UPSC exams are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, which is the central recruiting agency in India responsible for recruiting candidates for various posts in the government sector. The UPSC exams are known for their tough competition and vast syllabus, and they require a high level of knowledge and preparation.
The UPSC exams consist of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination – This is the first stage of the UPSC exam, which is conducted in an objective type format. The exam consists of two papers: General Studies (GS) Paper-I and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II. The GS paper covers a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, economy, polity, environment, and current affairs.
- Main Examination – Candidates who clear the preliminary exam are eligible to appear for the main exam. The main exam consists of nine papers, of which seven are compulsory and two are optional. The compulsory papers include four General Studies papers, one Essay paper, one Language paper, and one English paper. The optional papers are chosen by the candidates based on their interests and specialization.
- Interview – Candidates who clear the main exam are called for a personal interview, which is the final stage of the UPSC exam. The interview is conducted to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the job.
The UPSC exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India, and candidates need to prepare thoroughly and consistently to clear the exam. Along with a strong foundation of subject knowledge, candidates also need to be well-versed in current affairs and have strong analytical and communication skills. Thus, aspirants need to choose the right books to prepare for the exams. In this article, I will introduce you to some of the essential books that can help you prepare for the UPSC exams.
Here are some of the best UPSC books that can help you in your preparation:
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
The Constitution of India is the backbone of the Indian political system. It outlines the basic principles, rights and duties of citizens and provides a framework for the functioning of government and its various agencies. Understanding the complexity of India`s constitutional and political system can be a daunting task.
The book is divided into 11 chapters, each dealing with a specific aspect of Indian government.
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the Indian Constitution and its salient features.
Chapter 2 provides the historical background to the Indian Constitution including the Government of India Act 1935.
Chapter 3 deals with the Preamble of the Indian Constitution outlining the purposes and principles of the Constitution.
Chapter 6 deals with the fundamental rights guaranteed to Indian citizens and Chapter 7 deals with principles guiding national policy.
Chapter 8 covers the federal executive branch, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Chapter 9 deals with Congress, including the House of Commons and the House of Commons.
Chapter 10 deals with the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court.
Finally, Chapter 11 examines state governments and their functions.
The author’s style is clear and concise, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Laxmikanth is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Indian political system and constitution. This book provides a comprehensive resource covering all aspects of Indian politics in a clear and concise manner. It is an excellent resource for students, aspiring civil servants and anyone interested in Indian politics.
A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir
A Brief History of India by Rajiv Ahir is a concise and informative book on the modern history of India from the mid-18th century to the present day. It is the ideal resource for students preparing for competitive exams and those who want a deeper understanding of India’s past.
The book also addresses a variety of topics such as economic and social changes, political movements and cultural developments, explaining how these developments have shaped contemporary Indian identity. It provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the major events and happenings in modern Indian history. In addition, the book contains numerous maps, photographs and illustrations to help the reader understand the geographical and cultural context of modern Indian history.
Overall, Rajiv Ahir’s A Brief History of Modern India is a valuable resource for anyone interested in India’s past. Its concise approach, focus on key facts and personalities, analysis of social and cultural developments, and use of visual aids make it an excellent choice for students. students and scholars.
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh is a book that extensively covers the fundamental concepts of the Indian economy. The book provides insights into macro and microeconomic concepts, the Indian banking system, and the government’s economic policies. It is highly regarded by aspiring civil servants preparing for the UPSC exam and is a preferred choice for studying the economy section of the exam.
The book covers a wide range of topics such as economic planning, taxation, inflation, the balance of payments, international trade, and economic reforms, among others. It is continually updated with the latest data and also includes previous years’ question papers and practice questions that can assist in effective preparation for the exam.
The author presents the information in a lucid and straightforward manner, making it easy for readers with varying levels of familiarity with the Indian economy to comprehend the concepts covered in the book. The book’s comprehensive coverage and emphasis on practical examples make it a useful resource for students, academics, and anyone interested in understanding the Indian economy.
Environment by Shankar IAS
Shankar IAS ‘Environment’ is a comprehensive book covering various aspects of environmental issues such as ecology, biodiversity, climate change, pollution and sustainable development. The book is widely used by students preparing for competitive exams in India and has some unique features that set it apart from other books on the subject. Here’s a quick overview of the book:
The book is divided into several chapters, each dealing with different aspects of environmental issues. Topics covered in this book include ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, pollution and conservation. One of the unique features of this book is its focus on the Indian context. The authors provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the environmental challenges facing India, including the effects of rapid urbanization, industrialization and population growth. The book also provides readers with an in-depth analysis of policies and regulations related to environmental issues in India. It covers various laws such as Wildlife Conservation Act, Water (Pollution Prevention and Control) Act, Air (Pollution Prevention and Control) Act and explains how these laws are enforced.
Another unique feature of the book is its use of case studies and real-life examples to illustrate environmental issues. Many case studies such as the Bhopal gas accident, the Chipko movement, the Silent Valley controversy, etc. are provided to aid the reader’s understanding. The book also includes various charts, diagrams, and photographs to help readers visualize environmental concepts in a clear and compelling way. Tables and charts are especially useful for visually representing complex environmental processes and concepts to the reader.
Overall, Shankar IAS “Environment” is an excellent book for those who want a deeper understanding of environmental issues in India. Its comprehensive coverage, focus on the Indian context, use of case studies, and exposure to politics and regulation make it a popular choice among students and academics.
History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra
On the off chance that you’re inquisitive about learning around the history of India from the mid-18th century until nowadays, there’s a incredible book called “History of Modern India” by Bipin Chandra merely might discover exceptionally supportive. Numerous understudies who are getting prepared for exams in India utilize it as a think about direct, and it has a few interesting highlights that make it stand out from other history books.
The book is partitioned into chapters, each of which covers a distinctive period in Indian history. You’ll learn approximately the decrease of the Mughal Realm, the rise of British control in India, the Indian National Development, the battle for autonomy, and the post-independence period. The book gives a part of subtle elements approximately the social, financial, and political changes that took put during each period and how they affected India’s history.
One thing that produces this book truly extraordinary is that it centers on the part of normal individuals in India’s history. You’ll get a chance to see how distinctive bunches of individuals were influenced by social and financial changes and how they responded to these changes. The creator too incorporates essential sources like letters, addresses, and daily paper articles to assist you superior get it what was going on amid each time period.
Another one of a kind highlight of this book is that it locks in with the distinctive translations of Indian history that have developed over time. You’ll get a chance to see how researchers have looked at the country’s history and how their sees have changed over time.
By and large, “History of Cutting edge India” by Bipin Chandra may be a incredible asset for anybody who needs to memorize more around India’s history. Its comprehensive scope, center on conventional individuals, and utilize of essential sources make it a well known choice among understudies and researchers alike.
Geography of India by Majid Hussain
“Geography of India” is an outstanding book by Majid Hussain that provides a comprehensive overview of India’s geography, culture and history. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the country’s diverse topography, climate, vegetation, wildlife, people, languages and religions.
One of his unique features of the book is his emphasis on regional diversity. The authors examine the physical and human geography of various regions of India, including the Himalayas, the Indian Gangetic Plain, the Deccan Plateau, and the Coastal Plains. The book also covers India’s diverse population, languages, and religions, and highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The book is divided into five chapters, each dealing with a different aspect of India’s geography and culture. The first chapter introduces India’s physical features and climate including mountains, plains, plateaus and coasts. Chapter 2 covers socio-economic aspects of India such as population, ethnic diversity, religions and languages. Chapter 3 explores India’s agriculture and natural resources such as mineral resources, forests and wildlife in detail. Chapter 4 describes India’s transport and communication infrastructure including roads, railways, airways and waterways. Finally, Chapter 5 deals with India’s international relations, including foreign policy and relations with neighboring countries.
The book makes good use of maps and charts to illustrate India’s physical features and socio-economic aspects. These visual aids help readers understand India’s complex geography and appreciate the country’s regional diversity. The book also addresses current issues such as climate change, globalization and urbanization, highlighting the challenges and opportunities India faces in her 21st century.
In short, The Geography of India by Majid Hussein is an excellent comprehensive overview of the geography, culture and history of India. The book’s unique features, chapter organization, emphasis on regional diversity, use of maps and charts, and engagement with contemporary issues make it a valuable source of information for anyone interested in India.
Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude by G Subba Rao
Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude by G Subba Rao is a critically acclaimed book that is hugely popular among students preparing for competitive exams in India. This book is a comprehensive guide to ethics and integrity in the public and private sectors, providing an in-depth understanding of how ethical principles and values apply in real-world situations.
This book is divided into several chapters, each covering different aspects of ethics, integrity and fitness. Various chapters cover topics such as ethical theory, decision making, conflict resolution, whistleblowing, and corruption. Unique features of the book include its practical focus, discussion of current issues, and use of case studies.
Readers appreciate the practical focus of this book because it provides a deep understanding of how ethics and integrity can be applied in real-world scenarios. Covering various practical scenarios such as decision-making and conflict resolution, the book helps readers understand how to apply ethical principles and values in their daily lives.
The book also provides an in-depth analysis of various ethical dilemmas that officials and civil servants may face. Covering issues such as conflicts of interest, corruption and whistleblowing, this book gives readers the tools they need to navigate these complex ethical dilemmas.
In addition, the book deals with current topics such as globalization, digitization and social media, and analyzes the impact of these topics on ethics and integrity. This analysis will help readers understand how to address the ethical challenges that arise from these timely issues. is another unique feature that sets it apart. This book covers case studies from various contexts i.e. Government, Private Sector, and Non-Profit Entities. This approach provides a rich and nuanced understanding of ethics and integrity in practice.
In summary, Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude by G. Subba Rao is an excellent book that provides a comprehensive guide to civil servants and their ethics and integrity. The book’s practical focus, engagement with contemporary issues, analysis of ethical dilemmas, and use of case studies make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of ethics, integrity, and aptitude. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about these important topics.
India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra is a comprehensive book covering the history of India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.The book was written by students preparing for competitive exams in India It is widely used and has some unique features that set it apart from other books on the subject. Here’s a quick overview of the book:
The book is divided into several chapters, each dealing with different aspects of India’s struggle for independence. Topics covered in the book include early nationalist uprisings, Gandhi’s role in the freedom movement, the rise of militant nationalism, the division of India, and the challenges facing India after independence.
This book provides an in-depth analysis of the social, economic and political factors that led to the rise of nationalist movements in India. It also examines the various strategies and tactics used by nationalist leaders to achieve independence, including nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and armed struggle.
One of the unique features of this book is its emphasis on the role of ordinary people in India’s struggle for independence. The authors provide readers with a deep understanding of how different groups of people such as farmers, workers, and women participated in the liberation movement and how they contributed to its success.
The book also includes various primary sources such as speeches, letters, and newspaper articles to help readers understand the events and thoughts of the time. These primary sources are complemented by the author’s analysis to provide readers with a rich and nuanced understanding of India’s struggle for independence.
Another unique selling point of this book is the way it deals with current topics and challenges. The authors provide readers with an in-depth analysis of the impact of colonialism on India’s economy, society and culture and how these legacies continue to shape India’s development to this day.
Overall, Bipin Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence is an excellent book for those who want a deeper understanding of India’s history and struggle for independence. Its comprehensive coverage, focus on the general public, use of primary sources, and engagement with contemporary issues make it a popular choice among students and academics.
India Since Independence by Bipin Chandra
“India Since Independence” by Bipin Chandra is a comprehensive book that covers the political, social and economic history of India since its independence in 1947. widely used by students preparing for competitive exams in India and it has some unique characteristics. sets it apart from other books on the subject. Here is a short summary of the book:
The book is divided into several chapters, each of which deals with a different aspect of India’s post-independence history. Some of the topics covered in the book include political contexts, economic policy, social movements, and foreign policy.
One of the unique features of the book is that it highlights the impact of India’s colonial past on the country’s post-independence history. The author provides readers with an in-depth understanding of how colonialism shaped India’s political, social and economic structures, and how these structures have continued to influence the post-colonial trajectory. India’s independence.
The book also provides readers with a detailed analysis of political developments in India since independence. It addresses various issues, such as the dominance of the Congress party, the rise of regional parties, the period of emergency and the rise of the BJP, and discusses these development that has shaped the Indian political landscape.
Another unique feature of the book is its engagement with social movements and grassroots struggles. The author provides readers with a detailed analysis of various social movements, such as the Dalit movement, the women’s movement, and the environmental movement, and explains how these movements have contributed to the India’s political and social transformation. The book also includes a variety of data, statistics and charts, helping the reader understand India’s economic development and policies. Data and statistics are particularly useful as they provide readers with a clear and factual understanding of India’s economic challenges and achievements.
Overall, “India Since Independence” by Bipin Chandra is a great book for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of India’s post-independence history. Its involvement with colonialism, emphasis on political development, analysis of social movements, and use of data and statistics make it a popular choice among students and academics.
Science and Technology for Civil Services Examination by Ravi P Agrahari
Science and Technology for Civil Services Exam by Ravi P Agrahar is a comprehensive book covering various aspects of science and technology and their applications in daily life. The book is widely used by students preparing for competitive exams in India and has several unique features that set it apart from other books on the subject. Here is a brief summary of the book:
The book is divided into several chapters, each covering a different aspect of science and technology. Some of the subjects of the book include basic concepts in science, environmental science, biotechnology, information technology, and space technology. One of the unique features of the book is that it emphasizes the application of science and technology to daily life. The author provides readers with a comprehensive overview of how scientific principles and technologies are used in various fields, such as health care, agriculture, communication, and transportation.
The book also provides readers with a detailed analysis of various government policies related to science and technology. It covers various initiatives like Digital India, Make in India and Skill India and explains how these initiatives are contributing to India’s science and technology development. Another unique feature of the book is its engagement with current issues and challenges related to science and technology. The author provides readers with a detailed analysis of various issues such as climate change, cyber security and artificial intelligence, and explains how these issues will shape the future of science and technology.
The book also includes a variety of data, statistics, and graphics to help readers understand complex scientific concepts and technologies. The data and statistics are particularly useful as they provide readers with a clear and empirical view of India’s progress in science and technology. Overall, Science and Technology Exam for Civil Services by Ravi P Agrahar is an excellent book for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of science and technology and their application in everyday life. Its focus on practical applications, government policy analysis, current issues and the use of data and statistics make it popular with students and researchers.
In conclusion, the UPSC exam is one of the toughest exams in India, and it requires extensive preparation to crack. While there are many books available in the market for UPSC preparation, choosing the right ones can make a significant difference in the outcome. In this blog, we have discussed some of the best books that are recommended by experts and successful UPSC candidates for different subjects, including Indian Polity, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Environment, Ethics, and Science and Technology. These books are not only comprehensive but also updated with the latest data and cover all the essential topics required for the UPSC exam. The books are written in an easy-to-understand language and include practice questions and previous years’ question papers for effective preparation. By referring to these books, UPSC aspirants can gain a better understanding of the subjects and increase their chances of cracking the exam. However, it is important to note that just reading these books alone may not guarantee success in the UPSC exam. It requires consistent efforts, hard work, and dedication to crack this exam. Along with these books, aspirants must also stay updated with current affairs and practice answering mock tests to improve their speed and accuracy. Overall, these books serve as a valuable resource for UPSC aspirants, and they can be the foundation for an effective and well-rounded UPSC preparation strategy.
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