Which NCERT Books Are Important for UPSC?

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) starts with building a strong foundation — and NCERT books from Class 6 to 12 are the best place to begin. Recommended by toppers and mentors alike, these textbooks cover the fundamental concepts required for both Prelims and Mains across subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Sociology.

But with so many books, aspirants often ask:

• Which NCERT books should I read for UPSC?

• Do I need to read all NCERTs from Class 6 to 12?

• Which NCERTs are most important for Prelims and Mains GS papers?

In this guide, we’ve compiled a complete, subject-wise list of NCERT books that are essential for UPSC CSE preparation — from must-read texts to high-priority ones, based on the latest exam trends. Whether you’re a beginner or revising your basics, this list will help you start smart and stay focused.

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Complete list of NCERT books from Class 6 to 12 that are important for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) , arranged subject-wise for GS Prelims and Mains:

HISTORY

Which NCERT History Books from Class 6 to 12 Are Important for UPSC Prelims and GS1 (Mains)?

Must Read for Prelims & GS1 (Mains)

Class	Book Title
6	Our Pasts – I
7	Our Pasts – II
8	Our Pasts – III Part 1 & 2
9	India and the Contemporary World – I
10	India and the Contemporary World – II
11	Themes in World History
12	Themes in Indian History – I, II, III

GEOGRAPHY

Which NCERT Geography Books from Class 6 to 12 Should I Read for UPSC Prelims, GS1 (Mains), and Map Questions?

Must Read for Prelims, GS1 (Mains), and Map-based Questions

Class	Book Title
6	The Earth: Our Habitat
7	Our Environment
8	Resource and Development
9	Contemporary India – I
10	Contemporary India – II
11	Fundamentals of Physical GeographyIndia: Physical Environment
12	Fundamentals of Human GeographyIndia: People and Economy

POLITY (Civics/Political Science)

Which NCERT Polity Books from Class 6 to 12 Are Essential for UPSC Prelims and GS2?

Essential for Prelims & GS2

Class	Book Title
6	Social and Political Life – I
7	Social and Political Life – II
8	Social and Political Life – III
9	Democratic Politics – I
10	Democratic Politics – II
11	Indian Constitution at Work, Political Theory
12	Contemporary World Politics, Politics in India Since Independence

ECONOMY

Which NCERT Economics Books Should I Study from Class 9 to 12 for UPSC Prelims and GS3?

Essential for Prelims & GS3 (Basic Clarity)

Class	Book Title
9	Economics
10	Understanding Economic Development
11	Indian Economic Development
12	Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Macroeconomics

SCIENCE (Basic Understanding for Prelims)

Which NCERT Science Books from Class 6 to 10 Are Useful for UPSC Prelims (Environment, Space, Bio)?

Basic Understanding for Prelims

Class	Book Title
6–10	NCERT Science (All classes)

Note: Class 11 & 12 Science NCERTs are optional for UPSC unless you want to deepen understanding in:

• Biology (Environment, Biotechnology) – Class 12 Biology (Selectively)

• Chemistry/Physics – Not mandatory unless background or interest

SOCIETY / SOCIAL CHANGE / CULTURE

Which NCERT Sociology Books Are Recommended for UPSC GS1 (Mains) and Essay Paper?

Supplementary for GS1 (Mains)

Class	Book Title
11	Sociology: Understanding Society
12	Indian SocietySocial Change and Development in India

Most Important NCERTs (Top Priority for UPSC)

Which Are the Most Important NCERT Books for UPSC If I Have Limited Time?

If you're short on time, start with these:

1. History – Class 6 to 12 (especially Class 12 Themes)

2. Polity – Class 9 to 12

3. Geography – Class 6 to 12

4. Economy – Class 9 to 12

5. Science – Class 6 to 10 (Selectively for Environment, Space, Bio)

6. Sociology – Class 12 (for Mains GS1 + Essay)

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