Books For UPSC Exams Preparation: Acing Civil Services

Civil Services is one of the most prestigious and toughest entrance examinations in India. Conducted by Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to 24 civil services under Indian government, it attracts millions of candidates each year. The fact that only around 1,000 vacancies are announced annually, in contrast to an appearance of millions of candidates, makes it even more desirable.

This cut throat competition reiterates the importance of correct study material. We have got you covered with the following books for civil services preparation. All the best!

Books For UPSC Preparation

1. Indian Economy

The book focuses on economic issues, interventions by stakeholders, and fluctuations that bar its growth and development. It also explains the economic impact of certain social or health turbulences in society. All the chapters come with vivid flowcharts, diagrams, tables, and graphs for better understanding. All the concepts come with reference to current affairs for holistic learning. For practice, questions from previous year's preliminary and main examinations have also been added after each chapter. The book has been authored by Nitin Singhania, joint secretary in government of West Bengal. Singhania belongs to the 2013-IAS batch and is from economics and finance educational background.

Easy Language

Indian Economy For Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations

₹ 600

₹ 675 (11% off)

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 2. Indian Art and Culture

The book offers comprehensive and latest information on Indian art, paintings, music, and architecture. It is divided into four sections- Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Culture of India and Appendices. This third edition comes with an added appendix on current affairs related to art and culture, as well as new chapters on Buddhism and Jainism in India from the perspective of foreign travellers. You can also access the videos related to chapters by scanning the QR codes in the book. Practice the previous year questions and answers from each topic, and ace the subject! This book also has been authored by Nitin Singhania, from 2013 IAS batch, who is currently serving as the joint secretary for West Bengal government. 

Revised Edition

Indian Art and Culture for Civil Services and other Competitive Examinations

₹ 735

₹ 825 (11% off)

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3. Indian Constitution and Polity

This book has a blend of textual theories and concepts required for competitive exams, on the said subject. A special focus has been given on the history of making constitution and comparative analysis of local governments. Penned down in an easy to understand lucid language, it comes with pictographic representations, charts, and tables for a better understanding. Previous year questions are also given, for a comprehensive practice. It has been authored by S.G Subramanian, a notable columnist in The Hindu and Tamil newspapers, and founder/director of Ganesh IAS Academy. He has a teaching experience of 20 years in the subject and a regular participant in the debates on Indian constitution social issues on many television channels.

Easy Language

Constitution of India And Indian Polity | For Civil Service Preliminary and Main Examinations | First Edition | By Pearson

₹ 480

₹ 550 (13% off)

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4. History of Ancient India

The book covers Indian history from Paleolithic (stone) age of hunters and food gatherers, to the early medieval age symbolizing the rise of Bhakti sect. It also gives an in-depth knowledge of Harappan civilization, Vedic period, the glory of Maurya and Gupta period, and an insight into Buddhism and Jainism. All the chapters come with diagrammatic or tabular explanations and previous year questions. Tips for writing answers in the examination and cross references within the chapters are an added advantage. The book has been authored by Ajeet Jha, assistant professor in Delhi University. Jha has his articles published in reputed journals and proceedings and has co-authored Changing Complexions of Delhi: A Study of Jhuggi-Jhopadi Clusters and Cultural Transition, which was a part of Delhi University Innovation Project.

Writing Tips Included

A History of Ancient India | For UPSC and State Civil Services Examinations | First Edition | By Pearson

₹ 499

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5. Environment

This book, written by experienced faculty of Shankar IAS Academy, covers all the topics from environment, as shared by Union Public Services Commission. It focuses broadly on three topics- environmental ecology, bio-diversity, and climate change; and sub topics such as Ozone depletion, nutrient cycling, biogeographical realm, biodiversity hotspots, ecological pyramid, ecological explosion, nutritional eutrophication, acid rain, and marble cancer. Along with clear explanations the book gives adequate practice for students so that they can test their knowledge and check their understandings. This bestseller book has sold over 30, 000 copies and is widely read by students.

Clear Explanations

Environment By Shankar (7Th) Revised Edition (2019-2020 Session)

₹ 320

₹ 475 (33% off)

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Tips for UPSC preparation

• Make a comfortable time-table and stick to it. Deadlines make you work faster and be more disciplined.

• Develop the habit of reading newspapers daily, for both current affairs as well as improving your vocabulary.

• Self-assessment is an important part of UPSC preparation. Give a lot of mock tests to get a hang of the examination pattern.

• Regularly study from government sources websites such as PIB and PRS, and national television programmes featured on the Rajya Sabha TV.

• Practice and solve a lot of previous year questions. They help in understanding the UPSC pattern, difficulty level, question types, as well as in identifying your strengths and weaknesses. 

• The UPSC syllabus is vast and diverge; indulge in timely revisions.

• Focus on polishing your personality and communication skills for the interview.

• Don't be overburdened with the preparation. Maintaining a positive attitude is very important for excelling the examination as well as your mental health.