What should I start reading if I want to attempt the UPSC exam

If you're preparing for the UPSC exam, it's essential to build a strong foundation by reading the right materials. Here's a comprehensive list of what you should start reading:

1. NCERT Books: Start with NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks from classes 6 to 12 for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Environment. These books provide a solid foundation and cover the basic concepts essential for the UPSC exam.

2. Basic Reference Books: After going through NCERT books, you can move on to more advanced reference books for each subject. Some recommended ones include:

   • History: 'India's Struggle for Independence' by Bipan Chandra, 'History of Modern India' by Bipan Chandra, 'A Brief History of Modern India' by Rajiv Ahir.
   • Geography: 'Certificate Physical and Human Geography' by Goh Cheng Leong, 'Geography of India' by Majid Husain.
   • Polity: 'Indian Polity' by M. Laxmikanth, 'Introduction to the Constitution of India' by D.D. Basu.
   • Economy: 'Indian Economy' by Ramesh Singh, 'Economic Survey' by Government of India.
   • Science and Technology: 'Science and Technology' by Ravi Agrahari, 'Science and Technology in India' by Kalpana Rajaram.
   • Environment and Ecology: 'Environment: Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change' by Majid Husain, 'Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure' by R.Rajagopalan.

3. Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers like 'The Hindu', 'Indian Express', and magazines like 'Yojana', 'Kurukshetra', and 'Frontline'. Also, follow reliable online sources for daily news updates and analysis.

4. UPSC Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous years' question papers is crucial to understand the exam pattern, question types, and to practice time management. You can find these papers on the UPSC official website or other reliable sources.

5. General Studies Manuals: Refer to general studies manuals for comprehensive coverage of all subjects. Some popular ones include 'General Studies Paper 1' and 'General Studies Paper 2' by Arihant Publications, 'GS Manual' by Pearson.

6. Optional Subject Material: If you've chosen an optional subject, refer to standard textbooks and materials recommended for that subject.

7. Government Reports and Documents: Familiarize yourself with important government reports, documents, and policies related to various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, economy, and environment.

8. Supplementary Reading: Apart from the above, you can also explore additional reading materials, articles, journals, and online resources to deepen your understanding of specific topics and stay updated with recent developments.

Remember to make concise notes while reading and revise regularly to reinforce your learning. Also, focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization. Good luck with your UPSC preparation!