This is one of the most common questions which the aspirants ask when they are preparing for the IAS exam: is NCERT enough for IAS Prelims? This is a relevant question that any UPSC aspirant, especially the first-timers, would like to ask.
It is thus important to analyze how NCERT books are useful for IAS prelims, which areas they cover comprehensively, which areas are lacking and how a candidate can make the best out of these books.
Why NCERT Books Matter in UPSC Preparation?
The NCERT books are considered quite useful for UPSC preparation because they are easy to understand, coherent, and accurate. These books are published by National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi and are written by the professionals in the respective fields and are considered to be reliable source of information.
The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary examination also known as the IAS Prelims is to some extent conceptual, analytical test of your knowledge. The NCERT UPSC books assist in building this conceptual understanding, especially in the subjects like History, Geography, Economics, Polity, Science etc.
For a fresher, it is advisable to read NCERT books 6 to 12 for UPSC as it helps in following a systematic approach to the understanding of the important topics. These books are especially helpful for those, who has no preconceptions about humanities, as the information is quite simplified.
How NCERT Books Help in Prelims?
1. Conceptual Clarity
One of the biggest advantages of using NCERT books for UPSC prelims is that they help build a strong base. UPSC rarely asks direct questions from NCERTs, but a clear understanding of fundamental concepts helps you eliminate wrong options in tricky MCQs.
2. Reliable and Authentic
Unlike many other sources, NCERT books for UPSC are written and reviewed by experts. There's minimal scope for factual errors, making them a dependable source for aspirants.
3. Relevance to the Syllabus
Subjects like History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economics, and Environment are directly covered in NCERT 6 to 12 for UPSC, making these books highly relevant.
Subject-Wise Role of NCERT Books
History
NCERT books for history UPSC are extremely valuable. Books from class 6 to 12 cover ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history in a simple and narrative format. These help students develop a chronological understanding of historical events, a skill frequently tested in Prelims.
Geography
NCERTs provide a strong geographical foundation. From physical geography to human geography, these books are essential for understanding maps, resources, climate, and other crucial topics.
Economics
Class 9 to 12 NCERTs simplify core economic concepts like GDP, inflation, money supply, and budgeting. This helps aspirants tackle economics-related current affairs questions more effectively.
Polity
The ncert books for Indian polity provide a basic understanding of the Constitution, its features, and the functioning of the Indian political system. Though advanced books may be needed later, the polity book for UPSC from NCERT serves as a stepping stone.
Environment & Science
Environmental issues, biodiversity, and basic scientific principles are well-covered in NCERTs, particularly in Science textbooks of classes 6 to 10 and Biology of classes 11 and 12.
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Limitations of Relying Only on NCERTs
While NCERTs are a good starting point, relying only on them might not be sufficient for IAS Prelims. Here’s why:
Limited Coverage of Current Affairs: NCERTs do not cover recent events or dynamic topics which form a large part of the Prelims paper.
Lack of Depth: Some subjects, especially Indian Polity and Economy, require deeper understanding than what NCERTs offer.
No Practice Questions: These books don’t have UPSC-style multiple-choice questions for practice.
Static Nature: NCERTs focus on static content, while UPSC often tests the application of that knowledge in current contexts.
Therefore, while NCERTs form a crucial part of the preparation, they must be complemented with additional reading and regular current affairs updates.
NCERT Book List for UPSC
Although this blog doesn’t suggest specific books, every serious aspirant should create or refer to a ncert book list for UPSC to ensure that no important topic is missed. Having a checklist will streamline your study process and ensure coverage of all essential subjects.
From ncert books for history UPSC to ncert books for Indian polity, and even science and economics, each book plays a unique role in forming your base knowledge. Carefully curated ncert UPSC books can significantly reduce the burden of extra resources in the early stages of preparation.
Conclusion: Is NCERT Enough?
To sum it up — NCERT books for UPSC prelims are necessary but not sufficient. They are the perfect foundation, especially for beginners. However, for complete coverage and to gain an edge in the Prelims, aspirants must go beyond them by incorporating standard reference materials, mock tests, and current affairs into their study plan.
Think of NCERTs as your stepping stones in the vast ocean of UPSC preparation. Use them well, revise them multiple times, and then build upon that knowledge with advanced resources. That’s the smart path to clearing the prelims stage.
