NCERT is recommended by the CBSE board as course books for classes 1 to 12th but they also cover topics for competitive exams like UPSC. The language of the books is easy to comprehend and the topics covered in it are in entirety. NCERT books help in building strong conceptual knowledge thus building a strong base.
Standardized Information - The content in NCERT textbooks is well-researched and standardized, making it reliable. It covers basic facts and figures accurately, which are crucial for the Preliminary and Main examinations.
Chronological and Structured Content - Especially in subjects like History and Geography, the content is presented in a chronological and structured manner, which helps in building a coherent understanding of the subject matter.
Relevance to General Studies Paper - The General Studies Papers in both preliminary and Mains cover a wide range of topics that are well introduced in NCERT Books. For instance Indian History, World History, Physical and Human Geography, Indian Polity and basic economic concepts are covered extensively in these texts.
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NCERT One for All for UPSC for 2024 Exam
Limitations of NCERT Books
1- Depth & Advanced Topics - While NCERTs provide a good foundation, the UPSC syllabus requires a deeper and more detailed understanding of many topics. Advanced Books and sources are necessary to cover these aspects comprehensively.
2- Current Affairs - NCERTs do not cover current affairs and contemporary issues, which are a significant part of the UPSC syllabus. UPSC aspirants need to regularly read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express along with magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra. Current Affairs forms a part of the syllabus and questions are asked in prelims and mains exams on burning issues and correlating it to the static part.
Read More: CAN I SKIP NCERT BOOKS IN UPSC EXAM PREPARATION?
3- Analytical Approach - UPSC Exam demands an analytical and multidimensional approach to questions, particularly in the mains examination. NCERTs primarily focus on factual information and lack in-depth analysis and critical viewpoints which are essential for answering descriptive questions.
4- No Coverage of Other Topics - For mains exam, subjects like Ethics, Integrity,and Aptitude (General Studies Paper IV) and optional subjects need specialized books and study materials. NCERTs do not cater to the areas sufficiently.
Recommended Approach
To effectively prepare for UPSC Exams, aspirants must start with NCERTs to build a strong foundation. Understand the concepts thoroughly and read through making notes and correlating those concepts with higher levels of books and current affairs. Books for Indian Polity like Laxmikanth, Bipin Chandra for Modern Indian History etc and standard texts for other subjects.
Practice Answer Writing & Analytical Skills - Engage regularly in Answer writing practice and join a test series to improve the speed and articulation of thoughts. It helps to know where we stand and, the level of our preparation and are we able to answer under pressure.
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NCERT textbooks for classes 6 to 12 are indispensable for UPSC preparation. They are a starting point and the base for competitive exams. But they alone are not sufficient.
We wish you immense Luck in your preparation.
