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Question : Is Reading Of NCERT Books Essential?

Answer :

  • Yes, NCERT Books are the most widely recommended books for the preparation of UPSC Civil Services Examination. The effective reading of NCERT Books is one of the most essential part of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
  • UPSC CSE aspirants are generally advised to read the NCERT Books before moving on to other bigger reference books (though there is no hard and fast rule), as they help you build a strong foundation. Thus, grasping the content of reference books becomes easier after reading NCERT Books.
  • Being the most basic books and written in very simple language, lucid and neutral perspective makes NCERTs as the base for the entire preparation. One will get most of their basic 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.