Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains?

vishal pathaniya September 03, 2024 08:19 3108 0

Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains? This question is often debated among aspirants. Keep reading to know the answer to ‘Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains?’ and which books to read.

Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains?

Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains? Are you still wondering about this question? The UPSC Civil Services Mains is one of the most challenging exams in India, requiring a deep understanding of various subjects. Among the resources available, NCERT books are often recommended by toppers as essential reading material. 

 

But Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains 2025? Well, while NCERT books lay a strong foundation, relying solely on them might not be sufficient. In this detailed discussion on ‘Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains 2025?’ we will explore the importance of NCERT books, list the essential ones, and evaluate if they are enough for success in the UPSC Mains 2025.

Importance of NCERT Books in UPSC Mains 

NCERT books play a crucial role in UPSC Mains preparation for several reasons. They are not only the foundation stones for beginners but also serve as reliable sources for revising key concepts. Here is why you must read NCERT books for UPSC Mains:

  • Clear Concepts: NCERT books simplify complex topics, ensuring a strong conceptual understanding.
  • Authentic Information: Another reason to pick NCERT books for UPSC Mains is that the books are published by the government and offer reliable and accurate content.
  • Systematic Approach: The progression from basic to advanced topics aids in structured learning when you read NCERT books for UPSC Mains.
  • Coverage of Essential Topics: They cover core subjects like history, geography, polity, and more, integral to the UPSC syllabus.
  • Cost-effective: NCERT books are affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of aspirants.

List of NCERT Books for UPSC Mains 2025

Experts also suggest beginning preparation with NCERT textbooks, as they frequently serve as the basis for questions in the exam. Below is a table listing essential NCERT books for UPSC Mains 2025:

Complete List of NCERT Books for UPSC Mains 2025

Subject NCERT Book Name
1. Polity
  • NCERT Class IX and X: Political Science: Democratic Politics Part I and Part II
  • NCERT Class XI: Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
  • NCERT Class XI:  Political Science: Political Theory
  • NCERT Class XII: Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics
  • NCERT Class XII: Political Science II: Politics in India Since Independence
2. History
  • New NCERT Class VI to VIII: Our Past II and III
  • New NCERT Class X to XII: Themes In World History
  • Old NCERTs
    • Ancient Indian History (Class XI): R.S. Sharma
    • Medieval Indian History (Class XI): Satish Chandra
    • Modern Indian History (Class XII): Bipin Chandra
3. Geography
  • NCERT Class VIII: Resource and Development
  • NCERT Class IX and X: Contemporary India I (Part I and II)
  • NCERT Class XI: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
  • NCERT Class XI: India-Physical Environment
  • NCERT Class XII: Fundamentals of Human Geography
  • NCERT Class XII: India-People and Economy
4. Economy
  • NCERT Class XI: Indian Economic Development
  • NCERT Class XII: Introductory Macroeconomics
5. Art and Culture
  • NCERT Class XI: An Introduction to Indian Art
  • NCERT Class XI: Living Craft Traditions of India 
  • NCERT Class XII: Craft Traditions of India
6. Environment and Ecology Selective Reading of:

  • NCERT Science: From Class VI to Class X
  • NCERT Geography: From Class VI to Class XI 
  • NCERT Biology: Class XII (Chapters No 13, 14, 15, 16)
7. Science and Technology
  • NCERT Class VI to X – Science NCERTs for basic concepts
  • NCERT Class XI – Chemistry Unit 14, Biology Units 4 & 5
  • NCERT Class XII – Chemistry Unit 16, Biology Units 8, 9 & 10
8. Indian Society
  • NCERT Class XI: Sociology: Understanding Society
  • NCERT Class XII: Indian Society
  • NCERT Class XII: Social Change and Development in India

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Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains?

Now, coming to the most important question, Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains? The answer is no. NCERT books are crucial for building a strong foundation, but aspirants can not solely rely on them given the vast syllabus of UPSC Mains 2025. 

The UPSC Mains exam requires an in-depth understanding of various topics, and while NCERT books provide the basics, they lack the advanced material needed for comprehensive preparation. To excel in the UPSC Mains, aspirants must supplement their studies with standard textbooks, advanced reference material, and current affairs.

NCERT books for UPSC Mains offer a starting point, but the exam’s dynamic nature demands a broader perspective. For example, while NCERTs cover historical events and concepts, they might not delve deeply into the critical analysis required for essay and general studies papers. 

Similarly, subjects like the Indian economy require understanding from multiple sources, including government reports, economic surveys, and scholarly articles. Therefore, candidates must have basic knowledge from NCERTs and move to advanced books for comprehensive preparation.

 

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Which NCERT Books to Read for UPSC, Old or New?

When preparing for UPSC Mains, aspirants may also get confused about whether to use old or new NCERT books. Well, both versions have their strengths and are useful in different ways.

Old NCERTs are known for their straightforward presentation and detailed analysis, especially in subjects like history. For instance, R.S. Sharma’s Ancient India and Satish Chandra’s Mediaeval India from the old NCERT series are highly recommended for their depth and clarity. 

On the other hand, new NCERTs are more visually appealing and contain updated information. They are structured to cater to the modern educational framework. For example, the new NCERTs for geography are well-illustrated and provide updated data.

To strike a balance, aspirants should consider using both old and new NCERT books. Alternatively, they can refer to NCERT Summary Books offered by PW OnlyIAS that take a combined approach, ensuring that aspirants cover the most relevant information.

Click Here to Download NCERT Summary Books for UPSC Mains 2024

To conclude the answer to Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains? While NCERT books are indispensable for building a solid foundation, they are not enough by themselves. Aspirants must go beyond these books, exploring additional resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subjects.

Register now for the PWOnlyIAS Online Course by Physics Wallah and start your journey toward success in the UPSC exam!

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FAQs On Is NCERT Enough for UPSC Mains?

Yes, NCERT books are essential for building a strong foundation in UPSC Mains 2025 preparation.

No, while NCERT books are important, they are not sufficient on their own for clearing IAS Mains 2025.

No, clearing UPSC Mains solely with NCERT books is unlikely. You’ll need to complement them with advanced textbooks, reference materials, and current affairs.

Completing NCERT books for UPSC 2025 generally takes 2-3 months, depending on your study pace and familiarity with the subjects.

NCERT books provide a solid foundation, but to excel in IAS 2025, you must use them alongside other in-depth study resources and materials.
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