Preparing for the UPSC UPSC exam requires a strategic selection of study materials that comprehensively cover the vast syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Here’s an overview of the key resources and types of study material widely recommended by toppers and experts:
theIASHub | 07 Jun, 2025
Preparing for the UPSC UPSC exam requires a strategic selection of study materials that comprehensively cover the vast syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Here’s an overview of the key resources and types of study material widely recommended by toppers and experts:
NCERT textbooks (Class VI–XII) for History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Environment form the foundation for conceptual clarity.
In addition to standard books, many aspirants benefit from concise and well-structured study notes and booklets. These are especially helpful during revision and last-minute preparation.
One of the trusted platforms that provides comprehensive UPSC study notes, answer writing booklets, and strategy PDFs is TheIAShub. Their content is tailored to the evolving pattern of the UPSC exam and covers both static and current affairs-based topics.
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam requires a strong foundation in diverse subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs. Choosing the right books is crucial for effective preparation, as they provide conceptual clarity and help cover the vast syllabus systematically.
The General Studies Paper 1 in UPSC Prelims covers a wide range of subjects including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Science. Selecting the right books helps aspirants build strong conceptual knowledge and prepare thoroughly for this diverse syllabus. Below is a list of essential books recommended for UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 preparation.
|
Subject |
Books/Resources |
|
Polity |
Indian Polity by Laxmikanth |
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Economy |
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Mrunal.org articles, Macroeconomics – NCERT Class XII, Indian Economic Development – NCERT Class XI, Economic Survey (Selective reading from Prelims perspective), The Hindu, Internet (Arthapedia, Google, YouTube) |
|
Ancient History of India |
Old NCERT by RS Sharma |
|
Medieval History of India |
Old NCERT by Satish Chandra (Selective Reading) |
|
Modern History |
A Brief History of Modern India – Spectrum Publications, India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra (Selective Reading), NCERT by Bipan Chandra (For the period 1700s to 1857) |
|
Indian Art and Culture |
An Introduction to Indian Art – Class XI NCERT, Chapters related to culture in Ancient and Medieval India NCERTs, Centre for Cultural Resource and Training (CCRT) material, Heritage Crafts: Living Craft Traditions of India – NCERT |
|
Environment and Biodiversity |
Shankar IAS book |
|
General Science |
General Science books – IX and X standard, The Hindu (For latest scientific terms, discoveries, and inventions), Google and YouTube |
|
Geography |
Fundamentals of Physical Geography XI NCERT, India: Physical Environment XI NCERT, Fundamentals of Human Geography XII NCERT, India: People and Economy XII NCERT, Certificate Physical and Human Geography: GC Leong, PMFIAS (Excellent resource for understanding complex topics), Google and YouTube |
|
Govt Schemes |
Govt schemes compilation by theIASHub |
|
General Trivia |
Any coaching material, Google (For global groupings, reports, institutions, rankings, etc.) |
|
Current Affairs |
The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB |
The CSAT paper in UPSC Prelims tests candidates’ aptitude skills, including reasoning, comprehension, and basic numeracy. Choosing the right books is essential to strengthen these skills and clear the qualifying exam with ease. This list includes the most recommended books for effective preparation of the CSAT paper.
|
CSAT Book for UPSC |
Author |
Brief Description |
|
Analytic Reasoning |
M K Pandey |
Analytical Reasoning stands out as a top-recommended CSAT book for UPSC CSAT Paper, aiding aspirants in enhancing their analytical reasoning capabilities. The book is split into two distinct sections: Logic-based Reasoning and Rule-based Reasoning. |
|
Cracking the CSAT Paper |
Arihant Experts |
This book includes previous year question papers with solutions along with a set of 20 CSAT practice question papers. |
|
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
RS Aggarwal |
The book helps the aspirants enhance their reasoning abilities. Consists of a wide range of reasoning-based questions along with their solutions and explanations. |
|
The Mantra of CSAT Paper II |
Gautam Puri |
This book helps you develop a strong foundation for the UPSC CSAT Paper. |
|
General Studies Paper II for UPSC Preliminary Examination |
Tata McGraw-Hill |
This book aims to deliver high-quality questions encompassing the complete UPSC CSAT syllabus. It includes all the previous year’s question papers and 15 CSAT practice papers designed according to the present patterns. |
|
CSAT Manual |
Pearson |
This book covers the CSAT practice questions for comprehension, logical reasoning, and mathematics. All the questions come with solved answers and explanations. |
The UPSC Mains exam demands a deeper understanding of various subjects, including Essay, General Studies, and Optional Papers. Choosing the right books is crucial for developing analytical skills, enhancing answer-writing ability, and covering the vast syllabus comprehensively. Below is a list of recommended books to help aspirants prepare effectively for the UPSC Mains examination.
|
Subject |
UPSC Books |
|
History, Indian Heritage & Culture [GS Paper 1] |
|
|
Geography [GS Paper 1] |
|
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Polity & International Relations [GS Paper 2] |
|
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Economy [GS Paper 3] |
|
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Ethics [GS Paper 4] |
|
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Solved Papers |
|
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Agriculture |
|
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Anthropology |
|
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Botany |
|
|
Chemistry |
|
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Economics |
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History |
|
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Management |
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Mathematics |
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Electrical Engineering |
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Urdu |
|
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Psychology |
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Preparing for the UPSC Mains Examination requires not just hard work, but also the right set of resources that offer clarity, depth, and exam-oriented content. TheIAShub has curated a range of high-quality books designed specifically to meet the demands of the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam. These books cover Essay, General Studies (GS I-IV), and Ethics with a structured approach, integrated current affairs, and model answers to enhance writing skills. Trusted by toppers and mentors alike, TheIAShub books aim to simplify complex topics, promote conceptual understanding, and support aspirants in building a strong foundation for mains success.
A well-structured UPSC test series is essential for effective UPSC preparation. It helps aspirants assess their knowledge, improve answer writing, manage time, and align their preparation with the actual exam pattern. Whether for Prelims or Mains, a good test series offers regular practice, detailed solutions, performance analysis, and insights into important topics. Joining a trusted UPSC test series can significantly boost confidence and readiness for the final exam.
Joining a test series for both Prelims and Mains is a vital step in UPSC preparation. It offers multiple benefits:
Answer writing is a crucial part of UPSC Mains preparation, and TheIAShub provides dedicated support through both free and paid initiatives. Their free daily answer writing platform helps aspirants build consistency, improve structuring, and get exposure to a variety of GS questions. For those seeking more in-depth guidance, TheIAShub offers a paid Mains Answer Writing Program with expert evaluation, detailed feedback, model answers, and mentorship. Whether beginner or advanced, aspirants can benefit from their structured approach to enhance writing skills and boost Mains performance.
The UPSC Mock Interview is a simulated version of the final Personality Test (Interview) stage of the UPSC exam. It is designed to prepare candidates by replicating the actual interview environment conducted by the UPSC panel of experts.
Benefits of Taking Mock Interviews
TheIAShub offers a well-structured Mock Interview Program to help aspirants prepare for the final stage of the UPSC UPSC exam – the Personality Test. This program includes mock interviews with experienced panel members, personalized feedback, and guidance on body language, clarity of expression, and current affairs-based questions.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
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