UPSC NCERT Notes – Complete Class 6 to 12 Booklist & Strategy for IAS Preparation

Get the complete NCERT booklist from Class 6 to 12 for UPSC preparation. Learn how to use NCERTs for building a strong conceptual foundation for Prelims and Mains. Includes subject-wise book breakdown and preparation strategy.

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Economics
Environment & Ecology
Geography
History
Polity (Political Science)
Science
Society

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UPSC NCERT Notes – Class 6 to 12 Subject-wise NCERT Books for IAS Preparation

Preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Exam starts with having solid conceptual understanding and UPSC NCERT Notes have an unreplaceable contribution to establishing the same. From a beginner seeking to start all over again, to one planning to revise mainstream topics, UPSC NCERT Notes prepared between Class 6 to 12 NCERTs offer systematic, syllabus-oriented study material compliant with the needs of the UPSC Prelims and Mains

These UPSC NCERT Notes assist in simplifying intricate concepts and provide holistic coverage of static segments. For aspirants targeting a strategic and focused preparation, UPSC NCERT Notes provide a sure shot roadmap to achieve analytical comprehension. This article provides you with a complete subject-wise list of NCERT books to cover and teaches you how to use UPSC NCERT Notes to your best advantage in UPSC preparation.

Why NCERT Books Are Important for UPSC

When it comes to the preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, NCERT books are the very first and most imperative step. Recommended by toppers and teachers in the same light, these books ensure conceptual clarity, which is the foundation of both Prelims and Mains preparation. Here's why they're so crucial and how UPSC NCERT Notes can take your efforts to the next level:

  • Authentic and Unbiased: Issued by the Government of India, NCERTs serve as the foundation for correct and reliable material. UPSC NCERT Notes from such sources provide facts and are bias-free in preparation.
  • Simple and Easy: NCERTs with their lucid and precise language are the perfect choice for personal study. UPSC NCERT Notes reduce such concepts even more, so studying and revising becomes easier and quicker.
  • Concept Building: For topics such as History, Geography, Polity, and Economics, clear conceptual understanding is crucial. UPSC NCERT Notes assist in establishing a concrete understanding by compiling key concepts in an organized form.
  • Direct Questions: Most questions in UPSC Prelims and even Mains are directly or indirectly taken from NCERTs. Properly prepared UPSC NCERT Notes can assist you in identifying such trends and answer more confidently.
  • Bridging the Gap to Advanced Sources: While NCERTs form the base, they have also been used as stepping stones towards advanced books such as Laxmikant (Polity), Spectrum (History), and G.C. Leong (Geography). UPSC NCERT Notes are a transition between these stages, which enables you to move from fundamentals to advanced material without breaking conceptual continuity.

In short, UPSC NCERT Notes fill the gap between basic knowledge and exam-focused preparation.

How to Use NCERT Notes for UPSC Preparation

NCERTs can be a goldmine for UPSC aspirants if utilized wisely. The proper method of reading and revising UPSC NCERT Notes has the potential to lay a strong foundation for facing both objective-type questions in Prelims and analytical answers in the Mains. This is how to utilize them to the best effect:

  • Start Chronologically (Class 6 to 12): Start preparation in a class-wise order, particularly for subjects such as History, Geography, and Science. This aids in gradually developing knowledge—beginning with fundamental concepts in lower classes and progressing to detailed explanations in upper classes. UPSC NCERT Notes prepared chronologically provide systematic progression, avoiding information overload.
  • Make Your Own Notes: While studying NCERTs, note down key points and make short, bullet-point notes chapter-wise. This individual set of UPSC NCERT Notes will prove invaluable during revision. Mark key facts, definitions, and conceptual overviews to memorize easily.
  • Trace Content with the UPSC Syllabus: Always keep the UPSC syllabus handy. Try to relate each chapter or topic in NCERTs to a specific topic in the syllabus. Well-organized UPSC NCERT Notes should reflect this alignment—making your preparation more focused and relevant.
  • Revise Regularly: NCERT material is full, but it's soon forgotten unless updated regularly. Plan periodic updates of your UPSC NCERT Notes, preferably before Prelims and after finishing standard books. They also act as value-added sources for Mains answers and essay writing. 
  • Refer to NCERTs along with Standard Reference Books: NCERTs provide the conceptual foundation. Once you're comfortable with them, proceed to advanced resources like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, or Shankar IAS for Environment. UPSC NCERT Notes will assist you in coordinating knowledge from both foundational and advanced books efficiently.

Complete NCERT Book List for UPSC – Class 6 to 12

Subject

Class 6

Class 7

Class 8

Class 9

Class 10

Class 11

Class 12

History

Our Past – I

Our Past – II

Our Past – III

India & the Contemporary World – I

India & the Contemporary World – II

Themes in World History

Themes in Indian History (Part I, II, III)

Geography

The Earth: Our Habitat

Our Environment

Resource and Development

Contemporary India – I

Contemporary India – II

Fundamentals of Physical Geography & India: Physical Environment

Fundamentals of Human Geography & India: People and Economy

Polity

Social & Political Life – I

Social & Political Life – II

Social & Political Life – III

Democratic Politics – I

Democratic Politics – II

Indian Constitution at Work & Political Theory

Contemporary World Politics & Politics in India Since Independence

Economics

Economics (Class 9)

Understanding Economic Development

Indian Economic Development

Introductory Microeconomics & Macroeconomics

Science

Science

Science

Science

Science

Science

Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Part I & II each)

Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Part I & II each)

Sociology

Introducing Sociology, Understanding Society

Indian Society, Social Change and Development

Art & Culture

An Introduction to Indian Art Part I

Living Craft Traditions of India (Supplementary Reading)

Environment

Environment-related chapters in Geography/Science

Environment-related chapters in Geography/Science

Note: For UPSC, prioritize Class 6–10 books for Prelims basics and Class 11–12 for Mains depth.

Subject-wise Focus for UPSC NCERT Notes

Preparing UPSC requires a strategic subject-wise approach and UPSC NCERT Notes is the most effective tool for constructing this background. As NCERTs have been prepared in a progressive direction from Class 6 to 12, one subject after the other constructs your knowledge from grassroot to top-class concepts. Following is the manner in which you must emphasize every subject:

Subject

NCERT Classes to Focus

Key Points for UPSC Preparation

History

Class 6 to 12

Covers Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History. Class 12’s Themes in Indian History is crucial for GS Paper I in Mains.

Geography

Class 6 to 12 (esp. 11–12)

Focus on maps, physical geography, resources, and human geography. Useful for Prelims and diagram-based Mains answers.

Polity

Class 6 to 10 Civics, Class 11

Class 11’s Indian Constitution at Work is foundational. Helps understand core democratic and constitutional concepts.

Economics

Class 9 to 12

Builds understanding of macro and microeconomics. Vital for Prelims MCQs and real-life examples in Mains.

Science & Environment

Class 6 to 10

Focus on biology, environment, and basic physics/chemistry. Relevant for Prelims, especially in Environment and Science & Tech.

Art & Culture

Class 11

Introduction to Indian Art covers Culture topics for GS Paper I. Supplement with NIOS and CCRT materials.

Best Strategy to Prepare UPSC NCERT Notes

UPSC NCERT Notes are the foundation of the preparation of any serious Civil Services candidate. They make complicated ideas easy, provide conceptual clarity, and serve directly in Prelims as well as Mains preparation. But just reading NCERTs is not sufficient—you require an intelligent and strategic strategy to derive the maximum benefit from them.

Strategy

Details

Sequential Reading

Go class-wise to build a solid foundation

Note-making

Write topic-wise crisp notes in bullet format

PYQ Mapping

Align chapters with past Prelims and Mains questions

NCERT Summary Books

Use summaries for quick revisions after thorough first reading

Multiple Revisions

Revise at least 2–3 times before the exam

Conclusion

In the UPSC preparation journey, NCERT books are not just resources—NCERT books are the very foundation of your success plan. They provide clarity, coherence, and completeness in comprehension of fundamental concepts which are tested repeatedly in Prelims and perfected in Mains. UPSC NCERT Notes serve as a bridge between beginner's comprehension and aspirant-level analysis, between fragmented reading and systematic revision.

By studying intelligently, keeping pace with the syllabus, and taking fine notes, candidates have the ability to convert these books into effective arms of information. Utilize NCERTs as not only textbooks, but as mediums to think critically, write analytically, and edit effectively.

Start today, and let your NCERT preparation be your strongest platform toward cracking the Civil Services Examination!

FAQs on UPSC NCERT Notes – Complete Class 6 to 12 Booklist & Strategy for IAS Preparation

History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science books from Class 6 to 12 are essential.

Yes, concise, topic-wise notes help in last-minute revision and enhance answer writing.

They are sufficient for basics and concept-building. For in-depth understanding, use standard reference books later.

New NCERTs are more relevant for UPSC due to updated data and easier language, but old History books (especially by R.S. Sharma, Satish Chandra, and Bipan Chandra) are highly recommended for Mains.

You should attempt to revise your UPSC NCERT Notes 2–3 times prior to Prelims. Revision makes memory stronger and enhances precision in MCQs.

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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.

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UPSC Exam Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:

  • Prelims: It has two papers: General Studies and CSAT.
  • Mains: It has nine papers, including essays and optional subjects.
  • Interview: It tests the personality and confidence of the student.

This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.

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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.

Best IAS Coaching In Delhi FAQs

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The classroom centre is located in Delhi. Students can visit and join offline batches there.

IAShub gives interview guidance sessions to help students prepare for the final round of UPSC.