Preparing for the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPCS) examination requires a well-structured approach and access to the best study resources. With a vast syllabus covering multiple subjects, selecting the right books is crucial to ensure a strong foundation and conceptual clarity. This guide provides a comprehensive list of authoritative books for UPPCS preparation, covering Prelims, Mains, and optional subjects. Additionally, it includes strategic tips on how to effectively use these resources to maximize success.
Understanding the UPPCS Exam Structure
Before diving into book recommendations, it is essential to understand the UPPCS exam pattern. The selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination – Objective type
- Mains Examination – Descriptive type
- Interview (Personality Test)
Each stage requires a different approach and specific study materials to ensure thorough preparation.
Best Books for UPPCS Preliminary Examination
The Prelims stage consists of two papers:
- General Studies Paper 1 (Merit-based)
- General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) (Qualifying in nature; requires 33% marks)
General Studies Paper 1 Books
This paper covers subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, General Science, and Current Affairs. Below are the best books for each subject:
- History
- Ancient History: “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma (NCERT & Old NIOS)
- Medieval History: “Medieval India” by Satish Chandra (NCERT)
- Modern History: “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum Publications
- Indian & World Geography
- “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by G.C. Leong
- NCERT Geography Textbooks (Class 6-12)
- “Oxford Student Atlas” for map-based questions
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth (Most Recommended)
- “Introduction to the Constitution of India” by D.D. Basu (For advanced concepts)
- Economy
- “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
- “Economic Survey of India” (Latest Edition)
- “Budget Highlights” (Annual government report)
- Environment & Ecology
- “Environment” by Shankar IAS Academy
- NCERT Biology (Class 12 Chapters on Ecology)
- Government Reports on Environment Policies
- General Science & Technology
- NCERT Science Textbooks (Class 6-10)
- “Science and Technology” by Ravi P. Agrahari
- ISRO and DRDO Reports (for space and defense-related topics)
- Current Affairs
- Newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express
- Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra, Pratiyogita Darpan
- Government Reports & PIB Updates
General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) Books
CSAT tests logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, comprehension, and decision-making skills. The best books for CSAT preparation include:
- “CSAT Paper II” by Arihant Publications
- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey
- “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma
- “Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal
- Previous Year’s CSAT Question Papers
Best Books for UPPCS Mains Examination
The Mains exam is descriptive and requires in-depth knowledge of subjects. The paper structure includes:
- Essay
- General Hindi & Hindi Essay
- General Studies Papers 1-4
- Optional Subject (Two Papers)
Books for General Hindi & Essay Writing
- “Samanya Hindi” by Lucent
- “Samanya Hindi Evam Nibandh” by Arihant
- “Essays for Civil Services” by Pulkit Khare
General Studies Paper 1 (History, Geography, Society, Culture of UP & India)
- History:
- “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum
- “History of Medieval India” by Satish Chandra
- Geography:
- “Certificate Physical Geography” by G.C. Leong
- NCERT Geography Books
- Society & Culture:
- “Indian Society” by Ram Ahuja
- “Uttar Pradesh Ek Parichay” by R. C. Gupta (For UP-specific knowledge)
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, International Relations, Social Justice)
- Polity & Governance: “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
- Social Justice & Welfare Schemes: Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazines
- International Relations: “India’s Foreign Policy” by Rajiv Sikri
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy, Science & Tech, Environment, Security Issues)
- Economy: “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
- Science & Tech: “Science & Technology” by Ravi P. Agrahari
- Environment: “Environment” by Shankar IAS
- Security Issues: “Internal Security & Disaster Management” by Ashok Kumar
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
- “Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude” by G. Subba Rao & P.N. Roy Chowdhury
- “Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude” by Chronicle
Books for Optional Subjects
UPPCS allows candidates to choose one optional subject. The recommended books depend on the subject. Some popular choices and their best resources include:
- Public Administration: “Public Administration” by M. Laxmikanth
- Geography: “Geography of India” by Majid Hussain
- History: “A History of Ancient & Early Medieval India” by Upinder Singh
- Political Science: “Political Theory” by O.P. Gauba
- Sociology: “Sociology” by Haralambos & Holborn
Best Books for UPPCS Interview Preparation
The interview round tests personality, confidence, and current affairs knowledge. Some useful resources include:
- “Mock Interviews for Civil Services” by Arihant
- “How to Excel in Civil Services Interview” by Madhukar Bhagat
- Regular Newspaper Reading (The Hindu, Indian Express)
- Watching RSTV and Lok Sabha TV discussions
How to Effectively Use These Books?
Simply collecting books is not enough; aspirants must follow a strategic study plan:
- Start with NCERTs: Build conceptual clarity with NCERT books before moving to advanced sources.
- Make Notes: Summarize key points to revise quickly before the exam.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Analyze patterns and understand the type of questions asked.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to assess preparation levels.
- Revise Multiple Times: The UPPCS syllabus is vast, so revision is essential to retain information.
Conclusion
Selecting the right books is the first step towards success in UPPCS. With the right resources and a disciplined study approach, candidates can build a strong foundation and improve their chances of clearing the exam. The books listed above are some of the most recommended resources by toppers and experts. Following a structured preparation strategy and using these books efficiently will help aspirants achieve their dream of becoming a UPPCS officer.
