Strategy to Read NCERTs for UPSC Exam

Strategy to Read NCERTs for UPSC Exam: Despite its prestige, job security, social status, and monthly payout, the UPSC exam is undeniably India’s most challenging exam, requiring immense preparation and determination. To begin their journey, aspiring candidates often turn to the NCERTs as their starting point, considering them to be the best books to rely on. However, the question remains: what is the correct strategy for reading these NCERTs?

Reading NCERT textbooks is an essential part of the UPSC exam preparation, especially for the Prelims and Mains. Here’s a Strategy to Read NCERTs for UPSC Exam:

1. Start Early: Begin reading NCERTs early in your preparation, ideally six months to a year before the exam. It will give you enough time to cover all the topics thoroughly.
2. Know the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the UPSC syllabus to identify which NCERT books are relevant for each subject. NCERTs are available for various subjects, including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Science.
3. Select Standard NCERTs: Focus on reading the standard NCERT textbooks published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. Avoid outdated or non-standard books as the content may not be aligned with the UPSC requirements.
4. Read Gradually: Don’t rush through the textbooks. Take one subject at a time and read it gradually, chapter by chapter. Understand the concepts and make notes as you go along.
5. Use Highlighters: While reading, use highlighters to mark important points, facts, and concepts. This will make it easier to revise later.
6. Make Notes: Create concise notes while reading NCERTs. Summarize important points, facts, and dates. These notes will be valuable during quick revisions.
7. Focus on Understanding: The primary goal of reading NCERTs is to build a strong foundation of concepts and understanding. Avoid rote learning and try to grasp the underlying principles.
8. Cross-Reference with Current Affairs: Relate the concepts you read in NCERTs to current affairs and contemporary issues. This will help you connect static knowledge with real-world scenarios.
9. Use Additional Reference Books (if needed): If you find a topic not adequately covered in NCERTs or require more insights, refer to standard reference books for that subject. However, don’t go overboard with multiple sources.
10. Revise Regularly: Regularly revise the topics you have covered. Repetition is crucial for long-term retention.