How to Study NCERTs for UPSC: A Step-by-Step Guide
NCERT books form the foundation for UPSC preparation. Covering them effectively ensures strong conceptual clarity for Prelims and Mains. Here’s the best strategy to study NCERTs for UPSC.
1. Which NCERTs to Read?
📌 History: 6th-12th NCERTs (Themes in Indian History, Our Past, etc.)
📌 Geography: 6th-12th NCERTs (Fundamentals of Physical Geography, India: Physical Environment, etc.)
📌 Polity: 11th & 12th NCERTs (Indian Constitution at Work, Political Theory)
📌 Economy: 11th & 12th NCERTs (Introductory Macroeconomics & Microeconomics)
📌 Science & Tech: 6th-10th NCERTs (Basic science concepts)
📌 Sociology: 11th & 12th NCERTs (Understanding Society, Social Change & Development in India)
📌 Environment: Class 12 Biology (Relevant Chapters), ICSE Books for Basics
2. How to Read NCERTs Effectively?
⏳ Time Required: 3-4 months for a thorough reading
✅ Start from Class 6: Read progressively to build concepts.
✅ Focus on Conceptual Clarity: NCERTs provide a basic yet strong foundation.
✅ Highlight Key Points: Underline important terms, definitions, and events.
✅ Avoid Rote Learning: Understand the logic behind concepts.
✅ Link Topics to Current Affairs: Relate NCERT concepts to newspaper readings.
3. How to Make Notes from NCERTs?
✍️ Use Bullet Points: Summarize key concepts.
✍️ Create Mind Maps & Flowcharts: Useful for Geography, History & Polity.
✍️ Make Subject-Wise Notes: Keep separate notebooks for different subjects.
✍️ Use Simple Language: Ensure easy revision.
✍️ Revise Regularly: Weekly and monthly revisions boost retention.
4. Prioritizing NCERTs for Prelims & Mains
🎯 For Prelims: Focus on factual details (dates, locations, definitions).
🎯 For Mains: Emphasize conceptual understanding & interlinking subjects.
🎯 For Essay & Ethics: Use real-life examples & case studies from NCERTs.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping Old NCERTs: Some old editions have better explanations (especially History).
❌ Reading Without Making Notes: Handwritten notes save time in revision.
❌ Jumping Directly to Standard Books: Read NCERTs first before Laxmikanth, Spectrum, etc.
❌ Ignoring Maps & Diagrams: Essential for Geography & Environment.
Final Thoughts
NCERTs are the backbone of UPSC preparation. Cover them systematically, make concise notes, and revise regularly. With UPSC ElitePrep Digital Notes, you get exam-focused, well-structured study material to simplify your preparation.
📩 Need help? Contact us at upsceliteprep@gmail.com.
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