Question : What To Read From NCERTs?

Answer :

History: In the History books, read it from the Prelims and Mains perspective in different ways, however, common to both is the TIMELINE. Therefore here factual knowledge is very important along with some contextual memory.

• Geography: Treat them as the bible for the geography section of the Prelims and the Mains examination. Learn all the maps, rivers, mountain ranges, passes, etc.
• Art and Culture:NCERT of the 11th standard is very important for the mains examination and it covers the “art and culture” section of the GS-1.
• Polity:Don’t make notes from here just read it as an important book for the Essay writing exercise of the Mains examination. It is more on the philosophical lines than the factual one and UPSC asks mostly factual questions.
• Sociology: NCERT books will provide the idea that how our society is continuously evolving into new moving equilibrium and there are many conflicts, many perspectives and the explanation to the many social factors especially issues related to the women, children, caste, class, deprived section of the society, etc. Therefore read them according to the GS-1 mains syllabus and its society part.
• Environment and Biology: NCERT books are important because every year about 10-15 questions will be from this area.

Old NCERTs vs. New NCERTs Aspirants gets confused as to which NCERTs to study for preparation. Here is the difference between these two: Old NCERTs They are huge books To the point approach and not a good explanation for the subject Contains lots of facts, which is useful for Prelims Old books - you can find in photo copies, so all the maps and diagrams will be in black and white, a bit hard to understand them New NCERTs Updated information on ever changing topics Less facts and very subjective in nature, explanation is good New ones contain more diagrams and illustrations for better understanding The only difference between both depends on one's own strategy or way of approach and style of preparation, if you like to read point-wise material and facts, you need to go for old NCERTs. If you like to read subjective approach with good explanations and all, go for new NCERTs. So, if you have already bought new NCERTs, don't worry, that will do a good job. Start as early as possible and finish them and revise again.