Best Reference Websites for UPSC IAS Exam

There are numerous reference sites for UPSC IAS Exams, cited by many websites and many people. However, if one is planning to clear the UPSC Civil Service Examination then one should concentrate on think-tank websites.

What are Think Tanks?

Think tanks are also known as policy institutes or research institutes that perform research on wide-ranging topics like economics, military, social policy, technology, international relations, laws, public policy etc.

Also numerous think-tanks in India are there of National and International repute. Each think-tank works on different areas and they have articles written by subject matter experts. These think-tanks have the ability to think like the Government, understand them better and are able to identify and provide solutions to the obstacles faced by the Government. After all, the aim of UPSC is to identify and select candidates who can help the Government solve the problems faced by this nation. List of some of the most famous think-tanks is listed below.

Aspirants would find this topic very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam.

Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) – DG Appointed by Committee Chaired by Prime Minister

Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) has been recently renamed as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in a tribute to the former Defence Minister of India Manohar Parrikar. This is the most reputed think-tank of India which is even recognized globally for its credibility. This is a think-tank with the ability to influence Government Decision making. UPSC Civil Service exam aspirants should read the articles published by IDSA without fail on a daily basis. This is the only think-tank in India whose Director General (DG) is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister of India. The reports generated by this institute are tabled at the Parliament of India. Hence a civil service aspirant can gauge the importance that must be given to the articles published by MP-IDSA while preparing for UPSC Civil Service Examination. 

The Website of MP-IDSA (www.idsa.in)

Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS)

This is a think-tank established in 1996. They carry out extensive research on topics related to regional conflicts, nuclear issues, internal security. This is another popular website which acts as a source of information and analyses for candidates who successfully clear the UPSC civil service examination.

Website of IPCS (www.ipcs.org)

Centre for Policy Research (CPR)

This is one of the leading think-tanks which is recognized by an advisory body of the Government of India. Hence serious UPSC Civil Service Examination aspirants must give their due attention to the analyses provided by CPR on topics related to Economic Development, Law & Society, Urbanization & Infrastructure, Internal and External Security, Governance.

Website of CPR (www.cprindia.org)

PRS Legislative Research

This is a leading think-tank that does its research work on Indian Legislative Process. This think tank was established in the year 2005. UPSC Civil Service exam aspirants will get excellent analyses on all the bills passed and policies made by the Government. 

Website of PRS Legislative Research (www.prsindia.org)

The most important point that candidates must note is that don’t overburden yourself with too many sources for information. Diligently following the above-mentioned websites of high credibility will not only help you clear the examination, but also put yourself in a better position to clear the UPSC Civil Service exam with flying colours, due to the value addition a candidate can attain from the analyses provided by the above-mentioned websites. Please note, UPSC is more interested to understand a candidates ability to analyse the topics.

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2022.

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