Here, we present the ultimate reading list for Indian Civil Service Exam preparation, which includes books covering various subjects that are crucial for the exam:
1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth: This book is considered the Bible for Indian Polity and covers all aspects of the Indian political system, including the constitution, governance, and public administration. It provides a detailed understanding of the workings of the Indian government.
2. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra: A must-read for aspirants, this book provides a comprehensive account of India’s freedom struggle and covers the factors leading to it. It also explores the different phases and events of the independence movement.
3. India Since Independence by Bipan Chandra: This book is a continuation of “India’s Struggle for Independence” and offers a detailed analysis of India’s political, economic, and social developments since 1947. It covers various important aspects, such as land reforms, economic policies, and regional aspirations.
4. Economic Survey and Budget: Reading the annual Economic Survey and Budget is essential to understand India’s economic policies, government schemes, fiscal policies, and current economic trends. Aspirants should be well-versed with the key numbers, policies, and priorities outlined in these documents.
5. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh: This book provides a comprehensive understanding of the Indian economy. It covers topics such as economic growth, inflation, monetary policy, and various sectors like agriculture, industry, and services. It also includes UPSC exam-based questions for practice.
6. Science and Technology in India by Ashok Singh: This book covers advancements in science and technology in India, including developments in various sectors like space, biotechnology, infrastructure, and IT. It covers topics from both static and current perspectives and helps in understanding India’s technological progress.
7. General Studies Paper 2 Manual by MHE: This book is a popular choice for General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT). It covers topics like quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and data interpretation. Regular practice through mock tests is crucial for scoring well in this paper.
8. India and the World: This book covers topics related to international relations, India’s foreign policy, key global organizations, and India’s position in the global arena. It helps aspirants understand the dynamics of international relations and equips them with critical analysis skills.
26 Reading newspapers, especially The Hindu, is essential to stay updated on national and international current affairs. Magazines like ‘Yojana’ and ‘Kurukshetra’ provide insights on government schemes, socio-economic issues, and policy developments. Online sources like PIB (Press Information Bureau) should also be followed to get official government releases.
10. NCERT Books: NCERT books from classes 6th to 12th are highly recommended for building a strong foundation in various subjects. Books like ‘India’s Ancient Past’ and ‘The Story of Civilization’ help aspirants understand and recall important historical events and facts.