Books Recommended by UPSC Toppers for Cracking the Exam
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most challenging exams in India, requiring a deep understanding of multiple subjects, analytical skills, and a strong conceptual foundation. One of the key factors that determine success in UPSC is choosing the right set of books for preparation.
In this guide, we have compiled a list of books recommended by UPSC toppers for different stages of the exam: Prelims, Mains, and Optional Subjects.
UPSC Prelims: Must-Read Books Recommended by Toppers
The UPSC Prelims consists of General Studies Paper-I and CSAT (Paper-II). While CSAT is qualifying in nature, GS Paper-I requires in-depth preparation. Here are the best books recommended by UPSC toppers:
📘 1. History
Ancient History: NCERT Class 11 – An Introduction to Indian Art (Fine Arts)
Medieval History: NCERT Class 11 – Themes in Indian History Part II
Modern History: Spectrum’s A Brief History of Modern India (by Rajiv Ahir)
Freedom Struggle: India’s Struggle for Independence (by Bipan Chandra)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Modern history and freedom struggle questions are mostly derived from Spectrum’s History and Bipan Chandra’s book. Focus on understanding the timeline of events.
📗 2. Geography
NCERT Books: Class 6 to 12 (especially Class 11 & 12)
Certificate Physical and Human Geography (by G.C. Leong)
Atlas: Oxford Student Atlas or Orient BlackSwan Atlas
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Reading NCERTs multiple times is crucial for understanding fundamental concepts. Use an atlas for better visualization of locations, rivers, and mountains.
📙 3. Indian Polity & Governance
Indian Polity (by M. Laxmikanth)
Introduction to the Constitution of India (by D.D. Basu) – Optional for deeper understanding
Governance in India (by M. Laxmikanth) – For Mains
✅ Toppers’ Tip: M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity is the most important book for polity. Revise it multiple times and make short notes for quick revisions.
📘 4. Economy
NCERT Books: Class 9 to 12 Economics
Indian Economy (by Ramesh Singh)
Economic Survey of India (Government Report)
Budget Documents (Government Report)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: UPSC asks conceptual questions, so understanding basic economic terms (inflation, GDP, fiscal deficit) is more important than memorization.
📗 5. Environment & Ecology
NCERT Biology Class 12 (Relevant Chapters)
Environment by Shankar IAS Academy
Current Affairs (PIB, The Hindu, Down to Earth Magazine)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Environment questions are often current affairs-based, so reading The Hindu and Down to Earth regularly will help.
📙 6. Science & Technology
NCERT Science Books (Class 6 to 10)
Science and Tech – TMH Publication
ISRO, PIB, and The Hindu (For Current Affairs)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: UPSC focuses on applied science and recent advancements (like AI, biotechnology, space missions), so current affairs are crucial.
📘 7. Current Affairs & General Knowledge
The Hindu or Indian Express (Daily Newspaper Reading)
PIB (Press Information Bureau) for Government Schemes & Policies
Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazines
Monthly Current Affairs Compilations (Vision IAS / Insights IAS)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Make daily notes from newspapers to revise important government schemes, policies, and international relations topics.
UPSC Mains: Standard Books for Answer Writing & Concept Building
The UPSC Mains exam requires analytical answers, so reading standard reference books and practicing answer writing is essential.
📗 1. General Studies Paper-I (History, Geography, Society, Art & Culture)
History of Modern India (Bipan Chandra)
World History (Norman Lowe)
Indian Society (NCERT Sociology Class 11 & 12)
Geography – G.C. Leong & NCERTs
✅ Toppers’ Tip: History and society topics should be supplemented with current affairs examples.
📙 2. General Studies Paper-II (Polity, Governance, International Relations)
Indian Polity (M. Laxmikanth)
Governance in India (M. Laxmikanth)
India’s Foreign Policy (by Rajiv Sikri)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Answer writing should include constitutional articles, committee recommendations, and current affairs.
📘 3. General Studies Paper-III (Economy, Science & Tech, Security, Environment)
Indian Economy (Ramesh Singh)
Economic Survey & Budget Documents
India Year Book
Disaster Management – IGNOU Material
Challenges to Internal Security of India (by Ashok Kumar)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Use diagrams and data from Economic Survey to support your answers.
📗 4. General Studies Paper-IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
Lexicon for Ethics (by Chronicle)
Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (by G. Subba Rao)
Reports by UN, NITI Aayog & ARC
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Case studies play a crucial role. Practice writing structured ethical answers.
Best Books for UPSC Optional Subjects
Most Popular Optional Subjects & Their Recommended Books
🔹 Public Administration: Administrative Thinkers (by Prasad and Prasad), Public Administration (by Laxmikanth)
🔹 Geography: Majid Hussain (Geography of India), Physical Geography (Savindra Singh)
🔹 History: India’s Ancient Past (R.S. Sharma), A Comprehensive History of Modern India (B.L. Grover)
🔹 Political Science & IR: Global Politics (Andrew Heywood), Foundations of Indian Political Thought (V.R. Mehta)
✅ Toppers’ Tip: Choose an optional subject that aligns with your interest and has overlapping syllabus with GS papers.
Final Words: How to Use These Books Effectively?
1️⃣ Read NCERTs First – They build a strong foundation.
2️⃣ Follow One Standard Book Per Subject – Avoid multiple sources to prevent confusion.
3️⃣ Make Notes & Revise Multiple Times – UPSC requires deep conceptual understanding.
4️⃣ Practice Previous Year Questions (PYQs) – Analyze trends in UPSC papers.
5️⃣ Stay Updated with Current Affairs – UPSC integrates static and dynamic topics.
By following these recommended books and topper strategies, you can streamline your UPSC preparation and boost your chances of success. 🚀
Which books are you currently using for UPSC preparation? Let us know in the comments! 📚✨Social Media