Mastering the Basics for UPSC Preparation: Essential NCERTs and Tips
In the journey toward excelling in the UPSC exam, laying a solid foundation is crucial. This article explores the essential steps and resources you need to get started, focusing on the importance of NCERTs and providing a comprehensive guide to their usage.
1. Understanding the Importance of NCERTs
NCERT books are a fundamental source for aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. These textbooks, widely known for their detailed and comprehensive coverage of various subjects, form the bedrock of the UPSC syllabus. They cover a wide range of topics from history, geography, and polity to social issues, making them a valuable resource for the prelims and mains exams.
2. Access to NCERTs via Telegram
The popularity of NCERTs among UPSC aspirants has led to a proliferation of NCERT compilations on platforms like Telegram. These compilations are second-hand but can be a helpful starting point for your preparation. You can read them 1-2 times to gain basic knowledge, after which you can supplement your learning with other resources.
3. Laying a Strong Foundation with NCERTs
Many questions in both preliminary and mains exams directly stem from the analysis of NCERTs. It is essential to read and understand these books thoroughly to have a solid grasp of the foundational concepts. Here are the NCERTs that I, as a fellow aspirant, found particularly useful during my preparation:
3.1 History NCERTs
India and the Contemporary World - I and II: These books provide an in-depth understanding of Indian history from ancient to modern times. Themes in Indian History - I and II: These books offer comprehensive coverage of major themes in Indian history.3.2 Geography NCERTs
Sample papers for Board examinations: Focuses on understanding the geographical characteristics of India. Geography of India: This book delves into the physical, economic, and cultural geography of the country. Understanding Geography: Physical Geography: Provides a strong foundation in physical geography concepts.3.3 Civics and Polity NCERTs
Civics Books - 1 and 2: These books cover the fundamental principles of government and citizenship in India. Indian Constitution at Work: This book offers insights into the working of the Indian Constitution. Understanding Socialism in India: Provides an understanding of the socio-economic and political aspects of socialism in India.4. Supplementing NCERTs with YouTube Resources
In addition to NCERTs, it is beneficial to supplement your preparation with video resources. Watching the Pradhan Mantri series on YouTube is highly recommended. These videos provide a detailed understanding of how India was formed both before and after independence. Watching these alongside the Samvidhan (Constitution of India) can help you build a strong foundational knowledge for your UPSC preparation.
5. Additional Study Tips
To enhance your understanding and retention of the material, here are some additional tips:
Review Regularly: Periodically revisit the NCERTs to reinforce your knowledge and ensure long-term retention. Practice: Solve practice questions and previous year’s papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and format. Create Notes: Make concise notes while studying, which can act as a quick revision guide. Join Mentorship Programs: Consider joining mentorship programs to gain expert guidance and insights.Conclusion
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires a combination of thorough study and strategic planning. By focusing on the essential NCERTs and supplementing your preparation with relevant video resources, you can build a strong foundation and increase your chances of success. Remember, consistency and discipline are key to excelling in this challenging exam.