Best Books for UPSC - IAS Prelims and Mains Exam 2024

Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 09 Jan, 2024 11:21

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Best Books for UPSC CSE 2024

In this article, we have compiled a list of the best books for UPSC CSE 2024 exam preparation. UPSC CSE 2024 Preliminary examination will be conducted on 26 May 2024. In order to score well, candidates must go through the following list of books. These preparation books have been categorized into Prelims and Mains books. There are some free e-books as well. The first step in the preparation strategy is to know the UPSC CSE Syllabus 2024 and examination pattern. Knowing the exam pattern will help candidates prepare a study plan, based on which they can search for the right books, which will help in understanding the vast syllabus of UPSC Civil services 2024. While selecting the books, the candidates must ensure that they have sufficient UPSC Civil Services Previous Year Question Paper.

Candidates should make sure that they shortlist books that cover the most difficult topics explained in the simplest way. Books that have diagrams and images to explain topics can also be very helpful. Basically, candidates need to shortlist books that include everything in the exam curriculum.

Upcoming Exams :

Books For UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 (Subject Wise)

UPSC CSE prelims exams consist of two papers conducted by the organization. The prelims examination will be objective type with negative marking. Check out the major information about the books required for preparation from the table given below:

Subject

UPSC Books

History

India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra

Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania

NCERT XI (Ancient & Medieval)

NCERT XII (Modern Indian History)

Geography

Certificate Physical Geography – G C Leong

NCERT VI – X (Old Syllabus)

NCERT XI, XII (New Syllabus)

World Atlas (Orient Black Swan)

Indian Polity

Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth

NCERT IX-XII

Economics

Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania

Economic Development & Policies in India – Jain & Ohri

NCERT XI

International Relations

NCERT XII (Contemporary World Politics)

Current Affairs

CSAT

Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual

Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R S Aggarwal

Solved Papers

IAS General Studies Prelims Solved Papers – Vishal Publications

Also ReadList of NCERT Books Required for UPSC Preparation 2024

Books For UPSC CSE Mains 2024 (Subject Wise)

There will be 9 theory papers in the main examination for UPSC CSE recruitment 2024. The candidates can check out the major information about books that are required in order to start the preparation for UPSC CSE Mains 2024 from the table given below:

Subject

UPSC Books

History, Indian Heritage & Culture

[GS Paper 1]

  • Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
  • India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
  • India after Independence by Bipan Chandra
  • History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra
  • Ancient India by R.S Sharma

Geography

[GS Paper 1]

  • 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

Polity & International Relations

[GS Paper 2]

  • Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu
  • International Relations: Pushpesh Pant

Economy

[GS Paper 3]

  • Indian Economy – Nitin Singhania
  • Environment and Disaster Management – Tata McGraw Hill
  • Challenges to Internal Security of India – Ashok Kumar

Ethics

[GS Paper 4]

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudary

Solved Papers

IAS General Studies Prelims Solved Papers – Vishal Publications

Also Read: UPSC Prelims: Most Important Chapter & Topics

How to Select Best Books for UPSC CSE Preparation 2024

  • Candidates must try to buy the books of famous authors or known publication houses.
  • While selecting the books for UPSC Civil Service entrance exam, candidates must try to compare the contents of two or more books to get a correct explanation of important topics and subjects.

  • Always try to choose a book, which is easy to understand and covers the entire syllabus of the examination.

  • While selecting the books for UPSC Civil Service entrance exam, it is advisable to check the year of publication of the book.

  • One factor that candidates must keep in mind is that the language used in the books has to to be simple and understandable.

The dream of qualifying the UPSC Civil Services Examination can become true. It can be achieved with a proper study plan and the right set of books for UPSC CSE. 

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