Must Read NCERT Books for IAS

NCERT books are a very good source and introduction to topics in IAS prelims. Little wonder then, many coaching classes and aspirants recommend NCERT books to fresh aspirants who are just starting their preparation.

But the question I receive quite often is should you refer All NCERT books and for All subjects? The answer to both is No. You have to read some NCERT books for some subjects. For other subjects, NCERT books are not required.

So you should read which NCERT books for which topics or subjects? Let’s find out.

Note: 1. This post focuses only on NCERT books. For the complete list of recommended books for prelims, refer this post.

2. This page contains affiliate links to books that can be purchased online. If you decide to buy the books, we receive a small compensation in return, at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we recommend only those books that we have tried and tested ourselves.

Polity NCERT Books for IAS

The following NCERT books for Indian polity are recommended:

1. Class 9th —Democratic Politics-I
2. Class 10th — Democratic Politics-II

History NCERT Books for IAS

For Indian History, please obtain the following old syllabus NCERT history textbooks, published in 1990, if you can get them somehow. They are currently out of print but are highly recommended.

Ancient India (class 11th) authored by RS Sharma. This covers the ancient Indian history syllabus completely.

Medieval India (class 12th) for covering medieval India syllabus authored by Satish Chandra.

Modern India (class 10th) text book of old syllabus authored by Bipin Chandra.

Also combine Bipin Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence to cover the modern Indian history syllabus completely.

NOTE: If you cannot find old syllabus History NCERTs, read the alternatives to old NCERT History books by the same authors.

However, if you would like to read the current NCERT books on Indian History, then the following NCERT’s are recommended:

1. Class 6th — History-Our Past I
2. Class 7th — History-Our Past II
3. Class 8th — History-Our Pasts-III Part 1
4. Class 9th —History-Our Pasts-III Part 2
5. Class 10th — India and the Contemporary World — I
6. Class 10th — India and the Contemporary World — II

👇 Watch this video on the Recommended Books for IAS

Geography NCERT Books for IAS

The following NCERT books for Geography and Environment are recommended:

1. Class 11th — Fundamentals of Physical Geography
2. Class 12th — Indian Physical Environment
3. Class 12th — Fundamentals of Human Geography
4. Class 12th — India-People and Economy

👉Also Available: Complete NCERT Book Set on Amazon

Economy NCERT Books for IAS

The following NCERT books for Economy are recommended:

1. Class 9th — Economics
2. Class 10th — Understanding Economic Development
3. Class 11th — Indian Economic Development
4. Class 12th — Introductory Microeconomics
5. Class 12th — Introductory Macroeconomics

Science & Technology NCERT Books for IAS

The following NCERT books for Science & Technology are recommended:

1. Class 8th — Science
2. Class 9th — Science
3. Class 10th — Science

If you any questions regarding the NCERT books, ask your queries in the comments below.