Class 6 to 12 NCERT Books for UPSC Civil Services Preparation

The UPSC Civil Service exam 2026 is about to commence. Many aspirants are now gearing up for the upcoming UPSC exams through curated booklists for effective preparation, and it's a known fact that NCERTs are the most reliable books in the world of UPSC. These books are written in simple language and are updated regularly by industry experts appointed by the National Council of Education and Research. Class 6 to 12 NCERT books are aligned with the UPSC syllabus and explain complex concepts in logical and unbiased language, which a potential civil servant must cultivate for a thriving career.

Class 6 to 12 NCERT books are considered to be the backbone of UPSC preparation 2026. Class 6 to 12 NCERT Books for UPSC civil services exam preparation are fundamental educational resources covering History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Science and Sociology. Many questions in Prelims are directly based on NCERT content; also, aspirants get enormous insights about answer writing in Mains through these books. Since NCERTs cover major UPSC subjects, aspirants should always start reading books in ascending order from Class VI to XII for a strong foundation and conceptual clarity. For Art and Culture, aspirants can read NCERT Class XI: An Introduction to Indian Art. For CSAT, they can read NCERT Class IX: Words and Expressions and for GS subjects, such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy and Science, all books from class VI to XII work best.

What are NCERT Books?

The NCERT books are official textbooks published by India's National Council of Educational Research and Training. They serve as foundational study materials for Classes VI-XII. They are written in easy-to-understand language and are totally trustworthy because they are written and reviewed by subject experts. The 6 to 12 NCERT books cover a comprehensive UPSC syllabus for all subjects, forming a strong base for major competitive exams like UPSC. Class 6 to 12 NCERT books cover many important subjects from a Prelims and Mains perspective, such as History, Polity, Geography, Economy and Science. For UPSC beginners, all NCERT books serve as a boon, helping them understand difficult topics with ease.

Importance of NCERT Books in UPSC Civil Services Exam Preparation

NCERT books are considered to be the backbone of UPSC preparation. They are extremely important for UPSC preparation as they build a strong foundation with conceptual clarity in high-weightage subjects such as History, Polity, and Geography. These books are written and reviewed by subject experts who keep the text precise and relevant, without mentioning unnecessary opinions. NCERT books are written in an easy-to-understand language, which simplifies complex topics for beginners and provides a neutral, government-approved base for understanding the vast syllabus. These books have essential topics with many direct questions appearing in the exam, making them important for all stages of the UPSC civil services exam 2026. Let’s understand the importance of NCERT books in the UPSC exam:

Builds Foundational knowledge: NCERTs explain difficult subjects in a logical manner and cover foundational concepts instead of bombarding the aspirant with complex topics.
Easy To Understand: These Class 6 to 12 NCERT books are written in simple English and have no unnecessary jargon or tough vocabulary, making them suitable for aspirants from all walks of life.
Comprehensive Coverage of UPSC Syllabus: Class 6 to 12 NCERT books cover many humanities subjects which are relevant from the UPSC perspective, such as History, Polity, Geography, Anthropology, Art & Culture, Sociology, among others. It also covers Economics and Science to a large extent.

Best NCERT Books from Class VI to XII for UPSC Preparation

NCERT books are crucial for building a strong foundation for the UPSC Mains exam. Success in UPSC Mains requires in-depth subject mastery. Therefore, for the UPSC exam, aspirants should focus on Class Xl & Xll NCERTs for GS topics like History, Geography, Polity and Economics. Also, they should read NCERT books for UPSC from class Vl to X for more nuanced details. Let’s take a look at the best NCERT books for UPSC Prelims and Mains, including key older NCERTs highly recommended by experts.

Subject	Best NCERT Books
Prelims: History Mains: GS Paper l History	NCERT Class VI: Our Past NCERT Class VII: Our Past-I NCERT Class VIII: Our Past II and III NCERT Class IX: India and the Contemporary World-II NCERT Class IX: India and the Contemporary World-II NCERT Class X: Themes In World History NCERT Class XII: Themes In Indian History-I NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History-II NCERT Class XII: Themes In Indian History-III Old NCERT Ancient Indian History (Class XI): R.S. Sharma Medieval Indian History (Class XI): Satish Chandra Modern Indian History (Class XII): Bipin Chandra
Prelims: Geography Mains: GS Paper l Geography	NCERT Class VI: The Earth Our Habitat NCERT Class VII: Our Environment NCERT Class VIII: Resource and Development NCERT Class IX: Contemporary India-I NCERT Class X: Contemporary India-II NCERT Class XI: Fundamentals of Physical Geography NCERT Class XI: India-Physical Environment NCERT Class XII: Fundamentals of Human Geography NCERT Class XII: India-People and Economy
GS Paper l: Indian Heritage, Art and Culture	NCERT Class XI: An Introduction to Indian Art NCERT Class XI: Living Craft Traditions of India NCERT Class XII: Craft Traditions of India
Prelims: Polity Mains: GS Paper ll Polity	NCERT Class IX: Political Science: Democratic Politics Part-I NCERT Class X: Political Science: Democratic Politics Part-II NCERT Class XI: Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work NCERT Class XI: Political Science: Political Theory NCERT Class XII: Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics NCERT Class XII: Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence
Mains Optional Subject: Sociology GS Paper ll: Social Justice, Indian Society and International Relations	NCERT Class VI: Social Science: Social & Political Life I NCERT Class VII: Social Science: Social & Political Life II NCERT Class VIII: Social Science: Social & Political Life III NCERT Class XI: Sociology: Understanding Society NCERT Class XII: Indian Society NCERT Class XII: Social Change and Development in India
Prelims: Economy Mains: GS Paper lll Economy	NCERT Class IX: Economics NCERT Class X: Understanding Economic Development NCERT Class XI: Indian Economic Development NCERT Class XII: Introductory Microeconomics NCERT Class XII: Introductory Macroeconomics
Prelims: Environment Mains: GS Paper lll: Environment and Ecology	NCERT Science: From Class VI to Class X NCERT Geography: From Class VI to Class XI NCERT Biology: Class XII
Prelims: Science and Technology Mains: GS Paper lll Science and Technology	NCERT Class VI NCERT Class VII NCERT Class VIII NCERT Class IX NCERT Class X NCERT Class XI: Chemistry: Unit 14 & Biology: Units 4 & 5 NCERT Class XII: Chemistry: Unit 16 & Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10
CSAT	NCERT Class VI to X: Mathematics NCERT Class IX: Words and Expressions

How to Study NCERT Books for UPSC Civil Service Exam

When reading NCERT books, aspirants should prepare a subject-wise and class-wise approach. They should focus on understanding the concepts first and then make notes, and always finish one topic before jumping to another. Let’s take a look at the correct way of studying NCERT books for the UPSC civil service exam: -.

1. Make a Structured Timetable

Aspirants should create a well-structured timetable that allocates specific time slots for all relevant subjects. Dividing time effectively ensures that the entire syllabus is covered without creating last-minute stress. Also, it helps maintain a balanced approach, giving adequate time for difficult topics while ensuring that easy topics are not neglected. A timetable encourages discipline and consistency, which are important for success in clearing a tough exam like UPSC CSE.

2. Prioritize Subjects with Heavy Weightage

Prioritise subjects with heavy weightage first. Aspirants should start with History, then go for Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Ecology, Science and lastly CSAT. This approach will help aspirants cover larger parts of the syllabus first, which will boost scoring potential. This is especially helpful when aspirants have limited time.

3. Start Class-Wise Book Reading

After sorting the NCERT books subject-wise, aspirants should start reading the books class-wise. One should always start from class VI and then move upwards in the hierarchy. This approach helps clear the basics and avoid confusion. When the foundation is strong, aspirants can grasp complex information with ease.

4. Focus on Understanding Concepts

Aspirants should prioritize understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorizing facts because UPSC tests conceptual clarity more than the retention powers of aspirants. When the focus is on conceptual clarity, it becomes easier to solve different types of problems and apply knowledge in practical situations. This is especially helpful in IAS interviews. This approach also builds a strong foundation that supports advanced learning and helps build problem-solving skills.

5. Make Organized Notes

Instead of reading the same topic multiple times, aspirants should make targeted and organized notes during their first study session. These notes should include key points and examples in a simplified manner. During UPSC Coaching in Delhi, these notes will act as a quick reference, saving time and effort from reading lengthy NCERT topics. This method also boosts memory, as the process of writing and making notes helps in better retention of the information.

6. Revise Multiple Times

Revising topics multiple times is important for developing a strong grasp of all subjects. Each revision helps in identifying weak areas and clarifying doubts that may have been overlooked earlier. Multiple revision also improves recall during exams and boost confidence. This approach ensures that knowledge is not just learned but fully understood and retained.

7. Practice Potential Questions

Attempting the questions in the NCERTs helps in testing understanding of the topic. It allows aspirants to identify areas where they are strong and areas that need improvement. Regular practice also familiarizes aspirants with the exam pattern, exam demands and type of questions likely to appear in exams. This process helps build problem-solving and analytical skills, which are important in scoring well.

8. Link NCERT Topics to Current Affairs

Linking NCERT topics with current affairs helps form good-quality answers. Aspirants should read current affairs every day through the best newspaper for upsc like The Hindu, Indian Express & Economic Times. While studying NCERT books, aspirants should connect the topics with real-life events. For example, while studying Polity, aspirants should relate topics like governance, laws, and the Constitution to new bills passed by the government or recent Supreme Court judgments. This habit helps aspirants form insightful answers and understand concepts better.

Conclusion

The UPSC Civil Service exam 2026 is about to commence, and many aspirants are now gearing up for the upcoming exams through curated booklists. Reading NCERTs is helpful for UPSC preparation, and it is a known fact. They are written in simple language and help build foundational knowledge, which aids understanding of complex topics as one advances in the preparation journey. These NCERT books cover major UPSC subjects, such as History, Polity, Sociology, Geography, Economy and Science. Aspirants should always read books in ascending order from class VI to XII for building a strong base. For Art and Culture, aspirants can read NCERT Class XI: An Introduction to Indian Art. For CSAT, they can read NCERT Class IX: Words and Expressions and for GS subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy and Science, all books from class VI to XII should be read.