The preparation required for competitive exams such as UPSC, State PSCs like TSPSC, TNPSC, APPSC or SSC or any other recruitment tests by the government is not just determination but also some savvy work. And it starts with choosing the correct study materials. With a wealth of information available among the most frequent dilemmas faced by applicants is whether to use book from NCERT or dive straight into the standard reference books..
Selecting the best collection of books can greatly impact your study for your journey. NCERTs are renowned for their simplicity in their conceptual clarity and user-friendly design, making the perfect choice for building the foundation for a solid foundation. However traditional reference books offer extensive coverage and are designed to meet the needs of exam specifics specifically for more advanced stages such as the Mains.
The debate- between NCERTs as opposed to. Standard Books–is more than simply a matter of personal preference. It can affect the way you understand core concepts, your capability to create analytical responses as well as your retention when you revise. Knowing when and how you should make use of each kind of resource could change your plan of preparation.
In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages, differences, and best scenarios for NCERTs as well as standard books, helping you make an informed choice depending on the stage you are in preparation and the goals of your exam.
What Are NCERT Books?
NCERT (National Council for Education Research and Training) books are textbooks that are recommended for Indian schoolchildren from classes 6-12. Written by subject matter experts and examined by academic panels, NCERTs provide a solid conceptual basis in subjects such as History, Geography, Economics, Science, and Political Science.
The books are renowned for their easy language, well-structured content and the logical progression of subjects. NCERTs reduce complex subjects to the bare essentials and are perfect for students who are just beginning. The content is clear precise, reliable, and free of factual mistakes that is why they are frequently described as” the Bible for UPSC preliminary exams and other state-level tests.
For pdf of ncerts books here is the official link : https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php
For those who want to start at the beginning, NCERTs offer an entry point that is low-barrier to grasping complicated subjects in a straightforward and reliable method.
What Are Standard Books?
The standard reference books go beyond the basics, and provide deep analysis, advanced concepts and exam-focused information. They are written to be geared towards competitive exams and can help candidates score well in both the prelims and mains.
Common examples include:
- Laxmikant for Indian Polity :
- Spectrum for Modern Indian History
- GC Leong for Physical Geography
- Ramesh Singh for Indian Economy
They provide detailed explanations and case studies, as well as previous year’s exams, and exercises–essential elements for Mains answering writing and Prelims Mock-questionnaires. The majority of toppers utilize a mix of NCERTs to build their foundation and standard textbooks for more depth and revision.
Key Differences: NCERT vs Standard Books
To prepare for the exam: NCERTs aid by providing factual clarity and fundamental MCQs.
To be used for the mains exam: standard texts give the structure and depth necessary for analytic answers.
- History: Begin by studying NCERTs (Class 6-12) and then progress to Spectrum.
- Geography: NCERT + GC Leong.
- Polity: NCERT (Class 9-12) + Laxmikant.
- Economy: NCERT (Class 11-12) + Ramesh Singh or Sanjeev Verma.
When should you begin with NCERTs?
The best time to start your preparation is by studying NCERTs, particularly if you’re either a new or returning aspirant. They can help you develop a solid knowledge of:
- Fundamentals
- Chronology in History
- Geospatial processes
- The basic economic and political frameworks
Recommended NCERT Classes by Subject:
- History: Class 6 to 12
- Geography: Class 6 to 12
- Polity: Class 9 to 12
- Economics: Class 9 to 12
- Sciences (basic understanding) Class 6 to 10
Once you’ve completed NCERTs, you can move on to the standard book for more in-depth preparation.
When Are Standard Books Essential?
The standard books are indispensable:
- If you’re looking to write a well-structured, analytical Mains responses
- For advanced understanding and integration of various subjects.
- To keep up-to-date with the latest cases and research
- For practice with PYQs and mock tests based on real exam patterns
They also cover subjects which NCERTs haven’t touched including federalism in depth as well as current affairs integration and reforms to the policy framework.
Can You Skip NCERTs and Still Succeed?
While experienced students might begin with standard textbooks but skipping NCERTs can be risky particularly for novices. The standard books assume a prior understanding of fundamental concepts. If you don’t have NCERTs, you could struggle to understand and could end up learning instead of comprehending.
Toppers’ Approach:
- The majority of UPSC/PSC toppers suggest beginning with NCERTs first, and then moving onto standard books.
- Some students make use of NCERTs as quick revising aids owing to their simplicity and conciseness.
Recommended Reading Sequence
Here’s a subject-wise reading sequence to help you understand the material better and cut down on time:
History:
NCERT (6-12) – Spectrum Modern India
Geography:
NCERT (6-12) – GC Leong + Atlas
Polity:
NCERT (9-12) – M. Laxmikanth
Economy:
NCERT (11-12) – Ramesh Singh/Sanjeev Verma
Environment:
NCERT (Science 6-10) – Shankar IAS Book
Science & Tech:
NCERT (6-10) Essential current information on current affairs
Time-Saving Tips:
- Make sure you only study important chapters to prepare for competitive exams.
- Make use of summary notes or compilations for NCERTs if you’re limited on time.
- Combine current events with regular books while reading
Conclusion :
The right study material is among the most important choices in the preparation for competitive exams. While both NCERT and traditional reference books have an important role to play, knowing the best way to utilize the right ones can make a massive impact on your achievement.
NCERTs are a great way to build solid conceptual foundations particularly for those who are new to the subject. Their straightforward language and well-organized content helps students grasp complicated topics without confusion. For examinations such as UPSC, TSPSC, or APPSC NCERTs are the foundation for subjects such as History Geography Polity Economics, as well as Geography.
But, as the preparation process progresses, standard books become important. Books such as Laxmikant, Spectrum, GC Leong along with Ramesh Singh offer in-depth knowledge of analytical insight, as well as exam-oriented material that is essential for answering questions on the Mains exam and passing Prelims with ease.
The best strategy would be not to select which one to take over instead, but to combine both in a strategic manner. Start with NCERTs and master the basics, then switch to standard textbooks to gain a deeper understanding. This ensures full coverage, higher retention, and higher odds of success.
In essence, NCERTs are the base, and regular books are the foundations. Together in combination, they aid your entire journey to prepare.