The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most challenging exams in India, and aspirants from all over the country compete to clear this exam. In this blog, we will discuss the best books for UPSC CSE exam preparation in 2023.
The UPSC CSE exam is conducted in three stages, i.e., Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview, and requires aspirants to have a comprehensive understanding of various subjects, including History, Geography, Economics, Polity, Science, and Technology.
While there are several resources available for UPSC CSE exam preparation, choosing the right books can make all the difference. These books have been recommended by UPSC toppers, and subject experts, and have proven to help clear the exam in the past. So, let’s dive in and find out which books can help you ace the UPSC CSE exam in 2023.
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
NCERT (Ancient & Medieval) for XIth & XIIth | NCERT |
Concise History of Modern India | Sujata Menon |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
Geography NCERT (VIth – XIIth) | NCERT |
Geography World Atlas | World Atlas |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
NCERT (IX to XII) | NCERT |
Constitution of India | P.M. Bakshi |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
NCERT (XI) | NCERT |
Indian Economy | Nitin Singhania |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
NCERT (XII) Contemporary World Politics | NCERT |
Current Affairs | (Times of India, The Hindus, etc.) |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual | Tata McGraw Hill |
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Dr. R.S. Aggarwal |
CSAT Manual | Pearson |
Note:- Areas of logical reasoning and Mental Ability have higher difficulty levels.
After qualifying for the Prelims, a total of 9(2 of which are optional and the rest are compulsory). Theory papers are conducted afterward.
The exam is solely theory-based and hence demands rigorous hard work combined with patience and smart work.
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
Indian Art and Culture | Nitin Singhania |
India Since Independence | Bipan Chandra |
History of Medieval India | Satish Chandra |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
World Geography | Majid Hussain |
Fundamentals of Physical Geography NCERT (XI) | NCERT |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
International Relations | Pushpesh Pant |
Introduction to the Constitution of India | D.D. Bose |
Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
Challenges to the Internal Security of India | Tata McGraw Hill |
Environment & Disaster Management | Tata McGraw Hill |
The syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 is divided into three stages:
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers, each of 200 marks. The papers are as follows:
Paper-I: General Studies (GS) – This paper includes topics such as Current Events, the History of India and the Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, and General Science.
Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) – This paper includes topics such as Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy, and English Language Comprehension Skills.
The Main Examination consists of nine descriptive-type papers, and the total marks of these papers are 1750. The papers are as follows:
Paper-I: Essay Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society) Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations) Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) Paper-VI: Optional Subject – Paper 1 Paper-VII: Optional Subject – Paper 2 Paper-VIII: Indian Language (Qualifying) Paper-IX: English Language (Qualifying)
The Interview/Personality Test is the final stage of the UPSC CSE exam and carries 275 marks. The test is conducted to evaluate the candidate’s overall personality, including communication skills, leadership qualities, and general awareness.
In conclusion, the syllabus for the UPSC CSE exam 2023 is vast, and aspirants need to have a comprehensive understanding of various subjects to clear the exam. It is important to have a well-planned strategy and choose the right resources for preparation.
Candidates are advised to study the complete syllabus thoroughly and focus on the topics that are most important and frequently asked in the exam. Practicing previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests can also help candidates prepare effectively for the UPSC CSE exam 2023.
Listyaan Learning brings one of the best test series to enhance your preparation with various questions helping you score more.
Exam Name | |
UPSC Pre Mock Test – 1 (Paper – I) |
In conclusion, the above-mentioned books are some of the best resources for UPSC CSE exam preparation in 2023. However, it is important to note that these books should be used as a supplement to your preparation strategy and not as a substitute for it.
Aspirants should also keep themselves updated with the latest news and events related to the topics covered in the UPSC CSE exam. With the right resources and a well-planned strategy, anyone can clear the UPSC CSE exam and fulfill their dream of becoming a civil servant.
Yes, if one is dedicated and focused, one year is enough for IAS preparation.
The minimum cut-off mark for Paper 2 is 33 percent. The Commission may fix a minimum cut-off mark for Paper 1 too.
The majority of the questions in the general studies paper in Prelims and Mains are about Humanities. However, taking Humanities as a graduate stream solely to pass the UPSC exam is neither necessary nor desirable.
If a candidate’s handwriting is not easily legible, a deduction will be made on this account from the total marks otherwise accruing to him.
The eligibility criteria for the UPSC CSE Exam 2023 are as follows:
The UPSC CSE Exam 2023 is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview/Personality Test. The Preliminary Exam consists of two objective-type papers, while the Main Exam consists of nine descriptive-type papers. The Interview/Personality Test is the final stage of the exam.
The subjects to be covered for the UPSC CSE Exam 2023 include Current Events, the History of India and the Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, General Science, Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude, and Optional Subject. Additionally, candidates need to have proficiency in English and an Indian language.
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