How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam?

PWOnlyIAS May 27, 2024 06:13 582 0

“How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam?” is one of the most common questions faced by UPSC aspirants. Here, we will guide you on approaching NCERT books for the UPSC exam!

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam? is not a simple question to answer. NCERT books are the basic materials that a candidate has to study while preparing for UPSC exam and reading them effectively is indeed a challenge.

For all the aspirants who are looking for a guide on how to read NCERT for UPSC exam, look no further. Here, we have covered the ways to read NCERT books in the most efficient way.

At the end of this article, we expect to address all your queries on how to read NCERT for UPSC exam!

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam? Best Techniques

Candidates preparing for UPSC exam are required to read NCERT books. These books form the foundation learning for any aspirant. For best outcomes, candidates can follow some of the techniques mentioned below.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Selecting the Right Book: Not all NCERT books have to be read. Candidates have to read only those books that cover the subjects mentioned in the UPSC CSE syllabus.
Read Basic Books: Candidates have to begin reading in class VII and go all the way up to class XII. Directly reading class XI books will not serve much purpose.
Focus on Clarity of Concepts: candidate’s focus must be conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. This will serve them in the long run.
Making Notes: Instead of reading multiple times, candidates have to make short notes during the first iteration itself. These notes can be referred to in future instead of reading the book again.
Make Time Table: Candidates have to divide the time into multiple slots for different subjects. This will help them clear the whole syllabus.
Multiple Revision: To get a good hold over the subject, candidates have to revise the topics multiple times before the exam.
Practice Questions: The questions given at the end of the chapter must be attempted to check your knowledge of the topic.

Also Read: NCERT Notes Importance for UPSC

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam by Exam Toppers?

Many UPSC exam toppers have shared tips on how to read NCERT for UPSC exam. We will highlight some important points based on their advice.

Identify the concept in which you are weak. Read that particular concept from NCERT and make short notes about it.
Create own notes while reading NCERT books. It is advised to read NCERT books only once and instead focus on notes for revision.
Attempt all the questions that are asked in a particular chapter. This will enhance your knowledge of that particular concept.
Candidates can attempt the NCERT test series that is provided by different institutes. This will ensure that your NCERT knowledge base is strengthened.

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam for Beginners?

Beginners preparing for the UPSC exam will find it challenging to navigate through multiple NCERT books. To address that challenge, here are some ways for beginners to read NCERT books.

The focus of the reading must be to gain conceptual clarity. Digging deeper into the topic can be performed later.
Use Google Search to find the meaning of any term you may come across while reading.
Highlight important words or phrases you come across in the book. During the next reading, emphasis has to be given to the highlighted part.
Follow a timetable while reading NCERT books. Try to complete the goal within the time period.

Also Read: Learn to Make Notes from NCERT

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam for Different Subjects?

All the subjects mentioned in the syllabus have varied importance. For maximum outcome, certain techniques have to be followed while reading NCERT books for different subjects.

How to Read NCERT for Polity?

Polity is one of the most-important subjects for the UPSC exam. Many questions asked in polity subjects have their source in NCERT books. Hence, certain methods have to be followed while reading NCERT polity subject.

Avoid lower grade books and directly start reading from 9th grade onwards. This will ensure you don’t waste your time.
Focus on keywords and articles mentioned in the texts. These keywords are very important and can be asked in the exam.
Use diagrams to illustrate themes and concepts so that they are easy to remember and recall during the exam.
Attempt the questions mentioned at the end of the chapter. This will help in active recall of information you have read before in that chapter.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

How to Read NCERT for History?

NCERT history books have not lost relevance due to UPSC’s focus on basic concepts mentioned in these books. Here are some ways for you to read NCERT history books.

Begin reading books from lower grades, such as class VI because you will need a basic understanding before proceeding to higher classes.
Focus on Chronology, Candidates have to keep chronology of events in mind while reading themes. A basic idea of chronology is important for history subjects.
Important books such as “Themes in Indian History” must be readthoroughly, as UPSC has been asking questions from these books.
For prelims examination, focus on old NCERT books (Anceint and Mediavel of Class XI).
Themes from new NCERT books can be referred to for the main part of the exam as well.

How to Read NCERT for Geography?

Basic concepts of geography have to be read from NCERT books as they have explained concepts in a simple manner. The subject needs a slightly varied approach compared to others.

Begin your preparation by reading books from lower grades (Class VI). This will help in understanding the core concepts. Gradually progress through the grades up to Class XII.
Refer to maps while reading the books. This will help you understand the concepts in a better way.
Produce diagrams while making notes so that you have a better understanding of the concept. This will be useful during revisions.
Clarify concepts from other sources in cases of confusion. For that purpose, animation videos from YouTube can be relied upon by the candidates.

How to Read NCERT for Economy?

Many candidates consider the economy subject to be challenging due to the complex concepts involved. Hence, reading NCERT books is of utmost importance.

Read books from lower grades, such as class IX. This will help in building the basic foundation for further learning.
Make a note of concepts that you feel are important from the UPSC perspective. This will help you during the revision phase.
Mathematical formulas can be avoided, as UPSC does not ask such questions. But the variables used in the formulas have to be remembered.
Flow diagrams can be used to explain a topic. This will be useful while writing the mains examination.

Importance of NCERT for UPSC Exam?

NCERT books are vital components of UPSC preparation. Candidates must start with the absolute basics and then move on to complex topics. The importance of NCERT books for UPSC is given below.

Understanding Basic Concepts: NCERT books focus on basic concepts that are important for the UPSC exam. Understanding these concepts is important for further preparation.
Simple Language: The NCERT uses simple language for explaining concepts, which is suitable for beginners or those from non-English backgrounds.
Easily Accessible: NCERT books are easily available across book stores. If they are not available in hard copy, they can be downloaded for free from the official website.
Relevance in Exams: Many questions in UPSC exams are directly or indirectly asked from NCERT books.
Reliable Information: NCERT books have been prepared by subject matter experts, making them a reliable source for any topic or subject.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Worried about covering NCERT Books for UPSC 2025? Join the best courses from Physics Wallah to get best quality NCERT notes and guidance from expert mentors!

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs	UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers	UPSC Test Series 2024