Which Subjects Should I Study from Old NCERTs and New NCERTs for the UPSC Exam?

All aspirants planning to take the UPSC CSE are aware of the importance of NCERT books and newspapers. Because NCERTs use simple language and deliver information in a direct way, even complicated topics are easy for a novice to grasp. However, there is widespread confusion among aspirants as to whether the old NCERTs or the new NCERTs should be covered. In this post, we will dispel this doubt by delving into which subjects you can cover using old books and which require new ones.

Note– Before moving forward please note that you can get NCERT books- free PDF by clicking on the linked article.

Difference Between Old and New NCERTs

Before we tell you which subjects should be covered from the old NCERTs and which from the new, it is essential to know the distinction between the two. The old NCERTs are thought to be text-heavy, with more facts and figures. They place greater focus on covering as many things as possible and less attention to explanation. Many people, however, feel that the old NCERTs are typically to the point. As a result, these texts are typically recommended for covering History.

The new NCERTs, on the other hand, explain topics in a narrative style. They just do not concentrate on the facts and explain the complex topic in a clear manner. The new NCERTs include more graphics and figures than the old textbooks and use a subjective approach with long-drawn explanations. Like any new version of a book, the new textbooks feature the most recent and up-to-date data.

So it is up to the individual’s study style and approach to determine which books to read. But don’t forget that NCERTs do not cover the entire syllabus of the UPSC and are only used to build a strong foundation by clearing the basics.

Note– For more information on the Importance of NCERTs visit the given link.

Subjects to be covered from the Old NCERT Books

The detailed list of the subject and chapters to be covered from the Old NCERTs are given below:

History– As the subject is static and requires a coherent and chronological approach for better understanding, the old NCERTs are usually best preferred for covering history.

• Ancient India – RS Sharma (Class 11)
• Medieval India – Satish Chandra (Class 11)
• Modern India – Bipan Chandra (Class 11)

Economics–

• Old Economics NCERT for Class 11

This book provides an excellent description of the country’s historical economic development. It discusses the situation of the Indian economy before and after independence, as well as the country’s levels of poverty, hunger, and unemployment.

Subjects to be covered from the New NCERT Books

History– Along with the old books, the following new books must also be read for a complete understanding of the historical background. These textbooks have shown to be incredibly useful for students with backgrounds in commerce or science.

• History: NCERT Class 6 – Our Past – I
• History: NCERT Class 7 – Our Past – II
• History: NCERT Class 8 – Our Past III
• History: NCERT Class 9 – India and the Contemporary World – I
• History: NCERT Class 10 – India and the Contemporary World – II
• History: NCERT Class 11 – Themes in World History
• History: NCERT Class 12 – Themes in Indian History – I
• History: NCERT Class 12 – Themes in Indian History – II
• History: NCERT Class 12 – Themes in Indian History – III

Art and Culture– Sources for Art and Culture is the most asked about among aspirants. Many aspirants waste a lot of time reading various sources for this subject but still are not able to answer most of the questions asked in the exam. Below two NCERTs are very important sources for covering this subject as every topic is very extensively covered in these books.

• Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art
• Art & Culture: NCERT Class XI – Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)

Geography– It is important to understand Indian and world geography for scoring a good score in the exam. Maps and information about different climatic zones provided in new NCERT Geography books help in addressing many questions concerning geography.

• Geography: NCERT Class 6 – The Earth Our Habitat
• Geography: NCERT Class 7 – Our Environment
• Geography: NCERT Class 8 – Resource and Development
• Geography: NCERT Class 9 – Contemporary India – I
• Geography: NCERT Class 10– Contemporary India – II
• Geography: NCERT Class 11 – Fundamentals of Physical Geography
• Geography: NCERT Class 11 – India – Physical Environment
• Geography: NCERT Class 12 – Fundamentals of Human Geography
• Geography: NCERT Class 12 – India – People and Economy

Polity– Political Science is a very significant topic since it covers the country’s legal and basic components. The following NCERTs are important-

• Polity: NCERT Class 9 – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I
• Polity: NCERT Class 10 – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II
• Polity: NCERT Class 11 – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
• Polity: NCERT Class 11 – Political Science: Political Theory
• Polity: NCERT Class 12 – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics
• Polity: NCERT Class 12 – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence

Economics– The subject of the Indian Economy is essential since it encompasses both India’s present and previous economic features. Understanding its principles is critical for UPSC examinations. The following NCERTs need to be covered-

• Economy: NCERT Class 9 – Economics
• Economy: NCERT Class 10 – Understanding Economic Development
• Economy: NCERT Class 11 – Indian Economic Development
• Economy: NCERT Class 12 – Introductory Microeconomics
• Economy: NCERT Class 12 – Introductory Macroeconomics

Environment- Generally the Environment section is covered from current affairs but to understand the basics you can read the following chapter of the Biology Book:

• Science: Class 12 – Biology: last four Chapters 13 to 16

Science– In UPSC, having a good understanding of general science is essential. To be able to answer scientific and technology-related queries, you must consult NCERT science books, which cover a wide range of topics:

• Science: NCERT Class 6
• Science: NCERT Class 7
• Science: NCERT Class 8
• Science: NCERT Class 9
• Science: NCERT Class 10
• Science: NCERT Class 11 – Chemistry: Unit 14
• Science NCERT Class 11 – Biology: Units 4 & 5
• Science NCERT Class 12 – Chemistry Part II Unit 16
• Science: NCERT Class 12 – Biology: Units 8, 9 & 10

Society– Understanding the science underlying how society works is critical, especially if you want to join civil services. The following books can be used to get a better understanding of the subject:

• Indian Society: NCERT Class 6 – Social Science: Social & Political Life I
• Indian Society: NCERT Class 7 – Social Science: Social & Political Life II
• Indian Society: NCERT Class 8 – Social Science: Social & Political Life III
• Indian Society: NCERT Class 11 – Sociology: Understanding Society
• Indian Society: NCERT Class 12 – Indian Society
• Indian Society: NCERT Class 12 – Social Change and Development in India
• NCERT Class 11 – Sociology Book – Introducing Sociology
• NCERT Class 11 – Sociology Book – Understanding Society
• NCERT Class 12 – Sociology Book – Indian Society
• NCERT Class 12 – Sociology Book – Social Change and Development in India

Ethics– For preparing Ethics paper it is advised that you go through the following books to understand the basics of the subject:

• NCERT Class 11 Psychology
• NCERT Class 12 Psychology

We hope the above article helped you clear your doubts about choosing the right NCERTs for your preparation. For more articles related to this, follow BYJU’s.

Note– You can watch Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper by BYJU’S to augment your current affairs preparation.

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