Is Reading NCERT Books Essential?

Yes. We recommend that you should build a solid foundation by thoroughly reading NCERT textbooks.

• Recommended: NCERT books are, in fact, the ones that are most frequently suggested for preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. One of the most crucial components of the UPSC Civil Services Exam is proficient reading of NCERT books. Although there is no hard and fast rule, it is typically advised for UPSC CSE aspirants to start with the NCERT books because they help you lay a solid foundation. After reading NCERT Books, it is therefore simpler to understand the content of reference books.
• Foundation: The NCERTs serve as the foundation for the entire preparation because they are the most fundamental texts and are written in a clear and objective manner with plain language. One will get most of their basics covered for the geography and history from these books. Secondly, mains answer writing language should be similar to the writing style of these books which make them as the fundamental element while preparing for the Mains examination.
• Now let us analyse from Prelims and Mains perspective:
  • Every year, at least 35-40 Prelims questions are directly asked from the NCERTs.
  • If you read one book for the Prelims, it also comes handy in the Mains. For example, Geography NCERTs of class 11 and 12 and History NCERT of class 10 and 11 are the most comprehensive books which must be read by every aspirant.
  • It helps in planned study. Otherwise, you may be lost in the vast ocean of data and coaching materials.
  • If you are planning to choose Humanities optional and you are from the non-Humanities background, then study of these books will help in choosing the right optional and further, it may help in your optional paper too.