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2024 UPSC Interview Preparation Guide: Recommended Books


The UPSC Personality Test (PT) is a 30-minute interview process used to choose the top candidates for positions in the IAS, IPS, IFS, etc. Any topic of popular interest may be asked in the interview. A well-prepared approach would greatly boost your confidence in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This will eventually assist you in receiving a high grade.

Reading books can be quite helpful when preparing for the UPSC interview. It broadens your horizons while also improving your language skills. To make it easy for aspirants, we created a UPSC book list that includes a detailed description of each book's features.

1. Interviews: The Last Hurdle – Unique Publishers

For candidates preparing for the UPSC CSE interview, the book Interviews: The Last Hurdle by Unique Publishers comes highly recommended. The purpose of the book is to help aspirants comprehend the interview phase of the UPSC selection process.The book also offers helpful advice on how to appear and communicate well during an interview. Chapters on tone of voice, body language, and how to establish rapport with the interview panel are included. This aids candidates in leaving a good impression on the interview panel

This book also offers advice and methods for answering challenging queries to candidates. Chapters in the book cover how to respond to hypothetical inquiries, inquiries about current events, and inquiries about the candidate's past and much more.

2. Crack Civil Services in First Attempt – Divey Sethi IRS

For candidates getting ready for the UPSC CSE interview, Divey Sethi IRS's Crack Civil Services in First Attempt is a helpful reference. This book offers a step-by-step manual for passing the UPSC exam the first time, along with advice, tactics, and personal insights from the author.

The UPSC test schedule, syllabus, and selection process are some of the topics that are covered in the book. Chapters on time management, efficient study methods, and interview preparation are also included. This information is crucial for aspirants since it enables them to create a planned and efficient strategy for their UPSC preparation.

The author, an IRS officer, offers advice on interview preparation as well as personal experiences. Since the interview phase is so important to the UPSC selection process, aspirants must have this understanding.

The book also offers helpful advice on how to control stress and anxiety while preparing for the UPSC. The chapters on mindfulness, meditation, and positive thinking might aid candidates in maintaining their motivation and attention during their UPSC preparation.

3. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

Bipan Chandra's India's Struggle for Independence is a crucial read for anyone getting ready for the UPSC CSE interview. It covers the years 1857 to 1947 of India's independence war. therefore outlining the main people and events that contributed to the nation's freedom.

The book India's Battle for Freedom is crucial reading for UPSC test candidates. It provides a thorough overview of India's experiences under colonial rule as well as the events that led to its freedom. Additionally, it discusses topics like the Quit India Movement, the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, the 1857 uprising, and the INC.

A fantastic resource for learning about the country's struggle for independence, it also briefly examines the outstanding personalities of the pioneers who fought ardently for India's freedom.

4. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

M. Laxmikanth's Indian Polity is a thorough and interesting book that is highly recommended for UPSC candidates preparing for the CSE interview. It discusses the entire Indian political system, including the Indian Constitution and governance. Here are some of the reasons why this book is essential for UPSC interview prep.

To begin, Laxminkanth's book provides a thorough comprehension of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, it discusses the Constitution, its aspects, and the concepts upon which it is founded. Aspirants must be familiar with the Constitution because questions concerning it are commonly asked during the UPSC interview.

Second, it includes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Indian government. It also discusses the roles and functions of various organs, as well as their interrelation. It is critical because it explains how the Indian government operates.

Third, it addresses the several levels of governance in India, namely the central, state, and local governments. It also outlines their strengths, capabilities, and relationship with one another. This information is critical for candidates because it helps them understand the complexities of the Indian political structure.

Finally, it addresses many public issues such as education, health, and well-being. It also discusses the goal of  laws, how they are implemented, and how they affect Indian citizens.

5. Indian Economy By Ramesh Singh

Ramesh Singh's Indian Economy is a must-read for UPSC aspirants preparing for the interview stage. It provides a thorough grasp of the Indian economy, including its history, current situation, and future prospects. Aspirants must have this understanding because the UPSC frequently asks questions regarding the economy at the interview stage.

One of the book's key advantages is that it covers a variety of topics related to the Indian economy. It includes macroeconomics and microeconomics, as well as banking, money, and taxation. The book also discusses important topics such as inflation, poverty, and economic reforms. This information is critical for applicants because it helps them understand the Indian economy and how it works.

The book also provides valuable insights into the governmental authority's economic policies and their impact on the Indian economy. It recalls sections for the Union budget, Five-Year Plans, and New Economic policies. Aspirants must have this understanding because the UPSC frequently asks questions on the government's economic policies during the interview stage.

Another benefit of reading this book is that it provides aspirants with a comprehensive understanding of the Indian economy. It includes both theoretical and practical topics such as economic indicators, statistics, and case studies. Aspirants benefit from this knowledge since it allows them to apply theoretical principles to real-world settings.