ROLE OF NCERT BOOKS IN UPSC PATHWAY
The NCERT books are the keystone for UPSC preparation. It eases the learning process in the initial stages. The NCERT books are written in simple language and everyone can grasp the ideas easily. Thus it can boost the self-confidence of the aspirants. NCERT books do not cover the entire syllabus of UPSC, but it does cover most of the fundamentals.
WHY TO READ NCERT
- Direct questions are coming from NCERT. While looking to the PYQs one can understand that on an average 15-20 questions are coming from NCERT every year. In 2021 there were 24 questions & 2020 around 22 questions came from NCERT. So in this sense it’s important to read NCERT.
- NCERT is the foundation book or can say core book. It has simple language as compared to other book, so it’s easy for understanding the concept. Always start from simple to the advanced one.
- NCERT is an authenticated source. UPSC follows the NCERT. There should not be any errors. For example we may have seen in the case of ancient history like Stone Age, Indus valley civilization different book have given different time period. So it’s always good to refer NCERT.
- For interconnecting with other subject one should have a deep understanding of the topic. It can be achieved through reading NCERT. Interconnecting the subjects always help in answer writing. For example when you are studying geographical importance of a region you can also connect it with historical importance (rulers, wars, and kingdom), polity of the region, internal security, international relation, society/ social issues and economy of that region.
HOW TO READ AND HOW TO MAKE NOTES
- NCERT books serves as an excellent resource for building a strong foundation in various subject. So for an aspirant it’s compulsory to read NCERT. Now the question comes in mind, where to start? Normally it’s said to start from class6 to class 12.
- An aspirant with good background on arts subject can start from Class 11 and 12. If you don’t have any background, yet you can understand the concept of class 11 and 12 then it’s good. If you can’t understand class 11 and 12 NCERT start from lower grade like class 9 and 10. If you still feel difficulty in reading class 9and10 NCERTs then start from class 6.
- The next question comes like how to read? Before reading NCERT go through the syllabus of UPSC Civil service examination and also the PYQs. Then you will get an idea about the need and the pattern of exam.
- Now you can start reading NCERTs. Don’t rush for note making. Note making helps for easy revision but don’t go for it in the first round of reading.
- First reading should be a casual one and you can mark important points with pencil. In first reading we feel all the lines are important.
- In second reading you can mark with a pen. Marked line will be less in comparison to the first one. Now you are able to take the points which are relevant.
- Third reading you can use a highlighter and highlight the critical points.
- Make notes of these highlighted points in a crispy manner. So that you can cover the entire book in hours.
- Always connect the topics with current affairs. Integrated approach is needed while reading (Prelims+mains+interview).
- NCERT can be covered with few months along with optional subject and other classes. Always keep in minds that don’t skip the topics which are mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. Suppose you are studying polity, first you should see the syllabus. GS II include polity, in that it’s given Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure. This can be studied from NCERT 11 political science book (Constitution at work) chapter 1, 2, 9, 10(constitution evolution, significance, criticism, etc.). Likewise always see the syllabus and mark the topic in NCERT book.
BOOK LISTS
NCERT History Books (either old NCERT or new NCERT)
- NCERT Class VI – Our Past
- NCERT Class VII – Our Past -I
- NCERT Class VIII – Our Past II and III
- NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I
- NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – II
- NCERT Class X – Themes In World History
- NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History – I
- NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – II
- NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History – III
- Old NCERT Class XI – Ancient India by RS Sharma
- Old NCERT Class IX – Medieval India by Satish Chandra
- Old NCERT Class X – Modern India by Bipin Chandra
NCERT Geography (XI &XII are important)
- NCERT Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat
- NCERT Class VII – Our Environment
- NCERT Class VIII – Resource and Development
- NCERT Class IX – Contemporary India – I
- NCERT Class X – Contemporary India – 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
NCERT Books for Social Science
- NCERT Class VI – Social Science: Social & Political Life I
- NCERT Class VII – Social Science: Social & Political Life II
- NCERT Class VIII – Social Science: Social & Political Life III
NCERT Books for Political Science (XI is important)
- NCERT Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I
- NCERT Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
- NCERT Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work ( conceptual clarity, good vocabulary , helps in mains and interview)
NCERT Books for Economics (XI &XII important)
- NCERT Class IX – Economics
- NCERT Class X – Understanding Economic Development
- NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development( help in essay writing)
- NCERT Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics (conceptual clarity, understand terms ,help in newspaper reading)
NCERT Art & Culture
- NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art
NCERT Science & Technology Books
- NCERT Class XI – Chemistry: Unit 14 & Biology: Units 4 & 5
- NCERT Class XII – Chemistry: Unit 16 & Biology: Unit 8, 9&10.
“The greater the effort, the greater the glory” – Pierre Corneille