Complete Booklist & Resources for Prelims & Mains: UPSC CSE toppers choice | IAS Exam 2024 | StudyIQ

Summary

In this video, the speaker provides a comprehensive guide to UPSC preparation, offering advice based on personal experience and the recommendations of toppers and experienced teachers. The focus is on selecting the right resources, starting with NCERTs and moving on to advanced books for each subject. The speaker covers all General Studies papers, including History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, and Ethics, highlighting key books and study strategies. Additionally, the importance of current affairs, coaching notes, and structured study programs like Study IQ’s Prelims to Interview batch are emphasized for effective learning and preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on understanding the UPSC syllabus and access previous year questions to guide your preparation.
• 📚 Start with basic NCERT books before progressing to advanced reference books for better clarity.
• 📖 Stick to one resource and avoid wasting time and money on multiple books and materials.
• 🗺️ For History, begin with basic NCERTs and then move on to advanced books like RS Sharma and Tamil Nadu Board books.
• 🌍 Geography should start with Class 6 NCERT, then move on to Class 11 and 12 books for detailed concepts.
• 📝 For Modern History, the 'Spectrum' book is highly recommended after completing basic NCERT readings.
• ⚖️ In Polity, refer to the latest edition of 'Laxmikanth' after reading the Class 11 NCERT on the Indian Constitution.
• 🌱 Economics should focus on basic NCERTs and can be supplemented by books by authors like Sanjeev Verma and Shankar Ganeshan.
• 🌿 For Environment and Science, current affairs play a major role in the exam, so stay updated regularly.
• 📊 For Ethics, read reports from the ARC (Administrative Reforms Commission) and practice by referring to books on Ethics in Governance.

Q & A

What is the main advice for aspirants starting their UPSC journey?

The key advice is to gain clarity on the resources and books you'll use early on. Many aspirants waste time and money on unnecessary materials in the beginning, so it’s essential to have a focused plan and stick to a limited set of high-quality resources.

Why is it important to have access to the UPSC syllabus and previous years' question papers?

The syllabus and previous years' question papers help aspirants understand the pattern of questions and identify the key areas UPSC focuses on. They serve as a roadmap for preparation and help in aligning study efforts accordingly.

Which books are recommended for History in the UPSC preparation?

For History, it is recommended to start with basic NCERTs from classes 6 to 10. For ancient history, RS Sharma’s NCERT (Old edition) and Satish Chandra’s NCERT (Old edition) are useful. For Modern History, *Spectrum’s Modern Indian History* is highly recommended after reading the basic NCERTs.

What role do visual aids play in the preparation of History and Culture?

Visual aids, like videos on platforms such as YouTube and resources from the CCRTs, play a significant role in reinforcing learning and making complex concepts more understandable. These are particularly helpful for Art & Culture topics.

Which geography books are crucial for the UPSC exam?

For Geography, class 6 NCERT is essential for basic concepts. Following this, class 11 books on Physical and Indian Geography are considered fundamental. Additionally, *Study IQ's Fundamentals of Geography* can be used as supplementary material.

What is the significance of the *M. Laxmikanth's Polity* book in UPSC preparation?

M. Laxmikanth’s book on Polity is considered the Bible for UPSC preparation. It provides detailed and structured content on the Indian Constitution, governance, and related topics, which are crucial for the GS2 paper.

How should aspirants approach Economics for the UPSC exam?

For Economics, begin with the NCERTs from class 12, particularly focusing on concepts rather than numerical problems. Afterward, refer to books like *Sanjiv Verma’s Economics* or *Shankar Ganeshan's Economics*. The budget and economic survey are also important, along with current affairs.

What is the role of current affairs in the preparation for UPSC?

Current affairs play a critical role in all subjects, especially in Governance, Economy, Science & Technology, and Ethics. Aspirants should regularly update themselves with current events and integrate these with their static notes for comprehensive preparation.

Why are reports from the Second ARC important for UPSC preparation?

The Second ARC reports, particularly on governance, provide in-depth insights into administrative reforms and government functioning, which are essential for the GS2 paper. Reports like the 1st, 4th, 6th, 9th, and 10th are especially important for key topics.

What should aspirants do to effectively integrate current affairs into their study routine?

Aspirants should make sure that they connect current affairs with their static notes for each subject. This will help them in retaining information better and make it easier to recall during exams. Using current affairs examples in subjects like Ethics is also essential.