Ultimate UPPSC Bookshelf: Best Books for Prelims,
Mains, and NCERTs 2025

Preparing
for the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exam
requires a well-structured study plan and the right set of books. With the vast
syllabus covering Prelims, Mains, and NCERTs, it’s essential to choose the best
resources to ensure success. In this guide, we’ve curated the ultimate
UPPSC bookshelf to help you ace the exam.

 

Why Choosing the Right Books Matters for UPPSC?

The UPPSC
exam is one of the most competitive state-level civil service exams in India.
It tests candidates on a wide range of subjects, including History,
Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Current Affairs. Selecting the
right books not only saves time but also ensures you cover the syllabus
comprehensively.

Whether
you’re preparing for UPPSC Prelims, Mains, or NCERTs, this guide
will help you build a strong foundation and boost your chances of success.

 

Best Books for UPPSC Prelims

The UPPSC
Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies (GS) and CSAT.
Here’s a list of the most recommended books for Prelims:

1. General Studies (GS)

• History:
• India’s Ancient Past by
  RS Sharma (NCERT Class 11)
• Medieval India by
  Satish Chandra (NCERT Class 11)
• Modern India by
  Bipan Chandra (NCERT Class 12)
• Spectrum
  Modern History by Rajiv Ahir
• Indian Art and Culture by
  Nitin Singhania

 

• Geography:
• NCERT Geography (Class
  6 to 12)
• Geography –
  A Comprehensive Study: Mahesh Kumar Barnwal
• Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
• World Atlas (Orient
  BlackSwan)

 

• Polity:
• Indian Polity by
  M. Laxmikanth
• NCERT Political Science (Class
  9 to 12)

 

• Economy:
• Indian Economy by
  Ramesh Singh
• NCERT Economics (Class
  9 to 12)

 

 

• Environment
  and Ecology
• Shankar IAS
  (Cover Specific Topics Only)

 

• Science & Technology:
• NCERT Science (Class
  6 to 10)
• Science and Technology by
  Ravi P. Agrahari

 

• Current Affairs:
• The Hindu and Indian
  Express newspapers
• Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines
• Online platforms like PIB and PRS India
• Budget and Economic Survey (Latest)

 

2. CSAT (Paper 2)

• Tata McGraw Hill CSAT Manual
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by
  R.S. Aggarwal
• Quantitative Aptitude by
  R.S. Aggarwal

 

UPPSC Prelims Previous Year Solved Papers:

 

Best Books for UPPSC Mains

The UPPSC
Mains exam is descriptive and tests in-depth knowledge of various subjects.
Here are the best books for UPPSC Mains:

General Hindi:

Samanya Hindi by Dr Hardev Bihari

Patra Lekhan by Shilpi
Publication

Essay:

The Art of Writing Essay | Dhanashree Patil |Oakbridge

A Compendium of Essays- Unique Educational
Publisher

 

General Studies (GS)

General Studies Paper 1:

• History:
• India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
• World History by
  Norman Lowe
• Geography:
• Geography of India by
  Majid Husain
• Oxford School Atlas

 

General Studies Paper 2:

• Polity:
• Indian Polity by
  M. Laxmikanth
• Governance in India by
  M. Laxmikanth

 

General Studies Paper 3:

 

• Economy:
• Indian Economy by
  Ramesh Singh
• Economic Survey and Union
  Budget (latest editions)

 

General Studies Paper 4:

 

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude:
• Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
• 2nd ARC Reports (Ethics
  in Governance and Citizen-Centric Administration)

 

General Studies Paper 5: General Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh

 

PWOnlyIAS UP-PSC Wallah UP Special Paper 5

Know Your State Uttar Pradesh by Arihant

Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge by Dr. C.L. Khanna
Uttar Pradesh Ek Adhyayan by Sahitya Bhawan
Amazing Uttar Pradesh by Disha Publications

 

 

General Studies Paper 6: Economic and Social Development

PWOnlyIAS UP-PSC Wallah UP Special Paper 6

Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Uttar Pradesh Economy and Planning by Competition Youth Times
NCERT Books on Economics (Class 11 & 12)
Economic Survey of Uttar Pradesh (Government Publication)

 

 

Best Books for UPPSC Mains

The UPPSC
Mains exam is descriptive and tests in-depth knowledge of various subjects.
Here are the best books for UPPSC Mains:

General Hindi:

• Samanya Hindi by Dr Hardev Bihari
• Patra Lekhan by Shilpi
  Publication

Essay:

• The Art of Writing Essay | Dhanashree Patil |Oakbridge
• A Compendium of Essays- Unique Educational
  Publisher

 

General Studies (GS)

General Studies Paper 1:

• History:
• India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
• World History by
  Norman Lowe
• Geography:
• Geography of India by
  Majid Husain
• Oxford School Atlas

 

General Studies Paper 2:

• Polity:
• Indian Polity by
  M. Laxmikanth
• Governance in India by
  M. Laxmikanth

 

General Studies Paper 3:

 

• Economy:
• Indian Economy by
  Ramesh Singh
• Economic Survey and Union
  Budget (latest editions)

 

General Studies Paper 4:

 

• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude:
• Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
• 2nd ARC Reports (Ethics
  in Governance and Citizen-Centric Administration)

 

General Studies Paper 5: General Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh

• PWOnlyIAS UP-PSC Wallah UP Special Paper 5
• Know Your State Uttar Pradesh by Arihant
• Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge by Dr. C.L. Khanna
• Uttar Pradesh Ek Adhyayan by Sahitya Bhawan
• Amazing Uttar Pradesh by Disha Publications

 

 

General Studies Paper 6: Economic and Social Development

• PWOnlyIAS UP-PSC Wallah UP Special Paper 6
• Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
• Uttar Pradesh Economy and Planning by Competition Youth Times
• NCERT Books on Economics (Class 11 & 12)
• Economic Survey of Uttar Pradesh (Government Publication)

 

 

UPPSC Mains Solved Papers

 

Importance of NCERTs for UPPSC Preparation

NCERT books
are the backbone of UPPSC preparation. They provide a clear and
concise understanding of fundamental concepts. Here’s a list of must-read
NCERTs for UPPSC:

1. History

• Class 6: Our Past-I
• Class 7: Our Past-II
• Class 8: Our Past-III
• Class 9: India and the Contemporary World-I
• Class 10: India and the Contemporary World-II
• Class 11: Ancient India, Medieval India
• Class 12: Modern India

2. Geography

• Class 6: The Earth Our Habitat
• Class 7: Our Environment
• Class 8: Resource and Development
• Class 9: Contemporary India-I
• Class 10: Contemporary India-II
• Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
• Class 12: India: People and Economy

3. Polity

• Class 9: Democratic Politics-I
• Class 10: Democratic Politics-II
• Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work
• Class 12: Politics in India Since Independence

4. Economy

• Class 9: Economics
• Class 10: Understanding Economic Development
• Class 11: Indian Economic Development
• Class 12: Introductory Macroeconomics

 

 

Tips for Effective UPPSC Preparation

1. Create a Study Plan:
   Divide your time between Prelims, Mains, and NCERTs.
2. Focus on Current Affairs:
   Regularly read newspapers and magazines.
3. Practice Mock Tests:
   Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests.
4. Revise Regularly:
   Revision is key to retaining information.
5. Use Online Resources:
   Supplement your preparation with online videos and test series.

 

Conclusion

The UPPSC
Bookshelf provided above covers all the essential books for Prelims,
Mains, and NCERTs. By following this guide, you can streamline your preparation
and focus on the most important resources. Remember, consistency and smart work
are the keys to cracking the UPPSC exam.

Start your
journey today with the right books and a well-planned strategy. Best of luck!

 

Also Read: UPPSC Mains Syllabus