NCERT Books List for UPSC: Class-Wise & Subject-Wise Reading Plan

NCERT books are where most people start for UPSC. They get you the fundamentals so that you don"t get lost when you start reading the thicker reference books. 

The trick to reading the right ones in the right order, whether Prelims or Mains, is to have the UPSC subjects complement each other and to prevent a lot of confusion further down the line. Never pick up any books without making any sense of them. 

Follow a plan for the class, subject-wise, and you will learn the syllabus point by point and create a strong base for the exam.  

Class-Wise & Subject-Wise NCERT Reading Plan

When you know what you"re doing, you don"t feel overwhelmed by books! Focus on the more important topics in the syllabus first; then move on to the more difficult topics.  

History

Begin with the study of History, Classes 6-8. This provides you with the basics of ancient, medieval, and early Indian history. Then, take Classes 9 and 10 for modern India and a little world history. Then, proceed to Class 12, Themes in Indian History (Parts I, II, and III). Those dig deeper and help for both Prelims and Mains. If you can get hold of the older NCERTs by R.S. Sharma, Satish Chandra and Bipan Chandra, use them as extra reading.  

Geography

Study Class 6 to 10 Geography first to get the fundamentals sorted. Then move to Class 11 – Fundamentals of Physical Geography and India: Physical Environment. Finish with Class 12 – Fundamentals of Human Geography and India: People and Economy. That covers physical, human and Indian geography properly.  

Polity

Read the Political Science NCERTs from Class 9 to 12. Pay special attention to Class 11 – Indian Constitution at Work. It explains the Constitution, how the government works, Parliament, judiciary, and the federal setup. These books give you a strong base before you jump to something like Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth. 

Economics

Begin with Class 9 and 10 Economics so the basic ideas and social development stuff make sense. Then do Class 11 and 12 Economics. You’ll pick up national income, inflation, banking, monetary policy, fiscal policy, budgeting, and the main macroeconomic points that UPSC asks.  

Science & Environment

Complete Class 6 to 10 Science. This includes Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. Allow additional time for Biology and environment topics due to their reoccurrence on Prelims. Once the basics are clear, start linking them with current affairs on science, technology and the environment.  

Tips to Read NCERTs Effectively

Just reading them isn’t enough. Use a proper method so the stuff sticks and fits into your overall prep:

• Read subject-wise instead of class-wise.  
• Highlight the important facts and concepts.  
• Make short revision notes.  
• Go through each book a few times.  
• Connect NCERT ideas with current affairs.  
• Only move to the standard reference books after you’ve finished the NCERT foundation.  
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Conclusion

NCERT books provide you with the foundation, and all the rest of the UPSC preparation is built upon that. A syllabus presented class-wise and subject-wise helps you understand the syllabus, get hold of the fundamentals, and proceed to the advanced level with confidence. 

Delhi Institute of Civil Services (DICS) provides students with systematic guidance besides just providing them with a list of books. 

Expert faculty, solid study material, personal mentorship, answer-writing practice, regular mock tests and current affairs integration help aspirants use NCERTs the right way as part of a full UPSC strategy. Whether you’re just starting or tightening up your prep, DICS gives the academic support and mentorship you need to prepare properly.