Best General Studies Books for UPSC

For UPSC Mains preparation, a candidate should follow a mix of NCERT Books, Government websites, standard reference books, newspapers along with new textbooks in the market. We will keep updating this page when new General Studies books and sources worth the time and money of candidates appear in the market, so keep visiting this Best General Studies Books for UPSC page from time to time.

Topic-wise UPSC General Studies books

UPSC General Studies Books For Preliminary Examination:

• ‘Indian History : India’s Struggle for Independence’ by Bipin Chandra – NCERT Books (XI & XII)
• ‘Geography : NCERT Books and Certificate Physical and Human Geography’ by Goh Cheng Leong
• ‘Indian Polity : Indian Polity’ by M Laxmikanth
• ‘Indian Economy : NCERT Books and Indian Economy’ by Ramesh Singh
• ‘General Science’ : NCERT textbooks
• ‘Mental Ability : Quantitative Aptitude’ by R.S. Aggarwal
• Current Affairs : Magazines and Newspapers – The Hindu, Indian Express, Yojana Magazine, PIB Website

Topic-wise References for General Studies & General Studies Topics:

We hope these notes are useful to you and you can supplement them in your preparation on General Studies. However, please note that many topics covered in the syllabus of General Studies papers may not be uploaded here, so please go through the syllabus first and check the listed reference here. You can make your own notes for the missing topics by going through the reference books listed here.

Indian History & Culture books for General Studies:

1. NCERT (+ 2 level) – Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India.
2. Publication Division: Gazetteer of India (Vol 2: History & Culture)
3. Modern India – Spectrum Publication by Rajiv Ahir
4. Bipin Chandra – Modern India
5. NCERT Book – Class XI
6. Indian Art and Culture – Nitin Singhania

Geography books for General Studies:

1. NCERT: Physical Geography of India for X – XII Std
2. School Atlas: Oxford or Orient Blackswan
3. Khullar: India- A Comprehensive Geography
4. National Journal – Kurukshetra, Yojana, Down to earth

Indian Economy books for General Studies:

1. NCERT Class XI and XII
2. Economic Survey
3. The Economic Times, Business Standard, India Year Book
4. Yojana
5. Budget: Railway, Annual Financial Statement (AFS)
6. The Hindu (Economy sections)
7. Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh
8. Indian Economy – Sanjiv Verma

National Issues books for General Studies:

1. Social Problem – Ram Ahuja
2. Social Welfare Magazine – Published by Ministry of Social Welfare
3. Yojana/Kurukshetra
4. IIPA Journal

Indian Polity books for General Studies:

1. NCERT (+2 level)-Textbooks
2. Indian Polity – M Laxmikanth
3. D.D. Basu-Indian Constitution
4. Publication Division-Subhash C. Kashyap: Our Parliament
5. P.M. Bakshi-Indian Constitution
6. Our Constitution: Subhash C. Kashyap

Science & Technology books for General Studies:

1. NCERT: (10 level) : Science
2. (+2 level): Biology
3. CSIR Magazine – Science Reporter
4. Reports Of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Other General Studies Books:

1. ‘India Year Book’ – This book covers all the important government schemes. The facts and figures related to various topics covered in competitive exams.
2. ‘India After Gandhi’ by Ramchandra Guha – The books highlights the conflict and challenges of a newly Independent India.
3. ‘Pax Indica’ by Sashi Tharoor – The book deals with the bilateral relations of India with major global powers, issues, and challenges in India’s relation to the global power.
4. ‘World History’ by Norman Lowe – It covers the world history from the First World War to recent events such as Arab spring. It highlights all the important global issues, their causes, and impact on the global issues.
5. ‘Challenges to the Internal Security of India’ – The books covers all the aspect of India’s internal security viz: Left-wing extremism, Terrorism, North East Insurgency etc.
6. ‘India Unbound’ by Ramchandra Guha – The book covers the growth of India from poverty to prosperity embedded beautifully in the author’s personal – professional journey.
7. ‘An Uncertain Glory’ by Amartya Sen – The book gives detail analysis of all the important development issues such as poverty, unemployment etc. which are hindering the progress of India.

Importance of UPSC General Studies (GS) Books

Studying from the right books is as important as getting coaching from the right institute. Firstly, it is important to get hold of the latest UPSC syllabus for the examination and then choose the most relevant and recent General Studies books, upsc general studies syllabus, general studies questions, general studies syllabus. Out of the many options available, choose the one which is easy to comprehend and includes all the important chapters. No book can guarantee success, but it is important to study the best material available to you in order to ensure that you are preparing to your best ability.

Apart from the conventional wisdom of books and class notes, it is also very important as well as a smart strategy to judiciously use the technology and other internet sources which greatly help in IAS preparation. It is the combined knowledge from above mentioned General Studies Books and good linking of that knowledge from current affairs which will eventually help a candidate sail through the exam.

You should read below given links that may be beneficial to help in Choosing a good optional for your preparation:

How to Choose Optional for Mains?

Which Optional has Highest Success score?