NCERT 6th to 12th Booklist for UPSC Preparation: A Subject-Wise Guide

Millions of UPSC aspirants begin their preparation with NCERTs 6 to 12 for UPSC, as these books form the base for understanding key subjects. Covering classes 6th to 12th, NCERT books explain important topics simply and clearly, helping you build strong fundamentals. 

If studied properly, they can help you answer around 18 to 25 questions directly in the UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper 1 every year. Subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science are covered in a well-structured and easy-to-understand manner, making NCERTs a must-read for every UPSC aspirant.

Before exploring the booklist, it is crucial to understand why these books are considered the foundation of effective UPSC preparation. Let’s explore the key reasons that make NCERT books essential for every UPSC aspirant.

1. Building a Strong Foundation

• They provide a comprehensive foundation for general studies subjects, covering essential topics from History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science.
• These books are designed to build conceptual clarity, which is crucial for understanding more advanced topics later in your preparation journey.

2. Clarity and Simplicity

• Complex topics are broken down into easily understandable concepts, making them perfect for beginners.
• The content is organized logically, helping students understand key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Authenticity and Reliability

• NCERT books are authored and published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, a government organization known for its authenticity and reliability.
• The information is accurate, factual, and up-to-date, ensuring that aspirants are not misled by incorrect or outdated data.

4. Direct Relevance to UPSC Questions

• Many questions in UPSC Prelims and Mains are directly or indirectly based on NCERT concepts.
• Nearly 30% of the questions asked in the exam are directly from the NCERTs, making them an indispensable resource for aspirants. 

5. Benefit of Exercise Questions

• Each chapter in the NCERT books includes practice questions and exercises that test understanding and reinforce learning.
• These questions are important for self-assessment and often reflect the pattern of questions asked in UPSC examinations.

For easy access to these valuable resources, you can visit NCERT's official website to download the books you need.

Subject-wise NCERT books are essential for UPSC as they build strong concepts, helping aspirants grasp and retain key topics for Prelims and Mains..

History Books

History helps you understand India’s roots; starting with NCERT books builds a strong foundation and a clear grasp of key events for UPSC preparation.

• NCERT Class VI – Our Past – I
• NCERT Class VII – Our Past – II
• NCERT Class VIII – Our Past III
• NCERT Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I
• NCERT Class X – India and the Contemporary World – II
• NCERT Class XI – Themes in World History
• NCERT Class XII – Themes in Indian History – I, II, III
• Old NCERTs: Ancient India (R.S. Sharma), Medieval India (Satish Chandra), Modern India (Bipan Chandra)

Geography Books

Geography helps you understand the physical and human features of India and the rest of the world. The NCERT Geography books are well-illustrated and written in clear, simple language, making them ideal for beginners and essential for UPSC aspirants.

• NCERT Class VI – The Earth: Our Habitat
• NCERT Class VII – Our Environment
• NCERT Class VIII – Resources 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

Polity (Political Science) Books

A solid understanding of the Indian Constitution, political system, and governance is essential for every civil service aspirant. NCERT Polity books present the fundamentals in a clear and organized manner, making it easier to grasp key concepts.

• NCERT Class IX – Democratic Politics – Part I
• NCERT Class X – Democratic Politics – Part II
• NCERT Class XI – Indian Constitution at Work
• NCERT Class XI – Political Theory
• NCERT Class XII – Contemporary World Politics
• NCERT Class XII – Politics in India Since Independence

Economy Books

Economy forms the backbone of policy-making and governance. NCERT Economics books explain basic concepts and development issues in a very student-friendly manner, making them indispensable for UPSC preparation.

• 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

Science And Technology Books

Basic science knowledge is essential for UPSC Prelims and for understanding environmental and technological issues. NCERT Science books from classes VI to X cover all fundamental topics simply and concisely.

• NCERT Science textbooks for Classes VI to X
• NCERT Class XI – Chemistry (Unit 14: Environmental Chemistry)
• NCERT Class XI – Biology (Units 4 & 5)
• NCERT Class XII – Chemistry (Unit 16: Chemistry in Everyday Life)
• NCERT Class XII – Biology (Units 8, 9 & 10)

Environment and Ecology Books

Environment and ecology are important components of UPSC preparation, with a growing emphasis on environmental issues. These materials provide a fundamental understanding of ecological and sustainability concepts.

• NCERT Class VII – Our Environment
• NCERT Class XII – Biology (Chapters 13 to 16)
• NCERT Class XI – Biology (selected chapters on environment)

These chapters cover key environmental concepts and issues, which are frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains, with 15-20 questions appearing annually in the exam.

Art and Culture Books

Indian art and culture are important for both Prelims and Mains. NCERT books introduce you to India's diverse heritage and traditions, making your preparation holistic.

• NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art
• NCERT Class XII – Living Craft Traditions of India (selected chapters)

Indian Society Books (Sociology & Social Studies)

Understanding the science behind how society operates is crucial, especially for those aspiring to become civil servants. These books aid in that understanding.

• 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

NCERT books provide clear, factual, and balanced information that helps aspirants write structured and well-informed answers in the UPSC Mains exam. Utilize these important tools to help you achieve success!

1. Factual Accuracy

• NCERT books provide factually accurate information that forms the backbone of mains answers.
• The authentic and verified content ensures that your answers are based on correct information, which is crucial for scoring well in the mains examination.

2. Standard Language and Terminology

• NCERT books use standard terminology and language that is expected in UPSC answers.
• Using the same language and terminology as the NCERT gives authenticity to your answers and demonstrates your understanding of basic concepts.

3. Integration of Knowledge

• The interdisciplinary approach of NCERT helps in integrating knowledge across different subjects.
• This integration is crucial for Mains answers that often require connecting concepts from multiple disciplines.

4. Balanced Perspective

• NCERTs provide a balanced and neutral perspective on various topics, which is essential for writing objective answers in the mains examination.
• This balanced approach helps in presenting multiple viewpoints without bias.

Also read: June 2025 Current Affairs Magazine

Here are a few tips that you could follow while reading the NCERT Books for UPSC Civil Services.

1. Sequential Reading Strategy

• Start with lower-grade textbooks (Class 6-8) and gradually progress to higher classes.
• Begin with Class 6 NCERTs to understand basic concepts, then systematically work your way up to Class 12.

2. Active Reading Techniques

• Read actively, not passively. Underline important points, make notes in margins, and highlight key concepts.
• This active engagement helps in better retention and understanding of the material.

3. Focus on Concept Clarity

• Pay special attention to concept clarity rather than rote memorization.
• NCERT books excel in explaining fundamental concepts clearly, which forms the basis for understanding more advanced topics in reference books.

4. Cross-Reference with Current Affairs

• Link NCERT concepts with current affairs to develop a deeper understanding.
• This integration helps in answering questions that require connecting historical knowledge with contemporary issues.

5. Practice MCQs on the topics of the NCERTs

• Practice unlimited NCERT-based MCQs with instant explanations and daily targets on SuperKalam’s dedicated dashboard to track your progress easily.
• This helps you identify weak areas, improve accuracy, and build exam confidence using real UPSC-level questions.

The key to effective NCERT study is not just reading but understanding, analyzing, and connecting concepts across different subjects. This holistic approach builds the analytical thinking required for UPSC success.

NCERT books are the most fundamental and essential resource for UPSC preparation. They provide the firm foundation upon which successful civil services preparation is built. From building a concepts to providing authentic information and aiding both prelims and mains preparation, NCERT books are crucial for every stage of UPSC success.

SuperKalam brings you Super Start with NCERT— a student-focused initiative to help you master the NCERTs the right way. Whether you are preparing for UPSC 2026 or revising basics, this step-by-step plan ensures full NCERT coverage with daily MCQs and Mains answer writing for all-round preparation.

No more guesswork. No more confusion. Just a clear path to turn NCERTs into your strongest tool for cracking UPSC. 

Achieve Success in your UPSC Preparation with SuperKalam!

Enjoy personalized study plans, instant doubt resolution, unlimited MCQ practice, and quick answer evaluations—all guided by your very own AI-powered Super Mentor. Join thousands of other aspirants who are making their studies more focused and effective with SuperKalam.

Begin your journey today and take a confident step towards your dream career!