How to Use NCERTs for UPSC: A Subject-wise Method
How to read NCERT textbooks for UPSC: which classes and subjects to read, how to read them, how to make notes, how long it takes, and what to do after NCERTs.
By Team MaargX UPSC · 5 min read
NCERTs for UPSC at a Glance
- Why NCERTs Clear language, accurate basics and the right depth for building concepts
- Which classes Classes 6 to 12, depending on the subject and your background
- How long About 6 to 10 weeks for the core set
- How to read Once, with a pencil, then close the book and recall
- What next One standard book per subject, with current affairs and practice
How Do You Use NCERTs for UPSC?
Short answer: Use NCERTs as the base layer: read the textbooks of classes 6 to 12 in History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Sociology and Science once with a pencil, recall each chapter from memory, and make short notes. Then move to one standard book per subject, current affairs and practice questions.
Why Start With NCERTs?
- Clarity: they explain ideas in simple language, which is the best way to start a new subject.
- Accuracy: the content is reliable, which protects you from errors.
- Right depth: they give the base that UPSC questions build on.
- Time-saving: they let you understand the logic of a subject quickly, before you meet the detailed books.
Which NCERTs Should You Read?
| Subject | What to read | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| History | Classes 6 to 12 history textbooks, with the focus on themes and modern India | Ancient and medieval for basics, modern for depth |
| Geography | Classes 6 to 12 geography, with the physical and human geography and India books | Use an atlas along with the textbooks |
| Polity | Class 11 and 12 political science, and the lower-class civics books if you are new | Link to the Constitution text |
| Economy | Class 11 and 12 economics, with Indian economic development | Add current economy from news and the Survey |
| Sociology | Class 11 and 12 sociology | Useful for society topics in GS and for the Sociology optional |
| Science | Class 6 to 10 science, for concepts | Add current developments |
| Art and culture | The fine arts and heritage books of class 11 and 12 | Add images and examples |
If you are strong in a subject already, you can skip the lower classes. If you are weak, start from the lowest class that feels new.
How to Read an NCERT Chapter
- Preview: read the headings and summary, so you know the structure.
- Read with a pencil: underline the key ideas, and write a question in the margin for each section.
- Close and recall: write the main points on a blank sheet. Check what you missed.
- Make notes: a table, flowchart or keywords. Keep it to one page for each chapter.
- Link to the syllabus and previous year questions: add one or two questions that this chapter could answer.
A Six-week NCERT Plan
| Week | Subjects | Daily time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polity and Economy basics | 3 to 4 hours |
| 2 | Geography (physical and human) | 3 to 4 hours |
| 3 | Geography of India, and environment basics | 3 to 4 hours |
| 4 | History: ancient and medieval themes | 3 to 4 hours |
| 5 | History: modern India, and art and culture | 3 to 4 hours |
| 6 | Science, sociology and revision of notes | 3 to 4 hours |
Adjust for your speed and background. If you also have a job, stretch the plan to ten weeks.
What Should You Do After NCERTs?
- Choose one standard book per subject, and read it with your NCERT notes as a base. See the one-source rule.
- Start the newspaper habit, as in how to read the newspaper.
- Solve previous year questions on each topic.
- Add current affairs, and begin sectional tests.
What Should You Take From the NCERT of Each Subject?
| Subject | Take these ideas and facts |
|---|---|
| Polity | How the Constitution was made, the Preamble, rights and duties, how Parliament and the judiciary work, federalism, local government, elections |
| History | Cause, course and consequence of major events, social and cultural change, art and architecture, sources of history |
| Geography | Earth’s structure, landforms, climate, oceans, India’s physical features, resources, population, settlements, human activities |
| Economy | Basic terms (GDP, inflation, money, banking), the structure of the Indian economy, poverty, employment, development |
| Sociology | Basic concepts, Indian society, social institutions, change and development, social problems |
| Science | Basic physics, chemistry and biology concepts that explain daily life, health, environment and technology |
A Sample Note From an NCERT Chapter: The Monsoon
- Definition: a seasonal reversal of wind direction, with rain in the summer season.
- Why it happens: differences in heating of land and sea, the shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and upper air currents.
- Effects: farming seasons, water supply, floods and droughts, the Indian economy.
- Linked topics: El Nino, Indian Ocean Dipole, climate change.
- PYQ link: add a question on the factors that affect the Indian monsoon.
Notice that the note is only five lines. It carries the idea, the reason, the effect and the link to questions, which is what revision needs.
Common NCERT Mistakes
- Reading NCERTs for months and delaying the rest of the preparation.
- Reading without notes or recall.
- Believing that NCERTs alone are enough.
- Reading every class and every subject, even in areas where you are already strong.
- Reading NCERTs for the second time before finishing the standard books.
Key Takeaways
- NCERTs are the base layer, not the whole preparation.
- Read once with a pencil, then close the book and recall.
- Make one-page notes for each chapter.
- Finish the core set in about six to ten weeks.
- Move on to one standard book per subject, with current affairs and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NCERTs enough for UPSC?
NCERTs are the best base for beginners and are enough for some topics, but they are not enough alone for Prelims and Mains. Use them to build understanding, then add one standard source per subject and current affairs.
Which NCERT books should I read for UPSC?
Read the NCERT textbooks of classes 6 to 12 for History, Geography, Polity (Political Science), Economics, Sociology and Science, according to your needs. Beginners should start from the lower classes in subjects where they are weak.
How long does it take to finish the NCERTs?
Most students take about six to ten weeks for the core NCERTs if they study a few hours daily. Do not stretch it beyond that, because NCERTs are a base, not the goal.
How should I read an NCERT for UPSC?
Read each chapter once with a pencil, underline key ideas, close the book and recall the main points, then write short notes or a table. Revise from your notes, not the book.
Should I read old or new NCERT editions?
Use the latest editions available, since some chapters change. If you use older editions, check the syllabus and current affairs for updates.
Do I need to read the NCERT again after the standard books?
You do not need a full second reading. Revise your NCERT notes, and use the NCERT to check a concept if the standard book is unclear.
Official Sources
These are the primary sources behind this post. Dates, rules and patterns can change, so confirm them on the official pages before you act.
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