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Importance of NCERT Notes For UPSC

PWOnlyIAS January 04, 2024 05:10 2853 0

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You can follow the step-wise process mentioned in the article to know how to prepare NCERT notes for UPSC in the best possible way

Importance of NCERT Notes For UPSC

Introduction

Union Public Service Commission is a constitutional body of India that organizes the Civil Services Exam (UPSC CSE) every year. During the preparation for the Civil Services exam, which encompasses an extensive syllabus, candidates find solace in books published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (also referred to as NCERT books) as they serve as a lifeline, helping them establish a strong foundation and clarify fundamental concepts. 

Before moving forward let’s see the pattern of the exam then we will see the importance of NCERT and its notes because understanding the pattern and syllabus of the CSE exam will give the idea of the relevance of NCERTs in prelims, mains, and interview stages of exam.

Structure & Stages of UPSC CSE Exam: Prelims, Mains, Interview

UPSC CSE Exam Pattern: Prelims, Mains, and Interview Structure

  • UPSC CSE Prelims: GS and CSAT Exam Details
    • This stage of the exam has two objective-type papers: General Studies (GS I) and Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT).
    • The General Studies paper has 100 questions on various subjects, each carrying 2 marks totalling 200 marks.
    • Preliminary exam serves as a screening test; its scores are not considered for the final ranking.
  • UPSC CSE Mains: 7 Papers, Optional Subjects, and Ranking Criteria
    • Consists of 7 descriptive papers with 250 marks each.
    • Essay Paper
    • General Studies Paper I: 250 Marks
    • General Studies Paper II: 250 Marks
    • General Studies Paper III: 250 Marks
    • General Studies Paper IV: 250 Marks
    • Optional Paper I: 250 Marks
    • Optional Paper II: 250 Marks
    • Marks obtained in all these papers contribute to the final ranking.
    • The Mains Exam assesses in-depth knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities in various subjects related to forestry, environmental science, and other relevant areas.
  • UPSC CSE Interview 2023: Selection Criteria and Final Ranking
    • Candidates who clear the Mains Exam are eligible for the interview stage.
    • The interview will carry 275 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks).
    • The interview assesses the candidate’s suitability for a career in the Indian Forest Service.
    • Successful candidates in the interview stage are ultimately selected for various posts within the Indian Forest Services.
    • Marks obtained in the interview, combined with Mains Exam scores, determine the final ranking.
  • UPSC GS Prelims paper I Syllabus: Key Topics for Success
    • Current events of national and international importance
    • History of India and the Indian National Movement
    • Indian and World Geography- Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
    • Indian Polity and Governance- Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Right Issues, etc.
    • Economic and Social Development- Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
    • General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.
    • General Science.
  • UPSC CSAT Prelims paper II Syllabus: Key Topics for Success
    • Comprehension
    • Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
    • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
    • Decision-making and problem-solving
    • General mental ability
    • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level).

 

Importance of NCERT books for UPSC

  • Foundation Establishment: NCERT books for UPSC play a pivotal role in preparing the groundwork and are exceptionally vital.
  • Theoretical Anchoring: NCERT books are indispensable for both the theoretical aspects of both preliminary and main exams.
  • Annual Reliability Renewed: The content within NCERT books undergoes yearly updates, ensuring its steadfast reliability.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: From fundamental concepts to intricate topics, NCERT books encompass a wide spectrum of subjects.
  • Memorability and Foundation Strengthening: The clear and understandable structure of NCERT books aids in easy recall and contributes to the development of a robust foundation.

Read Also: PWOnlyIAS NCERT Notes

Why do Aspirants/Candidates prepare from NCERT Books for UPSC?

  • Simplified Language and Conceptual Clarity: NCERT books employ simple language devoid of complex terminologies, facilitating easy comprehension. 
    • Candidates can build conceptual clarity and strengthen their foundational knowledge, thanks to the straightforward presentation of information.
  • Authored by Qualified Experts: NCERT books are authored by a team of well-qualified, experienced scholars, experts, and academicians. 
    • The authenticity and reliability of the information presented in these books enhance their significance in UPSC CSE preparation.
  • Direct Relevance in UPSC Exam Questions: The extensive use of NCERT books is attributed to the direct inclusion of questions from these books in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. 
    • Questions in areas like polity, as seen in the UPSC CSE Prelims 2021, were directly drawn from NCERT books, emphasizing their importance.
  • Syllabus Alignment for Streamlined Preparation: NCERT books align closely with the UPSC CSE syllabus, aiding aspirants in structuring and streamlining their preparation. 
    • The overlap of content allows candidates to tailor their study strategy effectively, recognizing the key areas emphasized in the examination.
  • Enhancing Engagement Through Illustrations: Information in NCERT books is presented in an orderly manner, complemented by interesting and attractive illustrations. 
    • The use of engaging visuals further enhances the appeal of these books, contributing to a more immersive learning experience.
  • Key to a Structured Preparation Strategy: The prominent reason for aspirants extensively using NCERT books is the synergy between the book content and the UPSC CSE syllabus.\
    • A streamlined and structured preparation strategy is emphasized as crucial for success in the examination, and NCERT books play a pivotal role in achieving this.

Need to Make NCERT Notes for UPSC

  • Extensive UPSC Syllabus- It is well-established that the UPSC syllabus is exceptionally vast, often requiring students several months to complete their readings.
  • Efficiency of Concise Notes- Creating effective, concise, and to-the-point notes is not only beneficial during revision but also significantly saves time.
  • Avoiding Lengthy Exploration- Wandering through the entire book is a time-consuming process. Quick revision becomes imperative as other sections of the syllabus still need to be covered.
  • Challenges in Completing NCERT Books- The task of completing NCERT books from the 6th to the 12th standard is substantial in itself. Remembering all the content without the aid of notes and revision becomes an impossible feat.

The NCERT Books for UPSC: List

Class Textbooks
6th
  • History: Our Past
  • Geography: The Earth Our Habitat
  • Social Science: Social & Political Life I
  • Science: Science: Class VI
7th
  • History: Our Past – II
  • Geography: Our Environment
  • Social Science: Social & Political Life II
  • Science: Science – Class VII
8th
  • History: Our Past III – Part I & II
  • Geography: Resource and Development
  • Social Science: Social & Political Life III
  • Science: Science – Class VIII
9th
  • History: India and the Contemporary World-I
  • Geography: Contemporary India – I
  • Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I
  • Science: Class IX
  • Economics: Economics
10th
  • History: India and the Contemporary World – II
  • Geography: Contemporary India – II
  • Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
  • Science: Class X
  • Economics: Understanding Economic Development
11th
  • History: Themes in World History
  • Geography:
    • Fundamentals Of Physical Geography
    • India- Physical Environment
  • Science:
    • Chemistry: Unit 14
    • Biology: Unit 4 & 5
  • Economics: Indian Economic Development
  • Sociology: Understanding Society
  • Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
  • Indian Culture:
    • An Introduction to Indian Art
    • Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)
12th
  • History: Themes in Indian History
  • Geography:
    • Fundamentals Of Human Geography
    • India – People & Economy
  • Science:
    • Chemistry: Unit 16
    • Biology: Unit 8, 9 & 10
  • Economics: Introductory Macroeconomics
  • Sociology:
    • Indian Society
    • Social Change and Development in India
  • Political Science: Contemporary World Politics

 

Things to Keep in Mind while Making NCERT Notes for UPSC

Taking notes has probably been a habit since your school days, but making notes that enhance understanding and efficiency is important. It’s vital to understand that depending only on reading NCERT books is not adequate for the UPSC exam. Preparing for UPSC requires a thorough and in-depth approach. However, NCERT books, commissioned directly by the government, are excellent for learning fundamental concepts and laying the foundation for your studies

  • Mark the syllabus in the NCERT books according to the UPSC syllabus

    • It is advised to the aspiring candidates to go through the syllabus throughout. It is very important to keep in mind what is actually in the syllabus and what is not what should be included or what should be excluded. So candidates should mark the chapters and sort the topics which are relevant to UPSC CSE.

  • Read the chapters marked in the syllabus thoroughly

    • Refrain from marking or highlighting extensively during the first study session, as it’s common to mark everything hastily.
    • Comprehend the important portions without going overboard in marking or highlighting.
    • Cross-reference with previous year’s questions to identify and prioritize crucial areas related to the topics in the books.
    • Start making notes during the second reading once you’ve gained a good understanding of the chapter.
    • Making notes later helps avoid unnecessary information, ensuring your notes are not just a duplication of the NCERT book.

  • Make NCERT notes for UPSC as short as possible

    • No problem in keeping notes short and to the point.
    • Avoid going for overly detailed notes; they end up being like copying the book.
    • Use diagrams and flowcharts to explain things whenever you can.
    • Keep sentences short, and if you can, make notes in a language you find comfortable.
    • Structure your notes so that a quick look gives you the main idea of the topic.
    • Don’t copy sentences exactly from the book; instead, make them shorter and more precise for easy recall.

  • Summaries and flowcharts are game-changers

    • Making summaries and flowcharts when presenting your notes is really helpful.
    • Students often remember information better when it’s in bullet points or flowcharts rather than long paragraphs.
    • This technique can make your study process easier, especially in subjects like history where there are a lot of events in order.
    • Remembering what you study is crucial, and if you can’t remember it, reading won’t help much. Summaries and flowcharts work well for keeping information in your memory.

  • Folders and Loose sheet notes should be made

    • Create loose paper notes for each topic or chapter.
    • Organize these notes into different folders.
    • Having folders saves a significant amount of time.
    • You can easily find your specific topic notes without searching through many copies.

  • Digitize Your Preparation

    • In today’s world, everyone is utilizing digital gadgets for various purposes, and when preparing, it’s about avoiding distractions, not technology.
    • Create digital notes for easy accessibility with just a click.
    • Enhance your notes by including links to informative YouTube videos on the topic. This provides additional references, especially if you struggle with recall.
    • Note-making apps are beneficial for editing and optimizing your notes, and they consume less time.
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

 

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NCERT Notes For UPSC FAQs

Yes, you must know how to make NCERT notes for UPSC as it will help you in covering broad and complex UPSC syllabus in a strategic manner.

First, you must do a general reading of the NCERT subject book. Then, in second or further readings, you must note down important topics from each chapter to start making short notes.

You can follow the step-wise process mentioned in the article to know how to prepare NCERT notes for UPSC in the best possible way

Yes, you must know how to make NCERT notes for UPSC to solve problems like syllabus burden, time-consuming issues, preparation gaps, lack of retention, etc.

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key
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