Old vs New NCERT: Which NCERT Books Are Best for UPSC Preparation?

Let’s address a common doubt every UPSC beginner has — 'Should I study from the old NCERTs or the new ones?  Let me make it easier for you!

NCERTs are not just school books. They’re your foundation for UPSC. But with two versions out there, choosing the right one for UPSC preparation is necessary. While the old NCERTs are known for their depth and analytical tone, the new NCERTs come with better visuals and a narrative approach. So, which one should you go for? Or is a balanced mix of both the smart choice?

In this blog, we will break down the key differences, advantages, and subject-wise recommendations, so you can confidently pick the best NCERT books for UPSC. 

Let’s get started, step by step.

NCERTs are not optional. They’re your first step toward a confident, clear, and structured UPSC preparation. Here’s why: 

• NCERTs explain topics in a clear and simple way.
• They help you build a strong foundation for all GS subjects.
• Many UPSC Prelims and Mains questions are directly or indirectly based on the NCERTs.
• They are factually correct and published by trusted government sources.
• Perfect for beginners to get basic concepts right.
• Useful for note-making and revision.
• Help improve your reading and understanding skills.
• Recommended by toppers and mentors across the country.
• Free PDFs are available, so they’re easily accessible.
• Helpful in developing a balanced answer writing for Mains.
• Cover topics from History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and more.
• Ideal for students from any educational background.

Now that you know NCERTs are essential. The next question is — which version should you choose?

After the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, NCERT began revising textbooks to align with the new curriculum framework. But for UPSC aspirants, this shift has raised concerns — are these updated books too light for competitive exams? Let’s look at the key reasons behind this ongoing debate:

• Content depth: Old NCERTs are more detailed and analytical, while the new ones are simplified for school-level learning.
• Storytelling approach: New NCERTs follow a narrative style, which some find less useful for direct fact-based learning.
• Key topics: Some new editions have reduced or removed important topics relevant for UPSC, especially in middle school texts (Classes 6, 5, 7, 8).
• Language style: Old NCERTs use formal, information-heavy language. New ones are more student-friendly but sometimes lack depth.
• Exam relevance: Some newly added topics, such as environmental themes, geography data, now carry Prelims weightage (8–14 marks) and even up to 15 marks in Mains.
• Availability: Old NCERTs are no longer in print, making them harder to access, while new ones are readily available.

In short, both have value, but knowing where and how to use them is momentous.

Before you jump into reading, let’s break down which NCERTs (old or new) help in which subjects when it comes to UPSC prep.

1. History

Which is better?  — Old NCERTs

• Old NCERTs (especially by RS Sharma and Satish Chandra) provide better factual depth and historical analysis.
• New ones simplify events but miss critical details relevant to Mains and Prelims.

Recommended books:

• Old NCERT: R.S. Sharma (Ancient India), Satish Chandra (Medieval India), Bipan Chandra (Modern India)
• New NCERT: Our Past – I, II, III (Classes 6–8), Themes in Indian History – Part I, II & III (Class 12)

2. Geography

Which is better?  — Use a Mix of Both

• Old NCERTs are rich in explanation and help build strong conceptual clarity.
• New NCERTs have better maps, visuals, and updated data.

Recommended books:

• Old NCERT: Class 11 – Physical & India: Physical Environment, Class 12 – Human & India: People and Economy
• New NCERT: Geography – Class 6 to 10, Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India: Physical Environment (Class 11), India: People and Economy (Class 12)

3. Polity

Which is better?  — New NCERTs Are Sufficient

• Old and new Polity NCERTs have minimal differences.
• For detailed preparation, Laxmikanth is the main book anyway.

Recommended books:

• New NCERT: (Class 9–12) for base-level understanding.

4. Economy

Which is better?  — New NCERTs

• The economy is more dynamic and concept-based.
• New NCERTs are updated with real-life examples and current relevance.

Recommended books:

• New NCERT: Class 9–12 + NCERT’s “Indian Economic Development.”

5. Science & Technology

Which is better?  — New NCERTs

• New NCERTs explain basics with diagrams, activities, and visuals — ideal for Prelims-level understanding.
• Old ones may feel outdated in rapidly changing tech fields.

Recommended books:

• New NCERT: Class 6–10 (don’t go beyond).

6. Environment

Which is better?  — New NCERTs + Supplement

• NCERTs give basic environmental science understanding, but neither version is fully UPSC-ready.
• Supplement with Nitin Singhania or Shankar IAS Environment Book.

Recommended books:

• New NCERT: Class 9–12  for basics only.

Don’t try to read all the NCERTs from Class 6–12 blindly. Be selective. Use old NCERTs where depth is needed, and new ones where clarity and updates matter.

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

Still Confused? Let SuperKalam Guide You!

Kickstart your UPSC journey with Super Start with NCERT – a free initiative by SuperKalam to help you build a strong NCERT foundation the right way.

• Know which NCERTs to read and in what order
• Learn how to read them effectively for Prelims + Mains
• Get daily targets, mini tests, and revision plans
• Track your progress with chapter-wise guidance & mentorship

Begin now for free: Super Start with NCERT  

New NCERTs have several updated chapters now include concepts that directly reflect UPSC Prelims and Mains question patterns. These are mostly found in class 6–8 books and are NEP-2020 aligned. Let’s look at a few key examples.

1. Focus on Ancient Indian Knowledge

The new books highlight India’s scientific heritage:

• Acharya Kanad’s atomic theory and Bhaskara II’s work on planetary motion and calculus are now part of science chapters—great for Prelims facts and GS papers.

2. Richer Cultural & Geographic Content

Social Science books cover:

• Sacred geographies (Mount Kailash, Kumbh Mela sites, Vaishno Devi)
• Religious landmarks from Buddhist stupas to Sikh and Islamic pilgrimages—useful for GS I and Prelims.

3. Resource Mapping through Diagrams

The revised NCERT now includes: 

• Visually rich maps of natural resources, from minerals to crops. These are great for building conceptual clarity in Geography and Economics, especially useful in Prelims.

Check out this quick video breakdown by SuperKalam to see which NCERT changes you need to care about for UPSC: 

Every topper once stood where you are, uncertain, overwhelmed, but full of potential. What made the difference was starting right. NCERTs are your launchpad to mastering the UPSC syllabus with clarity and confidence.

Are you ready to build your UPSC foundation the right way? Join Super Start with NCERT now and take your first smart step toward cracking UPSC.

By the end of this initiative, we want you to open any NCERT chapter and feel sure of what you know. No confusion. No panic. Just calm, confident clarity. That’s how real preparation begins. And we’re here to help you get there.

Start with the first lecture now: