UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exams are held by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates studying for the UPSC are frequently perplexed about which resources are appropriate for IAS exam preparation. It is clear because there are differing viewpoints on the ideal books to study for the IAS exam. As a result, we’ve put together a list of the top books to help you study for the UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exams.

Only objective sorts of questions are asked in the UPSC IAS Prelims, whereas descriptive types are asked in the Mains. Candidates must manage their time properly and study from the best resources to cover all topics on the UPSC IAS syllabus. Aside from that, UPSC IAS preparation will necessitate applicants practicing questions from books in order to qualify for the Prelims and Mains. The ideal UPSC IAS books for Prelims and Mains can be found on this page.

1. Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth

M Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity is well-known among UPSC aspirants, who consider it the greatest alternative for covering the topic thoroughly. 

An India Today report stated, “This book is…a Bible to study Indian Polity subject in detail. It is one of the most popular and comprehensive books on the subject and has been a consistent bestseller for many years. A UPSC aspirant must go through this book thoroughly to get maximum marks in UPSC Mains exam 2021.”

2. Important Acts that Transformed India – Alex Andrews George

Important Acts that Changed the World For the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary (Objective) and Main (Written) Exams, India covers 100 must-know Acts.

In the UPSC Prelims in 2019, 22 questions worth 22 marks were asked on this topic. In UPSC Mains 2019, questions worth 65 marks were asked. ‘Important Acts’ is, without a doubt, the most important topic for UPSC Prelims and Mains. This is unsurprising because the Commission wants future Civil Servants to be well-versed in relevant Acts/Bills/Rules, among other things.

3. Indian Art and Culture – Nitin Singhania

A new version of Nitin Singhania’s acclaimed book ‘Indian Art and Culture’ has been released. McGraw Hill is the publisher of the book.

This book is an excellent resource for UPSC aspirants at all levels of the examination: preliminary, mains, and interview. Nitin Singhania’s latest edition of Indian Art & Culture is now available for purchase in both online and offline stores.

A set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and behaviors is referred to as culture. India’s culture is known for its diversity. The book Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania brilliantly depicts the spirit of India’s distinct culture.

4. Ancient and Medieval India – Poonam Dalal Dahiya

A new book on Ancient and Medieval Indian History has been published by McGraw Hill Education India. The book is titled ‘Ancient and Medieval India’ and was written by Poonam Dalal Dahiya IRS. Poonam Dalal covers the entire syllabus of ancient and medieval history for UPSC and several state PSC exams in 16 chapters and 616 pages.

It simplifies and enlivens the study of history. Poonam claims that she has attempted to make history learning enjoyable. According to the author, this book is a one-stop-shop for all your historical needs. As a result, you’ll save time, energy, and money.

5. Geography of India – by Majid Husain

Majid Husain’s book Geography of India is fast gaining popularity. It is currently a widely read academic-cum-reference textbook that covers all aspects of Indian geography in a methodical and thorough manner. The addition of well-thought-out Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) relevant to General Studies Paper 1 of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination is a bonus for candidates taking this coveted exam.

The book’s distinctiveness comes in its broad treatment of the subject, which is written in a clear way and supported with appropriate maps and illustrations. Academic students, professors, researchers, and others with a special interest in the subject will all benefit greatly from the book.

6. Certificate Physical And Human Geography – by Goh Cheng Leong

“Certificate Physical and Human Geography” brings together all of the major areas of physical geography, world climatic and vegetational regions, and human geography to make the connections between them clear. Local examples have been used as much as possible to provide students with a better understanding of the principles at hand. Students can analyze geographical facts with the help of maps, diagrams, graphs, and images. Students can use the questions and exercises to assess their own grasp of the subject.

7. Science and Technology – by Ravi P. Agrahari

The book Science and Technology, now in its 5th edition, is intended for students studying for the Civil Service Examinations Preliminary and Main papers. The book is a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about “How to Approach Science and Technology for Competition Exams.” It covers all aspects of general science and technology from the fundamentals to the advanced levels, making it easier for pupils with a non-scientific background to understand and remember information. As a result, this book digs into practically every crucial component of the exam in-depth, preparing candidates to comfortably sail through with the help of this thorough self-study guide.

8. Environment – by Shankar IAS

The Union Public Service Commission’s Civil Service Examination includes the subject of ‘Environment’ in both the Prelims and Mains (UPSC CSE). In fact, this subject accounts for about 33% of the questions in the Prelims General Studies paper. As a result, candidates must have a thorough understanding of what this subject comprises.

The book ‘Environment,’ written by the Shankar IAS Academy, a well-known and sought-after UPSC coaching facility in India, is widely read and endorsed by rank holders and hopefuls alike. It covers a large portion of the UPSC-mandated paper format and syllabus.

9. International Relations – by Pavneet Singh

The third edition of McGraw Hill Education’s best-selling International Relations is now available. It is a thorough textbook that critically examines every facet of India’s foreign policy. The book is interesting, stimulating, and forward-looking, and it is based on extensive field interviews with serving diplomats and intelligence officers. It was written by a top lecturer in International Relations. The basic yet potent geopolitical narratives about India’s international ties with the rest of the globe are examined in this book.

One of the best ways to prepare for UPSC is by enrolling in an IAS preparation coaching. The foundation curriculum at Pragnya IAS Academy has been developed to provide aspirants with a comprehensive vision of achievement. The high success percentage of the best IAS coaching in Bangalore can be attributed to its excellent professors and resources. The college provides students with individualized coaching to help them overcome challenges and develop their abilities.