Preparing for the UPSC exam necessitates a targeted strategy, and one of the most important components is reading the appropriate materials. We have created a list of the top ten must-read books for UPSC test preparation to spare candidates from wasting time on useless content. These books are highly recommended for both the UPSC Mains and Prelims, and we will give you a brief summary of each one and why it is important for the exam.

1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth is a widely acclaimed book that has become a bestseller among aspirants preparing for various competitive exams, especially the civil services examination. This book is a great starting point to get acquainted with the subject of polity. Although it may not guarantee excellent marks or teach you how to think critically about Indian Polity, reading it will give you a solid foundation and help you make sense of the subject.

2. Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu: Written by D.D. Basu, this groundbreaking work provides a deep understanding of the Indian Polity and Constitution. It is highly regarded for its thought-provoking content, which sparks readers' curiosity and interest in the subject. This book goes beyond listing events and delves into the evolution of the Constitution and important constitutional issues, making it essential for well-argued answers in the UPSC exam.

3. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh: Ramesh Singh's Indian Economy is a comprehensive textbook that covers all topics in the UPSC Preliminary and Main syllabus. It has been a bestselling book for many years due to its quality content. One notable advantage of this book is its comprehensive Table of Contents, which serves as valuable skeleton notes for revision purposes. It provides a quick reference guide to the book's contents and facilitates effective study.

4. India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra: Bipan Chandra's India's Struggle for Independence is a comprehensive book that covers modern Indian history from the Indian Revolt in 1857 to the period after independence in 1947. This book offers a lucid account of India's freedom struggle and goes beyond listing events. It provides structured insights into how historical events shaped the struggle, making it indispensable for well-informed answers in the UPSC exam.

5. NCERT Books: NCERT books are essential for UPSC test preparation since they provide a solid foundation and intellectual clarity. Because they are written in basic, straightforward language, these books are accessible to aspirants from all backgrounds. NCERT books are vital for developing a solid knowledge basis because they are regularly referred to in the UPSC exam, either directly or indirectly. It is recommended to begin with the essential NCERT books for grades 6-12 for disciplines such as history, geography, economics, political science, and science.

6. Ramachandra Guha's India After Gandhi: Ramachandra Guha's book, India After Gandhi is a well-known book that provides a detailed analysis of India's political and social history following independence. By examining a number of major historical events and situations, it gives valuable light on the complexity of modern India and the continuous battle for democracy, development, and social justice.

7. Goh Cheng Leong: Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong is regarded as one of the most valuable books for UPSC  aspirants. It covers a wide range of topics in straightforward language and is supplemented by photographs, illustrations, and maps. In spite of its popularity among UPSC aspirants, it should not be used as the sole source of geography preparation.

8. A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir: Throughout Rajiv Ahir's book, major events in Indian history are covered, starting with the decline of the Mughal empire and concluding with independence in 1947. By presenting historical events in a simple timeline, the chronology of events can be better understood.

9. Economic Survey: The Ministry of Finance's Economic Survey is a credible and up-to-date source of information on India's economy. It covers a wide range of issues, including problems, government policies, and performance, and it provides useful information for UPSC exam preparation. For the most up-to-date information, purchase the most recent edition corresponding to the exam year.

10. Majid Hussain- Indian Geography: Majid Hussain's book on Indian Geography is a well-known and authoritative resource. Natural resources, irrigation, farming patterns, transportation, and food security are among the themes covered. Each topic is discussed in simple language and illustrated by diagrams for easy comprehension.

Bottomline:

 For UPSC exam preparation, these ten books are highly suggested. They cover a wide range of topics including politics, history, economics, geography, and more. Aspirants will obtain enough knowledge from reading these books to adequately tackle the UPSC curriculum. To improve your preparation, supplement these books with other appropriate study materials and practise answering past years' question papers.