How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam?

PWOnlyIAS January 06, 2024 07:30 2329 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? If you are also starting UPSC preparations or wondering how to read NCERT books better for the UPSC exam, here we have compiled some top techniques and tips. NCERT books are the basic materials that a candidate has to study while preparing for the UPSC exam and reading them effectively is indeed a challenge. By following this subject-wise approach, aspirants can efficiently utilize NCERTs to build a strong foundation for the 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.

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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 for Different Subjects?

NCERT textbooks are the foundation for UPSC preparation, offering conceptual clarity and easy-to-understand explanations. They provide authentic and reliable content, which is essential for both Prelims and Mains. By focusing on the right NCERTs and following a structured reading plan, aspirants can effectively cover the basics of the syllabus.

Below is a subject-wise guide with tips to make the most of NCERTs for History, Geography, and Polity.

1. How to Read History NCERT?

History NCERTs are indispensable for understanding India’s past, from ancient times to modern history. These books provide a chronological understanding and cover cultural, social, and political developments.

Tips to Read History NCERTs:

Start with Class 6 to Class 12 NCERTs:
- Ancient History: Read “Our Past I” (Class 6) and “Themes in Indian History Part I” (Class 11).
- Medieval History: Focus on “Our Past II” (Class 7) and “Themes in Indian History Part II” (Class 11).
- Modern History: Study “Our Past III” (Class 8) and “Themes in Indian History Part III” (Class 12).
Highlight Key Events: Make a timeline of important events, rulers, and cultural developments.
Focus on Freedom Struggle: Pay special attention to modern history chapters covering India’s independence movement.
Make Notes: Summarize important facts, dates, and personalities for quick revision.

2. How to Read Geography NCERT?

Geography NCERTs help in building a strong base for physical, economic, and human geography, which are crucial for both Prelims and Mains.

Tips to Read Geography NCERTs:

Begin with Class 6 to Class 12 NCERTs:
- Physical Geography: Read “The Earth Our Habitat” (Class 6) and “Fundamentals of Physical Geography” (Class 11).
- India-Specific Geography: Study “Our Environment” (Class 7) and “India: Physical Environment” (Class 11).
- Human and Economic Geography: Focus on “Human Geography” (Class 12) and “Contemporary India” (Class 10).
Use Maps: Regularly refer to maps to visualize locations, rivers, mountain ranges, and climatic regions.
Understand Concepts: Focus on topics like climate, vegetation, and landforms, ensuring conceptual clarity.
Revise Key Topics: Revisit topics like monsoons, natural resources, and Indian agriculture frequently.

3. How to Read Polity NCERT?

Polity NCERTs provide a solid base for understanding the Constitution, political institutions, and governance in India.

Tips to Read Polity NCERTs:

Start with Class 9 to Class 12 NCERTs:
- Read “Democratic Politics I & II” (Class 9 & 10) for the basics of democracy, elections, and political structures.
- Move to “Indian Constitution at Work” (Class 11) for in-depth knowledge about the Constitution and its features.
Focus on the Constitution: Understand key articles, fundamental rights, duties, and the division of powers.
Note Down Institutions: Pay attention to the roles of Parliament, Judiciary, and Executive.
Revise Repeatedly: Polity concepts often form a major part of Prelims, so regular revision is essential.

4. How to Read Economy NCERT?

Economy is essential for UPSC preparation, and NCERTs provide a solid foundation for understanding its concepts. Tips for Reading Economy NCERTs:

Start with Basics:
- Begin with Class 9 & 10 NCERTs (e.g., “Understanding Economic Development”) for fundamental concepts like GDP, inflation, and unemployment.
- Move to Class 11 (“Indian Economic Development”) and Class 12 (“Macroeconomics”) for advanced topics.
Focus on Core Concepts:
- Understand topics like national income, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and inflation.
- Avoid memorizing formulas but understand the variables.
Make Notes: Highlight key terms and concepts. Use flowcharts for better understanding and quick revision.
Skip Complex Calculations: Mathematical formulas are less important; focus on their applications and implications.
Relate to Current Affairs: Link static concepts with recent economic policies and news for better retention and relevance.

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

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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 bookstores. 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.

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*UPSC Exam 2025 Related Articles*
*UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam*	*UPSC Notification 2025*
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Also Read
UPSC Daily Editorials	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store	UPSC Test Series
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store	Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store

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How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam FAQs

Yes. UPSC has been asking questions or themes directly from NCERT books.

Yes. Candidates can make notes from NCERT books, which can be read later during revision.

Daily 3-4 hours must be dedicated to reading NCERT books.

No. NCERT books will help in basic understanding but candidates must also refer to standard books.

For effective reading, candidates must focus on conceptual understanding. Making notes and revising them regularly will help.

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How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam?

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam for Different Subjects?

1. How to Read History NCERT?

Tips to Read History NCERTs:

2. How to Read Geography NCERT?

Tips to Read Geography NCERTs:

3. How to Read Polity NCERT?

Tips to Read Polity NCERTs:

4. How to Read Economy NCERT?

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam for Beginners?

Importance of NCERT for UPSC Exam

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam FAQs

Can UPSC ask Questions Directly from NCERT Books?

Should I Make Notes from NCERT Books?

How Many Hours I Must Dedicate for Reading NCERT Books?

Are NCERT books Enough for UPSC Preparation?

How to Read NCERT for UPSC Exam?

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