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