Leong
- NCERT VI – X (Old)
- NCERT XI, XII (New)
- World Atlas (Orient Black Swan)
Geography Books for IAS Mains [GS Paper 1]
UPSC Books for Geography include all topics, such as Indian And Physical Geography. The best way to cover Geography for the Mains GS Paper 1 is by covering the NCERTs first before moving on to advanced books. It is fair to assume that aspirants must have covered the basic NCERTs for the UPSC Prelims exam. A compilation of UPSC Geography Notes from the books mentioned can also be referred to for the UPSC Preparation.
Check the best Geography Books for UPSC Mains below.
- Geography of India by Majid Husain
- World Geography by Majid Husain
- World Atlas (Orient Black Swan)
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography – G C Leong
- Fundamentals of Physical Geography NCERT Class 11 & 12
- Indian Geography by D. R. Khullar
UPSC Books for Polity
Polity is asked in both prelims and mains exams. In the Mains exam, the polity is asked in the form of polity, Governance and IR in GS Paper 2. The best books for UPSC polity are compiled here for your reference.
Polity Books for UPSC Prelims
Books for UPSC Prelims Polity cover the basic and in-depth understanding of Parliament, Union States, Local Administrations, Constitutions, etc. Following are some recommended books to cover these topics.
- NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work (New)
- NCERT Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics(New)
- NCERT Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence(New)
Above mentioned Polity Books for UPSC are for building the foundation. Below we have mentioned some standard books for covering the Polity Syllabus for UPSC in a comprehensive manner.
- Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations – M. Laxmikanth
- Important Acts that Transformed India – Alex Andrews George
- Important Judgments that Transformed India – Alex Andrews George
Booklist for UPSC GS Paper 2 [Polity & IR]
Books for UPSC Mains GS paper 2 include sections that cover polity, governance, and IR. It is important to note that current affairs play a huge part in the GS Paper 2 section. The Best Books for IAS Polity are mentioned below.
- Constitution of India at Work (Class XI) NCERT
- Indian Polity by Laxmikant
- The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
- Yojana Magazine
- Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu
- International Relations: Pushpesh Pant
IAS Books for Economics
Check the complete UPSC Book List for economics for both UPSC Prelims and Mains. You can also go through the Economy Notes for UPSC to add value and level up. Download the economics syllabus for UPSC to understand the total topics to be covered using the books.
UPSC Prelims Books for Economics
UPSC Prelims Books for Economics would give you an in-depth idea about the issues associated with society, economic growth and development, demographics, poverty, etc. here are the best books you can refer to cover these topics.
- Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania
- Economic Development & Policies in India – Jain & Ohri
- NCERT XI
UPSC Books for Economics [Mains GS Paper 3]
The Economics books for IAS Mains focus on conceptual clarity and understanding of everyday economics. Along with the UPSC Mains books for Economics, aspirants must supplement their preparation with the Annual Budget and Economic Survey.
- Indian Economic Development NCERT Class 11
- Indian Economy by Sanjiv Verma
- Indian Economy – Nitin Singhania
- Introductory Macro Economics NCERT Class 12
- The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
UPSC Booklist for Environment
The environment has become important for the UPSC Exam in recent years. To ensure good marks in Prelims and UPSC GS Paper 3, go through the following Environment books for IAS.
- Class 12 NCERT Book on Biology (Chapters about Ecology)
- India Year Book (Chapters on Environment)
- The chapter on Climate Change from Economic Survey
- The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
You can also check Environment and Disaster Management – Tata McGraw Hill. The above-listed UPSC Booklist is useful for both Prelims & Mains GS Paper 3.
UPSC Booklist for Internal Security [Mains GS Paper 3]
Check the best books for UPSC to cover the Internal Security section of UPSC GS Paper 3.
- India’s Security in a Turbulent World by Jasjit Singh
- Challenges to Internal Security of India – Ashok Kumar
- The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
Ethics Books for UPSC 2023
Check the complete UPSC Booklist for Ethics to complete the UPSC syllabus for ethics. The ethics paper consists of case studies; therefore, candidates must ensure they cover the books correctly.
- Ethics in Governance, ARC Report
- The Book on Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude by Lexicon by Chronicle Publications
NCERT Book List for UPSC
The most important resource for your UPSC Exam preparation is NCERT Books for UPSC; not only would these books help strengthen your concepts, but the beginners would highly benefit from these books.
| Subject | UPSC Book List |
| UPSC Books for History (NCERT) | Ancient History – R. S. Sharma (Old NCERT)
Medieval History – Satish Chandra (Old NCERT) Modern History – Bipin Chandra (Old NCERT) selective reading World History – Arjun Dev Note: Though Old NCERTs are mentioned, new ones can also be referred. What matters is conceptual clarity. |
| Indian Society | Class 11: Sociology: Understanding Society
Class 12: Indian society |
| Art & Culture UPSC Book List | Class 11: An Introduction to Indian Art
Class 11: Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters number 9 & 10) Class 12: Craft Traditions of India |
| Geography NCERT for IAS Exam | 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: Fundamentals of Human Geography Class 12: India – People and Economy |
| Economics | Class 10: Understanding Economic Development
Class 11: Indian Economic Development Class 12: Introductory Microeconomics Class 12: Introductory Macroeconomics |
| UPSC Book List for Polity (NCERT) | Class 11: Indian Constitution at work
Class 11: Political Theory Class 12: Contemporary World Politics Class 12: Politics in India since Independence |
| Sociology | Class 12: Social change and development in India |
| Environment and Ecology | Class 12: Biology: Last four chapters i.e chapters no.13 to 1
Chapters on Biotechnology a. Class 12: Ecology (Unit 10) b. Chapter 13: Organisms & Population c. Chapter 14: Ecosystem d. Chapter 15: Biodiversity & Conservation a. Chapter 16: Environmental Issues· |
| Science and Technology | Class 6 – 10 (All the books)
Class 11 and 12 (Selective) Class 11: Chemistry (Unit 14) Biology (Units 4 & 5) Class 12: Chemistry (Unit 16) Biology (Units 8,9 and 10) |
UPSC Book List of Optional Subjects
There are a total of 48 optional subjects in the UPSC mains exam, and candidates can choose any of them. Below we have provided the direct link to all the books for IAS optional subjects.
UPSC Book List in Hindi
आगामी यूपीएससी परीक्षा की तैयारी करने वाले उम्मीदवारों को प्रीलिम्स और मेन्स परीक्षा दोनों के लिए सही यूपीएससी पुस्तकों का चयन करना होगा। चूंकि यूपीएससी पाठ्यक्रम विशाल है, परीक्षा के लिए सही पुस्तक सूची चुनना महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि इससे आपको बेहतर योजना बनाने में मदद मिलेगी। उम्मीदवार यहां उल्लिखित लिंक का उपयोग करके डाउनलोड कर सकते हैं। संपूर्ण IAS पुस्तक सूची में प्रारंभिक और मुख्य परीक्षा की पुस्तकें शामिल हैं।
IAS Books List in Hindi
यूपीएससी परीक्षा की तैयारी के सबसे महत्वपूर्ण भागों में से एक प्रारंभिक, मुख्य और वैकल्पिक विषयों के लिए यूपीएससी की किताबों का सही सेट चुनना है। कई विशेषज्ञों और टॉपर्स ने अच्छे स्कोर के साथ परीक्षा को पास करने के लिए आपकी यूपीएससी पुस्तक सूची को तैयार करने में मदद करने के लिए पुस्तकों की सिफारिश की। यूपीएससी के लिए सही किताबों की सूची का चयन करते समय याद रखने वाली सबसे महत्वपूर्ण बातों में से एक यह है कि आपकी सूची में सीमित संख्या में किताबें हों और मात्रा के बजाय गुणवत्ता पर ध्यान दें।
How to Read the UPSC Books?
Many aspirants often face problems because there is a huge amount of UPSC study material to complete in a limited time. Reading too many books for IAS would confuse you. That’s why we have prepared this simple strategy to help you read the UPSC books efficiently.
- Start picking up only a unit from the syllabus and choose a book per that unit’s content. It would be wise to pick one standard book for a particular subject and build a basic understanding.
- If you are a beginner, you should start with the NCERT UPSC book list as the content is written in simple language and easily explains the concept.
- After that, start making notes from the book. Make sure you are covering all the subject topics while creating notes.
- Highlight the important points so you can glance through them in the revision period.
- The UPSC exam requires purposeful reading, so make sure you read the books for IAS.
Importance of UPSC Books for the IAS Exam
The UPSC CSE Exam is considered the toughest exam in the country. One of the reasons is the elaborate syllabus for both prelims and mains. To comprehensively cover the syllabus, one needs to have proper guidance & resources that begin with the right UPSC Book List.
- The first step to successful and productive preparation is choosing the right and best books for UPSC Preparation.
- The correct books for IAS allow you to have good conceptual clarity and enable you to answer all levels of questions.
- A good UPSC book is credible and structured in such a manner that you can comprehend a vast amount of info systemically.
- Refer to expert and toppers’ recommended UPSC books and select the ones that suit your need.
UPSC Books Online
With the advancement of digitalization, candidates can download e-books for IAS. These e-books are easily available online and possess the same content as hardcopy books. Every subject requires several books, and the candidates can’t carry those books all the time. Thus online UPSC Books would be a great alternative, and candidates can carry the PDF format anywhere they go.
