Find the complete booklist for UPSC Prelims (Paper I), covering Polity, Economy, History, Environment, Current Affairs and more. Boost your UPSC preparation with the best books and resources!
theIAShub | 15 Jul, 2025 | 8372 | 0 |
Books for UPSC Prelims are the most powerful weapon for preparing for the UPSC Prelims, and selecting the right books is the first step to success. With the long-lasting line of study materials available, it can be very tough to choose the best resources. As the UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026, start your preparation with the right books to boost your chances of success.
Books for UPSC Prelims become so crucial for effective preparation. With the right resources and strategy, cracking the UPSC Prelims becomes achievable. This article provides a detailed list of must-have books for UPSC Prelims, ensuring a clear path for your exam preparation.
The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination, testing your knowledge of General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The right books not only provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus but also help build a solid foundation. Choosing reliable and authentic sources is crucial to avoid misinformation and save time.
For the upcoming UPSC 2026 Prelims examination, there is a vast range of books available. Here’s a curated list of UPSC Prelims recommended books that cater to both GS and CSAT papers:
Recommended Books for UPSC Prelims 2026 |
|
| General Studies (GS) | |
| History |
|
| Geography |
|
| Polity |
|
| Economy |
|
| Environment |
|
| Science and Technology |
|
| Current Affairs |
|
UPSC Book for Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) |
|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
| Reading Comprehension |
|
Many toppers emphasize the importance of sticking to standard books and revising them multiple times. Here’s what they recommend:
| Subject | Books/Resources |
|---|---|
| Polity | Indian Polity by Laxmikanth |
| 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 Civils Daily |
| General Trivia | Any coaching material, Google (For global groupings, reports, institutions, rankings, etc.) |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB |
Here are a few books that aspiring candidates should keep with themselves while preparing for UPSC prelims and further stages of the UPSC exam. The following books are indispensable for your UPSC Prelims preparation:
In an era of numerous books on individual subjects, candidates are often presented with multiple options for the same topic. This can lead to confusion, increasing the likelihood of selecting irrelevant books for UPSC Prelims. Here are some tips for choosing the right UPSC Prelims books.
To score well, it’s essential to balance preparation for both papers. While GS tests your knowledge, CSAT evaluates your analytical and logical skills. Focus on:
Many aspirants prefer digital formats for convenience. Look for trusted websites or apps offering UPSC Prelims book list PDFs. Ensure these resources are authentic and legally sourced. Downloading the book list helps keep your preparation organised and accessible. Here are some links to some authentic sources by which candidate can supplement their notes and basic foundational books.
| Books | Download Link |
| NCERT Books | Download |
| Yojana/Kurukshetra | Download |
| PIB | Visit |
NCERT books provide a strong foundation but need to be supplemented with advanced reference books and current affairs resources for comprehensive preparation.
There are 2 Papers in the UPSC Prelims – GS Paper 1 and the CSAT. For both papers, the minimum number of books required is 15, while the maximum number of books required can go up to 25 for UPSC prelims preparation.
Select books aligned with the syllabus, written in simple language, and recommended by toppers or reputed coaching institutes. Always opt for the latest editions.
While some online PDFs are authentic, it’s best to verify the source. Stick to trusted platforms for accurate and up-to-date content.
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.
