Is it necessary to read the NCERT/GCERT for the GPSC?

You must have heard that NCERT/GCERT books are must read books if you want to crack GPSC. Today I will decode it. I will focus on why, when, how, which and what to prepare from them.

Why

You can not build a great building on a weak foundation. If GPSC Civil Service Exam is superstructure then NCERT/GCERTs are the bases. You should read them because ..

* They will help you to start the habit of learning. The topics also converge with the demands of GPSC.

* They are written in very simple language and from neutral perspective.

* GPSC wants to provide level playing field for all. These books are not costly, readily accessible everywhere for all regardless of rich -poor or city-villages.

* Every year at least 30-35 questions are directly asked from NCERT/GCERTs.

* Most importantly today’s era is flooded with vast information, contents and materials. Here NCERT/GCERT books will filter the excesses. They will be time and content efficient.

You can also read: Benefits of GCERT Books for GPSC

When

Next question comes in mind is when one should read them? The answer is very simple. From the very first day you decide to become an officer. Before buying the essential reference books or joining in any academy you should complete them. The GPSC syllabus will seem much easier for you. First 2-3 months of your preparation should be focused on NCERT/GCERTs only.

How

You may choose a single subject for a limited timeframe. Suppose you want to prepare history. Then start from class 6 books to class 7, next class 8,9,10,11 and class 12 comes gradually. While reading ….

* Underline in the 1st reading.

* Read and optimise the underlined stuff in the 2nd reading.

* Make short notes in 3rd reading.

* Now forget about book. Just rely on notes.

* Revise them monthly.

* After some revision you should reach such a standard that it will take only 4-5 hours to revise the entire subject from class 6 to class 12.

* Do not forget that it is not about completing the NCERT/GCERTs, but remembering the key concepts and facts for mains and preliminary respectively.

Which

The most important books are listed below.

History

* Class 12: Themes in Indian History I, II and III

* Class 12: Modern India (old syllabus)

* Class 11: Ancient India, medieval India (old syllabus)

Art & Culture

* Class 11: An Introduction to Indian Art

Geography

* Class 7: Our Environment

* Class 8: Resources and Development

* 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 Macroeconomics

Polity

* Class 11: Indian Constitution at work

* Class 11: Political Theory

* Class 12: Contemporary World Politics

* Class 12: Politics in India since Independence

Indian Society

* Class 11: Sociology: Understanding Society

* Class 12: Indian society

Environment and Ecology

* Class 12: Biology: Last four chapters (13 to 16)

* Chapters on Biotechnology

What

Now we will discuss what to prepare from them.

* History: Read it from timeline perspective. It will help both in preliminary and mains. For preliminary focus on facts and for mains focus on contexts.

* Geography: Learn all the maps, rivers, mountain ranges, passes mentioned in book.

* Art & Culture: The 11th standard book is very important for Gs 1 paper.

* Polity: No need to make notes like other subjects. Read it from essay writing perspective. Focus on philosophical lines which are based on facts.

* Environment and Biology: Every year on average 10-12 questions are asked from this area. But you have link them with current trends around the world.

Now you have a clear picture. Start the foundation early so that you can reach the top early. Don’t waste time. Best of luck!