Best Sources for UPSC Prelims Preparation

The UPSC Prelims Exam is the first and most competitive stage in the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Success in Prelims requires clarity, consistency, and most importantly — reliable study sources.

In this blog, we break down the best and most trusted resources you need to crack UPSC Prelims 2026.

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📘 1. NCERTs – The Foundation of UPSC Prep

NCERT books from Class 6 to 12 are a must for building your concepts.

Subject Important NCERTs

History Class 6–12 (Focus on 11th & 12th)

Geography Class 6–12 (Class 11 & 12 are key)

Polity Class 9–12

Economics Class 9–12

Science Class 6–10

👉 Download NCERTs from ncert.nic.in

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📚 2. Standard Reference Books – Go Beyond the Basics

Subject Book Name

Polity Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

History Modern India by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir)

Ancient & Medieval R.S. Sharma & Satish Chandra (Old NCERT)

Geography GC Leong + Atlas + NCERTs

Economy Nitin Singhania or Ramesh Singh

Environment Shankar IAS Environmeny book

Science & Tech Current affairs + basic NCERTs

📰 3. Current Affairs – Stay Updated Daily

Newspapers: The Hindu or Indian Express

Monthly Magazines:

Vision IAS Monthly

Insights Current Affairs

Drishti IAS Summary

PIB, Yojana, and Kurukshetra: For schemes & rural issues

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📊 4. Government Reports – Authentic & Crucial

Economic Survey

Union Budget Highlights

India Year Book

NITI Aayog Strategy Documents

Ministry Websites: For schemes & updates

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📖 5. UPSC PYQs – Your Exam Guide

Solving last 10 years of UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions (PYQs) is non-negotiable.

Understand the trend

Practice elimination techniques

Know frequently repeated areas

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🧪 6. Test Series – Practice + Revision

Join any reputed test series (Vision IAS, ForumIAS, Insights IAS, Drishti) and follow it with discipline. It helps in:

Time management

Understanding question framing

Self-assessment and improvement

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🧠 Smart Study Tips

✅ Revise one source multiple times, don’t chase 10 books

✅ Make short notes for revision

✅ Focus on government schemes, environment, mapping

✅ Daily 1-hour current affairs revision