Importance of NCERT Books in UPSC Exam Preparation

Why everybody gives so much attention to reading the NCERT book? What is the secret hidden there? This is a normal doubt for all beginners, those who are preparing for the civil service exam.

Why are they not recommending different books like State-level school books and others for the UPSC preparation?

Benefits of NCERT Books for UPSC

Simple to kick start the preparation

First of all the NCERT is the basic reading book which extensively covers the civil services examination syllabus pattern in a very simple and lucid manner. The NCERT books are written in simple language. It helps everyone to grasp the ideas easily. It eases the learning process in the initial stage and boosts the self-confidence of the civil service aspirants.

The touch of eminent authors

The NCERT books, especially the old editions are meticulously drafted by the eminent authors in the subject with extensive research.  The books are published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) which is an autonomous organization set up in 1961 by the Government of India. The sole objective of this government organization is to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. RS Sharma, Satish Chandra, Bipin Chandra and Arjun Dev are some renowned author who incorporated to design the NCERT books.

Build the basic concepts with NCERT

One cannot build a great building on a weak foundation. A solid foundation is a necessity to build a super-strong infrastructure.  This is applicable to aspirants those who are preparing for civil services. The NCERT books are considered as the basic reading books to build the base of the Civil Services Examination. It covers all topics which are important and gives us a crystal clear conceptual clarity. It guarantees that aspirants are no longer a beginner once you go through them thoroughly. Thus, NCERT Books additionally serve as a measure of performance evaluation and improvement.

Authenticity of information

The NCERT books are considered as a genuine source of information. These books are meticulously designed by experts and government officials after thorough research. As old NCERT is suggested for the civil service examination, the candidate should try to update the current data accordingly. NCERT books are the best source for the Civil Services Examination to develop a strong base in any subject.

Direct question from NCERT

From the inception itself, UPSC has asked many questions directly from the NCERT books. . If we analyze in detail, UPSC has asked some questions directly from NCERT books.

Example: In 2016, Civil Services Preliminary Examination, UPSC has asked more than 5 questions directly from NCERT books. Here are some questions from the General Studies Paper- I 2016.

1) In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

1. Eripatti : land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank.
2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3. Ghatikas : colleges generally attached to the temples.

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

a) 1 and 2

b) 3 only

c) 2 and 3

d) 1  and 3

2. With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to

a) Bonded labour

b) Land grants made to military officers

c) Waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

d) Wasteland converted to cultivated land

3. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynasty histories and epic tales was the profession of whom of the following?

a) Sharamana

b) Parivraajaka

c) Agrahaarika

d) Maagadha

4. Consider the following statements:

1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years.
2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Also, see: