UPSC Books: Best Books for UPSC Prelims & Mains Exam

IAS books are the first source of preparation for candidates who are wishing to appear for the UPSC examination. Candidates must refer to NCERTs and standard books recommended by experts & past toppers.

Abhishek AroraUpdated on : Feb 20 2025 14:17 IST

UPSC IAS Books is an important discussion when it comes to preparing for the UPSC syllabus. Candidates preparing for the IAS exams are sometimes perplexed as to which books must be studied and which must be avoided. Candidates frequently inquire if they should study NCERT textbooks or directly refer to books authored by established writers. This page contains a list of all key books for UPSC preparation.

Candidates must make a note of the fact that UPSC books for prelims and mains examinations for subjects such as Indian Polity, History of India & World, Indian Geography, Indian Economy, and a few others are majorly same, and hence candidates should adhere to them while studying for the whole syllabus.

For UPSC preparation, there is a plethora of study material available both online and offline. Candidates must assemble their offline and online study materials on the suggestion of their teachers, mentors, and exam toppers.

We have developed a list of all the books required for UPSC exam preparation. Aspiring candidates might read the relevant books listed below.

Read More:

UPSC Exam Pattern 2025

UPSC Syllabus 2025

UPSC Books: Best Books for IAS Prelims

It is recommended that all IAS applicants begin with NCERT texts from Class 6 to Class 12. UPSC candidates should purchase at least one standard book for each subject and then broaden their reading by referencing other additional books. Candidates can check below to learn more about important books.

UPSC Books for History

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best UPSC book for Economics?

Candidates can refer to the Indian Economy book by Nitin Singhania for studying economics. Candidates should also read Budget, Economic Survey, and Niti Aayog reports to answer in-depth questions in GS Paper II.

Is NCERT enough for UPSC IAS Preparation?

NCERT is an important part of the UPSC IAS preparation, however, it is not enough. Candidates, besides considering NCERT, must also refer to the standard books for all subjects.

From where to study Art & Culture for UPSC?

Nitin Singhania's Indian Art & Culture is a must read for candidates preparing for Indian Culture for UPSC.

From where can I get free UPSC study material?

As free study material, candidates may access daily current events PDFs, NCERTs, and a few more books online. However, not all books are available online, so candidates must purchase them in the market.

Which is the best book for preparing Indian Polity?

The fundamental book that UPSC candidates must study for Indian Polity is M. Laxmikant. The book is sufficient for understanding static facts on the Indian Constitution. However, for in-depth understanding necessary in the GS Paper II, applicants must correlate the book with current events.

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