5 academic books for students preparing for UPSC Civil Services exam

One must be certain of the literature they are referring to while preparing for the UPSC along with a committed study regimen. There are several book references on various topics that you can use. But, if you are also studying for the UPSC, there are a few essential academic books recommended by 'SRIRAM’s IAS' that you should add to your reading list.

5 academic books for students preparing for UPSC Civil Services exam

A couple of these are listed below:

1. NCERT books -

The Complete Package - NCERT books are a must-read for every aspirant, regardless of the coaching you go to or what books you refer to.

These books can form the basics of your preparation. NCERTs should be read in parallel with the other books which are suggested for UPSC preparation - do not finish NCERTs first and then read other things.

NCERTs are not enough for your preparation. Make sure you read the relevant NCERTs when reading the other books too and give equal weight to other subjects too.

2. Second Edition of Indian Polity by Sriram Srirangam -

This book is for the UPSC and State Civil Services Examination, written in line with the current trend of the examination. Previous policy papers focused only on the conventional aspects. For some years now, it has been coupling the conventional with the current developments and the book is written with the current trend in mind.

It has a list of doctrines, like the doctrine of colourable legislation and so on. It also has the judicial rulings discussed at various points of the text in order to make the content relevant and meaningful. There is no comparable book in the market to the second edition of Indian Polity written by Sriram Sir.

3. India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha -

Most history books for UPSC simply cover the period up to India's independence, with a few chapters on modernisation and liberal reforms. However, this is the book that will teach you all you need to know about Indian politics post-independence.

The book tells the story of India's post-independence political and economic trajectory. It is close to 900 pages in length, so space out the preparation, along with the book, read Wikipedia, read some blogs about it, read newspaper articles about it, and evaluate the same to make the most while preparing.

4. Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu -

Once you have the basics of modern history, economy, and polity in hand, it is time to go a bit deeper. You can do this by choosing DD Basu.

5. Manorama -

It is one of the most important books for UPSC that talks widely about the general knowledge aspects of the UPSC exams. The topics in the book include Economics, Art forms, Science, Medicine, Election results, Religious Census report, Environment, Literature, History, Sports, Government Policies, etc. Read More On..