Vajiram and Ravi book list | Best Books for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains

Vajiram & Ravi is a well-known coaching institute for civil services exam preparation. Vajiram and Ravi recommend several book list for both UPSC Prelims and Mains. Here are some key books from their list:

1. Vajiram and Ravi book list For UPSC Prelims:

History:

• NCERT 11th Ancient and Medieval: These NCERT textbooks cover ancient and medieval Indian history. They provide a foundational understanding of historical events, cultures, and societies.
• NCERT 12th Modern Indian History: This book focuses on modern Indian history, including the colonial period, independence movement, and post-independence developments.
• Vajiram & Ravi Ancient History Yellow Book list: Vajiram & Ravi study material specifically covers ancient Indian history in detail.
• Vajiram & Ravi Medieval History Yellow Book list: Similar to the ancient history book, this one delves into medieval Indian history.
• Vajiram & Ravi Modern History book list: This book provides comprehensive coverage of modern Indian history.

Geography:

• NCERT VI-X (Old Syllabus): These NCERT books cover geography topics. They are essential for building a strong foundation.
• NCERT XI, XII (New Syllabus): The new syllabus NCERT books continue the geography study.
• World Atlas (Orient Black Swan): An atlas is crucial for understanding global geography.
• Vajiram & Ravi Indian Geography book list: This book focuses on India’s geographical aspects.

Polity:

• NCERT IX-XII: These NCERT books cover Indian polity and governance.
• Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth: A comprehensive book on Indian constitutional and political systems.
• Vajiram & Ravi Indian Polity book list Part 1 and Part 2: Vajiram & Ravi own study material on polity.

Economics:

• Vajiram & Ravi Indian Economy book list: Detailed coverage of Indian economy-related topics.
• Concepts of Economy: A fundamental understanding of economic concepts.
• Indian Economy” by Nitin Singhania: A recommended book for in-depth study.

Science & Technology:

• Vajiram & Ravi Science & Technology book list.

2. Vajiram and Ravi book list for UPSC Mains (General Studies Paper 1):

History, Indian Heritage & Culture:

• “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma: A scholarly work on ancient Indian history.
• “India after Independence” by Bipan Chandra: Covers post-independence India.
• “History of Medieval India” by Satish Chandra: Detailed medieval history.
• “Indian Art and Culture” by Nitin Singhania: Focuses on art, architecture, and culture.
• “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra: Examines the freedom struggle.
• Vajiram & Ravi book list World History: Covers global historical events.

Remember that these books serve as valuable study material, but it’s essential to complement them with consistent practice, current affairs, and mock tests. Additionally, NCERT books are essential for building a strong foundation, and you can find them categorized by subject with download links on Vajiram & Ravi’s website.

Vajiram and Ravi NCERT Book list For UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains

Vajiram & Ravi recommends specific NCERT book list for UPSC preparation. These books serve as a strong foundation for General Studies subjects. Let’s explore the subject-wise list:

1. Social Science (Sociology and Governance):

• NCERT Class VI: “Social & Political Life I”
• NCERT Class VII: “Social & Political Life II”
• NCERT Class VIII: “Social & Political Life III”
• NCERT Class XI: “Understanding Society”
• NCERT Class XII: “Indian Society” and “Social Change and Development in India”

2. History:

• NCERT Class VI: “Our Past – I”
• NCERT Class VII: “Our Past – II”
• NCERT Class VIII: “Our Past – III”

Remember that these books provide clarity, cover essential syllabus topics, and contribute to a holistic understanding of various subjects crucial for the UPSC exam.

Vajiram and Ravi book list for UPSC Optional Subjects

The UPSC optional subject book list provided by Vajiram & Ravi includes 48 subjects. Candidates must choose only one optional subject for Papers 6 and 7 in the Mains exam, each carrying 250 marks. Vajiram & Ravi offers coaching for various optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Here are some of the optional subjects along with their recommended books:

1. Anthropology:

• “Physical Anthropology” by P. Nath
• “Social Anthropology” by M. N. Srinivas
• “An Introduction to Social Anthropology” by D.N. Majumdar

2. Geography:

• “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by Goh Cheng Leong
• “Geography of India” by Majid Husain
• “Oxford School Atlas” by Oxford University Press

3. Commerce and Accountancy:

• “Financial Accounting” by T.S. Grewal
• “Cost Accounting” by M.N. Arora
• “Business Environment” by Justin Paul

4. Economics:

• “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
• “Macroeconomics” by Dornbusch and Fischer
• “Microeconomics” by Pindyck and Rubinfeld

5. Philosophy:

• “A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy” by C.D. Sharma
• “Contemporary Western Philosophy” by Frank Thilly
• “Ethics” by Aristotle

6. History:

This subject covers India’s cultural heritage, ancient and medieval history, and modern Indian history. It includes topics like the Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan and Gupta periods, Mughal Empire, and the freedom struggle.

Key books include “India’s Ancient Past” by R.S. Sharma and “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra.

7. Geography:

Geography encompasses physical geography (landforms, climate, etc.), human geography (population, migration, etc.), and environmental geography (ecosystems, natural resources).

Recommended books include “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by G.C. Leong and “Oxford School Atlas”.

8. Public Administration:

This subject focuses on governance, administrative theories, and public policy.

Key books are “Public Administration: Concepts and Theories” by Rumki Basu and “New Horizons of Public Administration” by Mohit Bhattacharya.

9. Political Science and International Relations:

It explores political ideologies, Indian politics, international relations, and global issues.

Books like “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth and “Introduction to the Constitution of India” by D.D. Basu are essential.

10. Sociology:

Sociology studies social structures, institutions, and dynamics. Topics include family, religion, caste, and social change.

Recommended books are “Sociology: Themes and Perspectives” by Haralambos and Holborn and “Indian Society” by Ram Ahuja.

Remember to choose an optional subject based on your interest, background, and availability of study materials.

Benefits of using best books for UPSC preparation

Using best books for UPSC preparation offers several benefits:

1. Extensive Information: Standard books provide a wealth of information necessary to handle General Studies Papers and Essays. Authored by renowned experts, these books offer in-depth insights into various topics.
2. Updated Content: Standard books are tailored to the UPSC syllabus, ensuring that you study relevant and up-to-date material. They cover the latest trends and developments in their respective fields.
3. Structured Approach: Books for UPSC Mains provide in-depth knowledge of the diverse syllabus. They offer a structured approach to learning, helping you understand complex concepts.
4. Comprehensive Coverage: Good UPSC books cover the entire syllabus, allowing you to gain a thorough understanding of each subject. They serve as invaluable resources for both prelims and mains examinations.
5. Practice Questions: Many books include practice questions and previous years’ papers, aiding exam practice.
6. Time Efficiency: Good books save time by presenting relevant material concisely.

Remember to choose books that resonate with your learning style and preferences. While Vajiram and Ravi book list are valuable, supplement them with current affairs, mock tests, and revision.

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