Note: Post updated in January 2013 with latest books.
The new CSAT Prelims syllabus from 2011 onwards focuses on the basics, logical analysis, and requires candidates to be well versed with the fundamentals rather than focussing solely on current affairs to see them through the IAS Prelims. Keeping this in mind I’ve listed the relevant books for CSAT Prelims so you make optimal use of available time with the most recommended books for Prelims CSAT.
Note: All the books mentioned on this page have been tried by me or highly recommended by fellow aspirants. Also I am constantly adding books to cover the entire syllabus gradually so keep visiting this page often. This page contains links to pages where you can purchase the books online. Wherever possible I have listed the current and previous year’s edition of current affairs related books.
Pictorial Representation
All the books for IAS prelims. Click on the image for more information about the book.
Books for CSAT Paper 1
Before reading any other books get the past 5 years Solved Section-wise Question Papers and IAS Syllabus as these are your best friends and constant companions throughout your IAS exam journey. These two reference books will save a lot of valuable time and effort as you start preparing for the Prelims so be sure to get the solved section-wise questions papers and the IAS syllabus.
General Studies Manual (GS Manual)
When starting out with prelims preparation it is a must to have a GS manual with you. What is a GS manual? Well it is a all-in-one book for civil services prelims covering all the topics like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Mental Ability, Facts, and more. It is very useful for finding all information at one place. Also many times the standard books do not contain information, especially the latest ones. For this the GS manual is very handy.
There are many GS manual available in the market but I recommend Tata McGraw Hill’s (TMH) GS Manual for prelims. Read my comprehensive review of TMH GS and CSAT Manuals.
I think the information provided in TMH GS manual is up-to date, relevant and of high quality. Also the maps in the Geography section are very good for understanding the concepts. Language used is simple to grasp and its General Knowledge section is quite good. Good part is some discounts on the cover price are available.
Manorama Year Book
A good Year Book is must for IAS Prelims preparation. If you analyze the past 4 years GS papers you will find that minimum 15 question each year have appeared from General Knowledge based Year Books. I and many successful civil services candidates refer to Manorama Year Book. The best sections in MYB are the World profile with information on all countries, recent happenings. The Gk section is exceptional with many facts, data, recent news, awards, etc Other thing to read in MYB is the 500 or so Questions section. I have noticed that even if you just look at those questions in passing you will be benefited greatly in the Prelims as 3-4 questions come from just this section in the IAS Prelims. Discount on the cover price is also available.
Book for Indian Polity
As seasoned civil services aspirants are aware there are three books widely referred for Indian Polity, An Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu, Our Constitution by Subhash Kashyap, and India’s Constitution by MV Pylee. Of the three books I always recommend Our Constitution by Subhash Kashyap as the language used is very simple to grasp even by someone who is studying Indian polity for the first time, it covers all the concepts required to gain a mastery of the syllabus.
After reading and understanding this book you will only be required to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in Indian polity. The book will take care of all the conventional questions like How has the SC interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty), Relative power of LS Speaker and RS Chairman, Anti-Defection Law and many more.
While DD Basu’s book is also OK, the language used is quite difficult to understand and the book has not been revised so it does not contain the recent amendments.
Another book to refer for Bare Acts of the Indian Constitution is Indian Constitution by PM Bakshi . This pocket-sized book lists just the articles along with all the amendment to the constitution and is very useful for Prelims as UPSC has started asking questions directly from the bare articles.
CSAT Books for Indian History
Indian History consisting of Ancient History, Medieval and Modern History is another important component of CSAT paper 1 and quite scoring too. Of these three sub topics the most number of questions are asked from the modern History part and the best book to tackle it is Bipin Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence. This book starts from the 1857 Revolt and continues right till the independence period.
India’s Struggle is important not just from the prelims perspective but is a must read book to secure 40-80 marks in GS Mains paper as well. Another good reference book for Modern History is Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum. The book is quite useful for quick revision before the Prelims.
Also refer NCERT text books on Ancient, Medieval and Modern India. For Ancient and Medieval Indian History, only NCERT text-books are sufficient but for Modern Indian history, the books listed are a must-read along with NCERT Modern Indian History text book.
Geography CSAT Books
Nowadays more map-related questions are being asked in the IAS Preliminary exams than conventional type questions. In fact such map based questions are highly scoring if you just scan and observe the Indian and World maps for at least 15 minutes every day. You can then easily score 6-10 marks in the CSAT exam as about 6-10 questions are asked every year in the civil services Prelims from the Geography Atlas. From my experience and that of other successful civil services candidates, I recommend the Oxford Student Atlas for GS Geography questions. The Indian and World maps are quite detailed and the Physical and political maps are very easy to understand. If you need help in studying the Oxford Atlas, just leave a comment and I will be glad to help.
Another book to read is Certificate Course in Physical Geography by Goh Cheng Leong to tackle questions related to physical geography. Whether it’s Climate, Earthquakes, Winds, or Oceans everything is covered in this book on Physical Geography.
Indian Economy Books for CSAT
Economy questions asked in the Prelims are a combination of facts and theory. For tackling the factual questions refer to the Economic Survey released by the Information Ministry before the Budget presentation every year. It contains a wealth of information on Indian economy including in-depth tables and figures in the second half of the book. Economic Survey is also a must read for GS Mains as some questions are directly asked from it.
Earlier I used to recommend the bulky Dutt and Sundharam Indian Economy book for basics. But this book has gone out of print and also, it is now outdated with lot of redundant information. In its place, I recommend TMH Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh. It covers pretty much the entire scope of Economy syllabus for Prelims. Starting from a brief history of Indian Economy and the uniqueness of the Indian economic system it covers all the relevant sub-sectors of Indian economy like Planning, Industrialization and Policy, Agriculture, Economic Reforms, Inflation, Banking and Capital Market, External Trade and so on. The syllabus coverage in Indian Economy is complete, language is reader-friendly and book is updated frequently. Combine it with Economic Survey to ace Economy questions in Prelims.
Science Books for CSAT
The TMH GS Manual has a pretty good Science section and is adequate for to tackle science related questions. However if you want you can complement it with NCERT textbooks of class IX and X.
Books for CSAT Paper 2
Earlier I used to recommend three different books for Prelims paper 2 (CSAT). Not any longer. Now I recommend the very well written and accurate TMH CSAT Manual for Paper 2. Please go through my review of TMH Manuals to get an idea of why the TMH CSAT Manual is the only book you need to refer for Paper 2. Save time and money by referring one comprehensive book.
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About Lazylord
Thanks alot for the great article. I am looking for reliable information about book sto be referred for CSAT and your informative article is just amazing.
God bless you.
Hi,
Thanx for valuable info can u please tell books for Ancient History, Medieval History also u have mentioned for modern only also any good book for envitonment sciences /Ecology?
Thanks.
Dr.Vikas
For Ancient History, Ncert text book on Ancient india is recommended. Likewise Medieval Indian History NCERT for Medieval History. Yes I will suggest books for Ecological aspects of Pre and mains
Thank you so much I would really appreciate if you could guide exactly which standard NCERT books since Iam a beginner, will wait for you post on ecology/environment sciences books.
Thanks
Vikas
Dear Sir,
I had bought few NCERT books for history in 2006. Can I use them for 2012 CSAT exams..?
Thanks in advance..
Yes Sapna, you can use the old History books
Respected Sir,
I have completed my engg in 2010 frm computers background & now working in a reputed company & i want to become IPS
I want to learn by working.Can u suggest me a way to prepare for that. I want to choose
public administration & telugu .is my choice for choosing subjects is correct & is coaching
necessary ? I hav collected some information from your forums.some of them suggested to start
with ncert books(6th-12th) standard is it a correct suggestion?& i want to attempt it on 2013 …i heard that a change of pattern in mains …i feared tht i am frm general category plz suggest me…?
Well Chaitanya my next post is for working people. Pub Ad and Litt subject is a good choice, go with it. Coaching will depend on your grasp of the subject matter. For Pub Ad test series rather than coaching is required.
Oh that will be great for many people like me your advise for workong people. Waiting Anxiously!
Vikas
tanq very much sir …for valuable info…but i had a smalll doubt that for public ad had to take coaching? well plz say me about reading ncert text books …or i can directly go for ur prescribed books…?
For Pub Ad there’s no need to read NCERT books..go with the books mentioned
sir, do i have to buy “general studies manual 2011 by tmh” or
“General Studies For Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2012 (Paper 1)
by Tmh”. please confirm so that i can place the order as soon as possible. thanx….
dear sir,plz make a bolg so dat visiting dat will b easy
sir,
do i need to read all topics for history right from harrapan civillisation of ancient histiory to modern indian history.how do i select which topics of indian history is important for gs ?
please sugest how i should select important topics?
For pre modern Indian history is most important…but if you plan to cover entire history syllabus start from Harappa
What problem do you face in accessing the blog Parth?
Dear Sir,
I want to take up civil exam in 2012. But I’m very much confused on the preperation part as to how to start and what to start with… My optionals are Pub Adm and History for Mains. Should I start with GS or History or Pub Adm…? Please help me…
Thanks a lot
Sapna
hi i too start this year . i too have so much confusion. can u send your contact to my mail id. i want to ask some doults will you
Hi Sir,
Kindly tell me exact std NCERT books for ancient and med .history waitng for reply.
Thanks
Vikas
after prelims 2011, csat paper 2, would have been setteled down. now please tell me which book is good for parer2. is there any new edition of books.
Please guide which of the following books,magazines or journals shouldi read for current affairs::
a) yojana or kurukshetra or both.
b) frontline or india today or both.
c) is “world focus” necessary.
d) is there any need of any competition magazine? if yes which one?
e)manorama year book or india year book.
.
.
some of the best books you have to refer is the the hindu is the best news paper for the current affairs specially the editorial of the hindu it provides you the better experience on the current affairs. and the some of the other magazines are chronicles is also one of the best magazine for the current affairs.
hii sir
..m just a passed out student of Engg (E & TC).what should be taken care when choosing the options and how to give a strat to the preparation for prelims….
Sir, i m working in SAIL .Want to appear for IAS 2012.suggest me what should be my optional.My discipline is electrical engg.
dear sir
i dont have d touch of history n geography subject since many days … thinkinf of starting a fresh 4 prelims can u suggest books dat wud cover ancient n medival history too
Hi,
Firstly thank you so much for the valuable information you have cared to share with us. I am a commerce graduate and currently pursuing Law. I am confused as to what optional to select for the 2012 exam. i will be highly obliged if you could suggest the optionals according what is scoring and the preparation for which is also partially covered by the prep for the prelims. would you also be kind enough to suugest some coaching institutes in delhi if they are required. Thank you!
Hi,
Hindi Books Ni Information Apo To Badhane Important Thai……..
With Thanks,
Dobariya Kuman
HELLO SIR,I AM RADHIKA.I WANT TO PREPARE FOR IAS 2012 EXAMS.BUT I’M TOTALLY CONFUSED IN CHOOSING THE SUBJECTS AND I DONT KNOW WHAT IS THE INITIAL STEP TO BEGIN.PLEASE SUGGEST ME SOMETHING SIR.PLEASE.
[...] Constitution is the best book for Indian polity mains as well as prelims. The book is regularly updated, very easy to read and understand and explains all important [...]
Sir my doubt is it is enough to read the books prescribed by you for CSAT or it is must to read NCERT or other books to gain more marks.
it’s your wish .i you have the lot of the time you can refer to the ncert specially in the subjects of the physics and the some of the books you can get from the market like agarwal
I am a Bcom Graduate of 2010 batch. I want to prepare for SIAC – CET prelims exams but I don’t know which book to refer. suggest me a book which will have both the topics (i,e General Studies and General Apptitude)
Hi,
Could you please suggest books for Geography main paper I and II.
Thanks
Respected Sir,
Some of my friends were telling that NCERT Social and Science books of class 6th to class 12th is very much required,as it is the bascis of all and it is a must for prelims.Sir I have also checked out the books suggested by you for prelims. Please do clarify me sir.
Dear Sir,
I want to take up civil exam in 2012. But I’m very much confused on the preperation part as to how to start and what to start with… My optionals are Pub Adm and History for Mains. Should I start with GS or History or Pub Adm…? Please help me…
Thanks a lot
karthik
Thank you,
Your valuable views are just like Lighthouse for the new as well previous IAS aspirants wondering in search of such guidence.
Thank’s a lot
Dear sir,
My name is Trupti Patil i have completed my B.E in Electronics & Communication now i am planning to prepare for IAS 2012 please tell me which subject should i select for my mains and how to start preparation.
thank you
Trupti
Hello
Thanks for all the help and for the future help that I will get from you. The book was invaluable and it still is. Every time I go back to it, I find some new inspiration or a new angle to focus on. I am not going to enroll into any formal coaching institutes, the most I might do is to enroll in a postal program as I am working.
As per the info I got from your site I have already ordered the TMH guide, Manorama year book and also the syllabus with the past papers with solutions. I have only ordered the past GS prelim papers.
I am looking forward to your next mail with much anticipation.
Thanks again
Jimit
firstly heartly thanks to u sir for such a valuable article u have put on. ill surely contact u for more information n kindly give me ur email id so that i ill b helped by ur suggestions
thanks again
pradeep raj
Awesome article man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your article really help me buy a CSAT books
THNKZZZ!!!!!!!!!
First of all thanks for giving detail about exam to all unknown respectives. Sir, I am a student of AMIE (associate member of institute of engineering). Sir I want to start study from now. Plz tell me is it benificial to study in marathi language as i am from maharashtra. How many hour daily I will give to prepartion?
Plz help me. Because my aim is only IAS. ALSO tell me, as i am of electrical branch, also i interest in it. Is it good or best for my optional sub. In upsc. What i will choose other optional. I become confussed. …
Dear Sir
Currently I am working as Probationary Officer in Bank of Baroda. I like to appear for IAS 2012. Kindly give me suggestions for my preparation. I hardly get 4-5 hrs per day for preparation. Is it enough. I started preparation by Oct 19, 2011.
Kindly suggest, sir.
Warm regards
RTG Vasantha Siva
Hi Sir,
This is Varun from Noida, I am pursuing B.tech and it is my last year I want to give IAS 2012 Exam and looking for History and Sociology as optional subject for Main exam.
Is it a good combination also please let me know if this combination is allowed for IAS main exam?
I have good command on hindi so need help If it allow to write answer in Main exam in Hindi?
Please reply, I am waiting for your valuable comments.
Thanks in advance!
Regards
Varun
GOOD INFO.APART FROM THESE BOOKS IS IT MUST TO READ NCERT BOOKS
HELLO SIR.i m currently pursuing B.TECH 4th year and I WANT TO PREPARE FOR IAS 2012 EXAMS.BUT I’M TOTALLY CONFUSED IN CHOOSING THE SUBJECTS AND I DONT KNOW WHAT IS THE INITIAL STEP TO BEGIN.PLEASE SUGGEST ME SOMETHING SIR.PLEASE.
Respected sir,
I am presently doing Mtech , my year of birth is 1987 . I plan to sit for IAS in the year 2013, so I have nearly 18 months to prepare. What can be a good strategy to prepare. I am willing to go slow but with inner satisfaction. Moreover I feel Knowledge that I will gain in the process of prepration will be intelectually satisfying.
thank you
hi rahul
i completely agree the way you think.I am also starting preparing for IAS and want to give sufficient time and efforts to ensure success atleast on my end.and i agree no knowledge is a waste ever.
hi
Thanks for the valuable information.
I am commerce graduate and want to start preparing for IAS now.
among all optional subjects economics and public administration catch my interest.
Please suggest if this choice is right keeping scoring pattern in mind?
Great article! Ur views have proved to be very helpful.
I wanted to suggest unique publishers GS as well, I believe many topics are covered in a more comprehensive manner when compared to the TMH GS.
I was initially studying from the TMH manual but after suggestions I switched to uniques manual and I found the change worthwhile.
Sir,
You have recommended 3 books for CSAT Paper II. I am confused as to which book to select between Arihant Publications CSAT or Unique Publications CSAT Paper II or TMH CSAT Paper II book.
As per my information- TMH will be releasing CSAT Paper II (2012 edition) by Nov 2011
Arihant Publications CSAT Paper II (2012 edition) by Nov. end 2011
kindly guide on which book will be the best!
Thanking you,
J. Sharma
sir
i am engineering student which subject i need to chose for ias prelims and which book i need to read
pub ad and geography
sir don’t understand pub ad
its public administration….
Respected Sir,you have written if need help in reading oxford atlas so
just say me i will, so i request you to guide me to how to read atlas please reply soon
Well Zoha, I will post an article on Atlas reading soon as it cannot be covered in a simple comment.
ok sir i will be waiting for your new article & what about syllabus
change for mains 2012.
Good day Sir,
Thanks a lot for your valuable information in the matter of IAS preparation. I just had some queries in my mind. I am an Merchant navy officer and i want to become an IAS officer. i am willing to appear in 2014. I have completed graduation as well. For, this matter i have chosen Geography and Public administration as my subjects. Can you Please advice me how to carry on with the preparation part and which books to refer.
Thanks and Best regards,
Anshul
me mk coching centre having 60 students of csat. So send a sample copy so that, after going through it I may order for books for each student
regards
Sir,
I am a fresher in this area, and plan to give CSAT,by the next year.
I have just finished my under graduation in Mechanical Engineering.
I would like your help in “Reading Oxford Atlas”, as i am not sure how to begin with it..Kindly guide me on this matter. Also, can you help me as to how do i start overall, i wont be taking year gap, as i have been placed.
Thanking You,
Regards,
Mayuresh
Sir
m in first yr prsuing eng hons! i wnt to prepare for IAS n m abut to start my prepration.got immense help n guidnce frm ur blog……..thnks fr sharing n sir cud u plz help me in guiding hw to choose n wt subjects to choose fr mains???
waiting fr ur valuable ans…. thnks in advnce!!!!
Dear sir, thx for sharing all d info. I have completed CA recently and I am going 2 write csat-2013 i have planned 2 choose commerce and accountancy and public administration as optionals my query is virtually we have 4.5 months gap between csat and mains is it possible 2 cover all d portion within dat period. If possible how we should go about it. Plz suggest me ur views r highly valuable 4 me. Thanks in advance.
thank u so much sir …. u have cleared a lot of my doubts abt selection of opintions bt cn u help me in how to read atlas and i jst have 5 mounths for preparation and i m dam feared of not completing my syllabus. i m in jodhpur dnt have dat much perfact material pls help me sir first for prelims den for mains pls pls …………
GSM paper 1 and GSM paper 2(CSAT) from tata mcgraw hill is very much useful for this examination
helo, lazy lord, iam bascially physics graduate,but am interesting in political
science.now i am preparing for CSAT. will you please guide me which books are important and also roast free CSAT related books download links.
thank you,
Thank you for our kind words regarding our books and its quality! We hope we only improvise and improve further in the years to come.. Do check our latest editions, we have recently launched the 33rd edition of the General Studies and the 2nd edition of the CSAT- Unique Publishers
It was a pleasure Amrit.
Yes I will exclusively review Unique books for IAS exam in a future post.
Thank you! I look forward to it..
Please look into a social event we are organizing.. the details of the same our available on our fb page
sir, do i have to buy “general studies manual 2011 by tmh” or
“General Studies For Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2012 (Paper 1)
by Tmh”. please confirm so that i can place the order as soon as possible. thanx….
hi sir,my stream Bsc-Bzc.let me know what are best optional subjects that i supposed to choose.and books for those subjects, preparation tips for prelims.
sir what book i supposed to order now “general studies manual 2011 by tmh” or
“General Studies For Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2012 (Paper 1)
by Tmh”. please confirm so that i can place the order as soon as possible.THANQ
Reply
Well you should obviously go for the 2012 edition as it is the latest
This is vivek I want to prepara for csat 2013 please guide me to get sucess .Please do tell me how prepare for Csat for becoming an IAS officer.
hey Lazylord,
this article really helped me a lot to decide upon the books for my preparation.. thanks a lot bro!!
Iam a bsc it gradute,want to appear for ias 2012 prelims..Can u tell me which book is good for apptitude test?
Sir Iam a beginner and aspire to become IAS….I’ve done BSC IT and awiating for final sem’s results….
I wan to appear for prelims 2012..Will i be able to crack prelims and wat do u suggest for me??please reply soon..
hai…. , Actually i m a mechanical engineer …… do i need 2 do ny UG degree other than engineering ????? if so wh group s preferable ???
no.. u can can choose M.E. as one of optional subject for IAS and 2nd optional according to ur strength and interest….
Surely you should Spurti. Manorama YB is really useful.
Good work
hey this was very helpful but i want to know do we have to study ncert s for history and geography along with these books and if we have can study ncert for these subjects till which standard they shld be read???
Sir, I’m doing i 1st B.A.Sociology.i aspire to bescome an I.A.S. please suggest me some books in sociology.
Unique Publishers has organized a series of events through which aspirants get access to some of the most prominent IAS faculties. We look to provide an opportunity, where the faculties can share their wisdom and views, even with students who aren’t from their institutes.
It’s a free for all event!
Only and solely for the benefit of the aspirants!
We hope to see you at the events!
(Find details of the event at our fb page and also through a series of ads that shall be printed in The Hindu)
hello everyone , well this is abhishek kaushik , i am 2nd officer in merchant navy , but later i realized that being a sailor is not my dream , i did my schooling from sainik school so just wanted to go for some real action thing which really gonna help my country , since i am sailing so i have no connection to ashore people , please suggest me , what subjects should i opt so that i can crack IAS and do something good for my country , please help , and if you can please advice me on :[email protected]
thank you
Sir,
I have completed Engineering in Electronics & Communication stream, in the year 2010 & now working in a reputed organization, want to become an IAS officer but i don’t know as to which subject should i choose?
As learning new subject is i guess of no use… & revising the learnt subject would be the smart work as i want to appear for the 2012 exam!
So, could you please suggest me as to which subject shall i choose??
hi sir,
jus now gone through ur article, really its helpful. Am planned 2 appear for ias prelims this year. i have 2 start my preparation only from now.so in this regard, i need ur guidance for my preparation n also d best study materials for prelims.whether i hav 2 learn NCERT books rather than the recommended books?’kindly do the needful.
I have mentioned which NCERT’s are required for Prelims. For rest the books mentioned here are adequate for Prelims prep.
dear sir, i am in b.a final year with economics,political science and history as my subjects.i had science stream at +2 level. i am an civil service aspirant.please suggest me the right optionals and some good books to read. thank you
Sir, I want to know which book to use for Preparation for IAS Premilary exam 2012……. Pls tell m e
Hi Kapil,
The books mentioned here are for Prelims 2012 as well! If you can get New vishal’s Year Book, get it as well.
Hi
Your blog has been salutary for me , since I have started preparing for UPSC.Thank you for the service you are doing to the UPSC aspirants.
Can you please suggest some good books for History as an optional.
Please try to do it as soon as possible.I will be highly obliged.
Hi Dilip,
I’m glad aspirants like you have found the blog useful. I will be posting History books soon…
dear sir i am an aspirant of cse 2012 my subjects are public ad and history in hindi medium i have covered almost all the syllabus of these two subjects but i have not done any writting practice of these subjects for prellims exam there are only two months left what should i do should i start practice of writting or should concentrate on prellims i am doing job and i have very less time for study please give me suggetions i am so tensed.
Hi Deepankar,
Writing practice for prelims? Prelims is objective in nature, what do you want to write? Also optionals are in the Mains exam not the prelims! Have you gone through the syllabus yet?
You’re welcome tamil
Sir
I am in final year and preparing for IAS CSAT 2013..it is required that one’s age should be 21 on 1st August of dat particular year in which one is appearing in d exam..but i wud be 21 on 19th sep,,so wud i be eligible to take the exam??
hi sir vl u plzz sugest me vich optional subjct shud b taken along wid geography..??? and if u dn mind then may i know dat ur IAS???
sir i am highly obliged by the superb collections of such uncomparable experiance i wud be highly benifited if u guide me the atlas reading for geography section .IN URGENT NEED OF UR HELP
plzz tell which magazine i should refer for current affairs .out of pratiyogita darpan,wizard,chronicle & csr..plzz
dear sir,
thanx for your advice but it would be more helpful if u provide links to download these books or torrents available.
Is Indian Economy by M. B. Shukla and Indian Economy by Datt and sundharam equivalent.
hello sir .. i ve purchased rs aggarwal for in depth preparation of csat 2.. will it b gud option?
reply sn ..
abselutely it will be good only when u contemplatively focus on important topics given in the book.when u feel pressureless u will easily understand the topics.don’t leave topic unless plenty of tries to understand clearly.so i hope u will be the best competitor in examintion.best of luck.
thank to suggest this valuable things….
i am priparing through hindi medium plz suggest me how can i understand oxford atlas….?
sir i have just completed my 12th…i am a science student..i will do btech…plz suggest which subject should i choose for ias prelims…and also a good book or a magazine which i can read these days for IAS .
better u go for science based subjects , choosing subjects depends on ur interest in tat particular subject. now at present the magazine u can read is competitive success review .
hi sir this is vijay krishna.Im working as computer science faculty in an engineering college and my age is 27years till date i.e may 2012 and according to my I.Q it may take 2 years to crack I.A.S but still i will work very hard sir.I come to know that I..A.S successful candidates age is 28yrs.Will age be a criteria in the interview?
Hi, i would like to attempt IAS 2013…when the applications will be issued? and where will i get it?
Thanks For your Concern but i want reply soon So it is my Question that For Modern history you recomended a book but you didn’t recomend the book for remain periods .???
I have graduated from NIFT in fashion design, how should i start preparing for IAS>??
Sir,should i buy manorama YB 2012 or wait for 2013 edition?
sir for indian history u have recommended book for modern history….what about ancient and medivel period????
For ancient and medieval period pls refer the respective NCERT text books. These will suffice.
thank u very much 4 ur help through this article of urs, i appeared for ias 2011 but could not suceed after that i got married and after a break of 1 year i m finding hard to study, although i have a strong determinination to study now again. kindly help me in over cumng this problem so that i can concentrate on my studies soon,reply me as soon as possible plz. thank u
Hi Nida,
The first priority should be to find time to study without any distractions and the right place conducive to study. As far as motivation is concerned, ask yourself why you want to become an IAS? This should motivate you…
hello sir, i am doing C.A( chartered accountancy course) at final level & also giving the exam of B.COM(final) from delhi university result awaited…., in between i will prepare 4 IAS prelims examination. so plz suggest me. which subject i would select for the prepartion of IAS( prelims exam) & also give the best book name of that related subject.
my email id [email protected]
plzzzzzzzz help me sir…..plzzzzz
Pls refer the post on selecting the best optionals. Books names will follow from thereon.
I am unable to view this blog post/article. Only able to view heading and comments? Please help.
Have rectified the issue…
Hi Vimlaksh
At present, GS manuals, syllabus etc are available for 2012 but I need to start prep for 2013. Do you know by when 2013 books will hit the market or shall I buy 2012 itself.
Thanks.
i am an architect student.. which subject is better for me as mains subject.. please suggest me..
Sir
i need ur help in studying the atlas..please tell me how to approach with it?
pls refer this post
http://books.iaskracker.com/prepare-atlas-for-ias-prelims/
Kindly tell how to approach with the atlas.
Do you know when the tmh gs manual for 2013 will come out?
It usually comes out by August…
Thank you. Is there a compulsory statistics paper for Mains?
hey i m niharika from punjab , i m 18 and i wanna prepare for civil services specially my aim is ias , so guid me some books that will help me , and m also doing bsc med from chandigarh
Sir, I am preparing for the IAS 2013 exam.Should I refer Manorama Year Book 2012 and this year’s Economic Survey or should I wait for the newer editions?
i want to know how should i begin my preparation in easy and most simple way….i just dont want myself to burden down myself with books at the very beginning of my journey…………..
sir ,
for the preparation of prelims , is the tmh gs manual enough or do i need the other mentioned books aswel…?
thanks
(http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-03/india/30471562_1_upsc-optional-papers-civil-services) as per this article paper pattern for upsc is might be changing from 2013. i want to know what kind of changes upsc will make in mains paper patten
Hello sir,
I’m a Civil Engineer by profession, and right now I’m pursuing my MTech in Marine Structures. I’m preparing for IAS 2013. As advised by you, I went through the ebook and found it really helpful. I had some queries though. They are,
1. Please give a single book suggestion for CSAT because i cant go through all those books which you referred since I’ll be involved in Teaching Assistance (As I’m a GATE qualified student, I’m paid stipend to assist my Faculty) and project work.
2. I’ve opted for Public administration and Geography as Mains subjects, which to me, seem easy to go through and prepare properly after reading the ebook. I’ve bought Public Administration by Laxmikanth. Soon I’ll be buying Administrative thinker by Prasad’s. Is any other book necessary for covering the whole syllabus ?
3. Is it sufficient to just go through NCERT class XI and class XII texbooks and Oxford atlas for Geography mains.?
All these questions have arised only because of the time constraint that I have.
Please reply back ASAP.
Regards Vinay………
sir, i need to knw the buk which have all papers of prelims of last 5 years.
hi sir, am planning to apper for csat 2014.. ur e book was very informative and i got fair idea about prelims portion.. however am confused about mains portion and optionals.. and since am going to pursue my mba for the next 2 years kindly guide me on how to prepare for csat 2014.. i have not started any preparation yet.. kindly reply sir
I am currently planning to appear for IAS examinations in 2013. I am considering choosing economics and management as my optional subjects for mains. If you may please suggest suitable books for these two subjects. Kindly also suggest coaching classes for economics in Delhi and Mumbai.
HI are these books relevent for csat 2013 as well?
They will be relevant for 2015 as well!
sir,
i have downloaded NCERT text books of class 11 and 12 geography,polity,history.are they enough for prelims exam with other books you mentioned?or should i go through the 9-12?
your reply will help me a lot.
thankyou.
Yes this will suffice..
thankyou sir.
Sir
I am in final year and preparing foe IAS CSAT 2013.it is required that one’s age should be 21 on 1st August of dat particular year in which one is appearing in d exam..but i would be 21 two months later on 19th Sep,so would i be eligible to take d exam?
You will have to wait till 2013 notification comes out to be sure…it keeps changing year to year
hi jyotsna i finished be it but my aim is to become ias…….ya u can apply for the csat 2014 only because 21 years fulfilled to eligible for the exam
I have got the TMH GS manual, and also the book on paper 2. is this sufficient or anything else is required for prelims prep ??
Well I have mentioned more than just the TMH manual. Have you gone through the article properly?
I am really thankful to you for giving such precious information on your
blog. Its just bcoz of your blog that i am starting preparation for my
childhood dream of becoming an ias officer. your e-book is really
helpful and off course it takes out whole fear for ias.The problem that i
am facing is that as you told that we should buy vishal’s general
studies solved 10 years paper. But in Chandigarh new vishal;s papers are
available so my query is that are both vishal and new vishal same or different.
Hi Nikita,
I’m glad you found the blog useful. Yes both are the same. In fact I meant New Vishal publication…
Sir,
My friend is doing her ias preparations…please help me in what shuld she read and study overall
give me some idea to eal with the oxford student atlas. thank you
Pls refer this post
http://books.iaskracker.com/prepare-atlas-for-ias-prelims/
give me some idea to deal with the oxford student atlas. thank you
oxford student atlas or school atlas .
which one is better ?
thank u very much sir for sending important information and i follow ur instructions.i would like to prepare for 2014 prelims. i would like to start right now.shall i use csat paper2 by arihant publication now or 2014 series and gs manual too. pls guide me sir.
optinal 1 public adminstration and optional 2 public administration syllabus are same or not.
hello sir,
I have completed my B.Pharm in 2012. please tell me whether its good to attempt for 2013 or 2014 and what will be a good combination for a b.pharm student in mains. For a biginner give some idea how to deal
der i vacancy for food inspector by ssc go for it
thanks for the guidelines sir,,, I had completed my BCA , my DOB is May 26,1992, will i be able to take the 2013 exam??? R shall wait till 2014?????
sir, apart from these books i need to study anything like GK ?
sir… i am doing public administration honours so i am taking my first optional subject as public administration but i am confused for the second optional subject between sociology and geography… another problem that i am facing is that i want to join coaching institute in Delhi but i am confused which one should i join??? The question is should i join a single coaching institute or different for different subjects??? please suggest some teachers or institutions..
hello sir, i tried to download your free e-book. but i didn’t get the link in my mail still. plz help
Hi Sir,
I don’t have any knowledge of any thing that is related to crack civils till to date..mainly G.S..but,i have a strong desire..n am even confident that i can do it..how much time does one need to crack it in the first attempt..i can’t afford the coaching..i only can buy books n prepare for myself..can i do this alone..with out any coaching..what’s that all i need to do..please guide me..
Hi Sir,
which one is better book for Indian Polity our constitution by Subhash Kashyap or Indian Polity by Laxmikant.
what about crack ias notes? is this really helpful?
general knowledge by lucent’s..plz give the review
Hello,
how to cover the topics on various empire before british such as maurayan, gupta,mughal etc for prelims
sir, i had given CSP(2012) exam but didn’t cleared.my GS PAPER-1 hadn’t gone good. i think i got confused with options given for answers. pls tell how to deal with it so as to avoid future mistakes. and also the way to check whether my preparations are upto the mark or not?
bhavya could u pls send those question papers to my mail id [email protected],pls send the question paper and also the model qp if u hv it
can i get information for papper 2 for prelims
which book i should study
and
papper 1st which i can reffer
i want ask min books max knowlege
so buying so many book not able to finish the subjects
plz help me sir i am collecting the information no body is not guiding plz plz
Minimum books will give you minimum knowledge not maximum. Get TMH General Studies and CSAT Manual for Paper 1 and Paper 2 respectively as minimum books.
dear sir
i am bassicaly arts baground so papper 2 is for me difficult how can improve my self plz let me no
SIR, m in my final year engg. nd i m preparing for 2013 prelims ias..plz guide me..d related study materials..nd wat and which books r more preferable to prepare for prelims- give d names of books plz sir..for paper-1 nd paper-2.
hello sir.
please tell me how to start reading atlas?
hello sir
my self udaya, Is the math contents of tmhs’ csat paper2( 2013) is equal with quantitative aptitude of Rs Agrawal.
hi sir..
plz help in hw to stdy atlas book nd wat typ of questios been asked i m confused ….???/
hi sir i dont have idea how to choosing subject pls guide me
Sir, your blog is great. It has really helped me. But I have a doubt!
If I will be taking coaching for G.S. both Prelims + Mains, then do i need to read any books apart from the coaching material?
Would books like TMH G.S. Mannual and Manorma book of the year still be required?
Can you recommend any good coaching institutes for G.S?
Awaiting Reply!
sir,i want IAS books freely where i will get?
Sonam, you can go right ahead with tmh gs paper 2 that will cm out soon. I will be posting its review as well
hello sir for ias 2013 is manorama year book 2012 useful or only i should go throw MYB 2013 . plz help me
I suggest you wait for the 2013 edition that should be out shortly.
Kindly advice on approach for a working person for the preparation for IAS.
Also, is NCERT 11th std History book enough for Ancient and medieval history before I begin with”India’s struggle for Independence” by Bipin Chandra.
sir, i am a doctor and want to appear for civil services. kindly guide me through.
regards!
Dear Sir,
i’ve bought goh cheng leong’s certificate course in physical geography and the oxford atlas which u mentioned.are they enough for geography?
Also i’ve bought indian polity by laxmikanth and ncert class 12 history(modern india) .do i need to buy more history books?wat about the ancient and medevial india books?
Please advise….
Thanks & Regards,
Divakar
hello sir,
pls guide me how to go through maps in a easy way …. nd also how to study them…
hi sir,
should we read year book both 2012 and 2013 or just 2013??
and also kindly help on writing notes for public admin as a optional sub..
Just 2013 is enough. Ok will post writing tips for Pub Ad. In fact a video will be better
SIR, I hv done my engineering. nd i m preparing for 2013 prelims
ias..plz guide me..d related study materials..nd wat and which books r
more preferable to prepare for prelims- give d names of books plz
sir..for paper-1 nd paper-2
Hello sir,I want to clear a query,though your blog is very helpful..I start preparation with ncert books as a basic level. Should I complete this one and then move to other reference books. Or should I start with reference books
simultaneously..
is the book (i.e.Tata Mcgraw Hill) that you have mentioned for GS is enough for the entire Paper 1 for CSAT? I mean does it consists of entire topics of Paper 1?
hi
sir thank you for the guidance about exam and books.
help me to find out stuffs to crack ias prelims exam CSAT
Thank you very much sir, the information is extremely very nicely written and helpful.
Thanks a lot.
sir, thanks a lot for vital and fruitful information, i would like know that is N.C.E.R.T books are helpful for I.A.S prelims exams. if it true then please suggest which books are more important and of which classes i must read.
sir, please suggest magazines and news paper for current affairs…..
sir please kindly help me understanding and reading the atlas and please do let me know which is the best book for current affairs and which contains all the possible topics of current affairs till 2012.
Hi Sir,
I am fresher and i have jst completed my B.Sc. with chem. hons And i want to prepare for IAS so kindly guide me regarding which subject I should choose and books.Which subject is easy for preparation and which coaching inst. is best for it.
Thanks,
Shrey Raj
sir im a b.tech from computer science..wat optional subject would you think shud be gud for me
Hello LazyLord,
Which department you are working right now means after IAS.
sir i am going to take ias 2014 down. tell me if new syllabus ncert books for all the subjects (history,geography,civics,economics,political science etc.) are right to start with or i should find old syllabus ncert books.
and tell me how can i do it without coaching.
plz hlp in studng maps !
i’m doing my 3rd year mechanical engineering 6th sem….i am tinking to attend 2013 prelims exam…
but i hav doubt in notification thy hav said age limits with in1st august 1992…my date of birth is march 1992 can i write this exam….plz reply
I need the help in studying maps from oxford atlas , can u plz help me out?
sir i wish to ask that out of public administration and history which subject should i opt as a mains subject
plz reoly my email id is [email protected]
sir can u please give the names of the old 3 books u have referred for CSAT PAPER 2?as site is updated i lost list of those books. i need those old list of books uregently ..it will be very helpful if u can reply as soon as possible.
The books are: Crack CSAT by Disha Publications. Cracking CSAT by Arihant Publications and GS Manual by Unique. You can find them on Flipkart.
Respected sir,
i need ur help sir i arenge (8-10th class) of NCERT books sir so now which books are left that i should buy with high knowlege in minimum cost becoz i m from background sir.
Thank you sir for reading my msg
respected sir
i 2 nd yr BE (mechanical) student sir what subject i have to choose pls help me
hello sir…
i am nikitha..,
am dng my engg 3rd year from cs dept..and i want to get ias…
am soo interstd in it..sooo i want to start my prep…but i am soo confused about from where to start my preparation for prelims..
please sir i just want to know what books to refer,….
sir m new in this field i’m doing b.tech from civil eng. in final year .which optional subject is best or easy in prepretion for pre. or mains
Hi,
Thanks for the information. Can you please let me know how to understand Oxford Atlas. Please contact me @ [email protected]
-DInesh
Heyy hie,
I just wanted to know that which std. ncert books should i prefer for History and geography?
hello sir which is the best one that preparing for civils exam after post graduation or under graduation plz tell me which is more benificial
i want to clear ias it’s my dream . please give me suggestions on time to time that will help in my preparation.
Hi,
where shall i get the application form for civil service exam.There is no registration form in upsconline.nic.in
how to buy this books from uk can u pls suggest me
hi sir
i’m a doctor who has just decided of preparing for civil services exam. i’m presently 26 yrs old. i’ve read most of your posts and your ebook too. i’ve only one query. if the syllabus doesn’t change, what is the best optional keeping in mind the medical background.
respected sir,
i am a final year chemical engineering student and i would like to query you regarding the subjects we should lay on more stress in csat prelims general studies paper in static gk like indian geography,indian polity,modern history,ancient india ,indian economy,current affairs.and sir how much time one needs prepare for the forest services exam as the prelims for ias and ifs is same now?
Thanks a lot sir 4 these suggestions. I am a 2nd year student doing honours in political science. Me being an average student would like to know that whether it’s essential to join any coaching institute to crack I.A.S nd if yes then which institutes r best? I would also like to know that is it better to appear 4 I.A.S exams after doing post graduation or after graduation? Plz rply!!!
Sir,good morning.I am preparing to ias. mai B.A-Hindi,history,pol sci se kiya and M.A-anc his se.optional sabjec ka salah dijiye.mera intrest hindi me hai.
Sir,i am new in this field so plz help me.i am a arts student and want to take hindi optional subject but there was a problm.sir i am confuse in the subject.plz help me in this matter.how can i prepare for arts subject in hindi.plz sir help me.
thank you very much sir…. this information about books really very helpful for me…
sir, at present i m final yr b.tech in electronics &communication enginn. i m too much confuse to choose the optional paper. plz tell me which paper is best 4 me.
Pls enroll for this FREE course here:
http://www.wiziq.com/course/4631-how-to-select-the-best-optionals-for-ias
I am facing problem in managing the Geography Atlas. As a matter of fact, I have Orient + Oxford both the atlases but when it comes to get start with them; I get bogged down due to superfluous information present in each & every map. So please define a strategy from where to start & precisely speaking; how to go about it.
Hope to see an instant reply from your ends.
Profound Regards
Rahul Singh
Dear Lazylord,
Thank you very much for your generous help.I just wanted to know that for Indian Polity you never mentioned to consult indian polity by M.Laxmikanth.i already have that book and while I was going through that book I saw that it was quite good and written in simple language.
So should I consult the books which you have mentioned or will I continue with the one I am studying?
Hope to hear from you soon.
IA am in class Xth now .i wan to preapare for IAS.
please guide me .
please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i want to appear for civil service in 2014,i am confused regarding how to start my preparation intelectually from beginning..pliz help me in this regard.
Sir,
I have no degree, I heard about universities which provide Degree in one year and 6 months. Do UPSC accept these degrees for civil service Examination?
respected sir,
now, i am in final year of Engineering and my branch is Mechanical. i want to choose the optional subject. sir i want to u please guide me for optional subject for my best score. please tell me which subjects is suitable for me well i am in final year of engineering (mechanical). sir i want to become IPS officer at any cost. please suggest me .
thank u
Which subject excites you most?
helo sir, i am in 3rd year of bcom and i am preparing for IAS . For starters which book shall i read. please guide me
You can go through basic NCERTs to get a hang of the basics
Pls write writer name wise book name
Hi sir plz guide me ,,,,,m preparing for 2014 exam should I refer 2012 manuals r I hv to wait for 2013?
And from wen should I start current affairs? Wt is the source for ca? Ur guide is most imp to me sir plz
hello sir,
i m pursuing engineering in IT branch but there is no optional sub relevant to my branch so cud you plz suggest what subjects sud i take for mains and how to prepare for exams at intial level
thank you most awaited for ur reply
hello sir…
I am a b.tech 3rd yr student with branch CSE and aiming for IAS. Sir plz let me know that how should i prepare for it along with my course studies and which book should i refer? and should i join any coaching institute for the same..
Sir plz let me know this ASAP…
It is too late for such a heavy study. These books are for those who have at least one full year for prepration.
sir,
i m a medical student and will be a graduate in 2015…should i go in this field. though i m interested in this field but i fear if i vl not succeed, then what? should i go first for my p.g. exams or start immediate preparation for IAS exam
If you dont succeed you are already a doctor!
decision making,problem solving & interpersonal skills by prem shankar jha is the best book i read so far for CSAT paper II
and the other imp book for the mental ability problems you can refer to the r.s.agarwal it is the best book for the preparing for the csat and the decision making and the problem solving.any one have the doubts you can ask me on my gmail. [email protected]
Thanks for such an informative and precise article… I would like to seek help on how to use the Atlas n how to prepare from it for the Prelims.
I would like to know how to read from Atlas
sir I have completed my 12th std right now….. am going to join a degree now…can I go for ias coaching at this time I am having a doubt wether it will be effective if I go now..pls sir I need ur suggestion
hello my optional subject is history
so can u plz tell me the books for that that covering starting from harappa
I am B.tech student, passed out in 2012, and now working in pvt. firm. Can you please suggest me which subject should I choose for IAS Mains exam as I don’t have in-depth knowledge of every subject.
i want to prepare for IAS, i am not in a situation to go for coaching, as i am working i too have a 6 months old kid, kindly guide me, i will work hard to my best, please help! if i study the books which u have mentioned here will it be sufficient
i am a merchant navy officer. i want to become ias.. please give me lists of books which i can study for scoring good marks in prelims…and suggest me which subject can i choose for my mains…and please tell me whether i have to study for mains while studying for prelims itself…
dear sir
marvellous work. and i salute your spirit of helping the aspirants.
sir kindly let me know …….. i’m pursuing b.tech 2nd year , so hw can i start my preps frm nw only.
i’v seen the printed notes of very prominent coaching institutes being sold in mukherjee nagar. how much useful are they ?
Respected Sir,
I have completed my engg in 2010 & now working in a reputed company & i want to become IPS
I want to learn by working.Can u suggest me a way to prepare for that. I want to choose
public administration & telugu .is my choice for choosing subjects is correct & is coaching
necessary ? I hav collected some information from your forums.some of them suggested to start
with ncert books(6th-12th) standard is it a correct suggestion?
Please give your reviews about following books for CSAT preparation::
geography of india by D R Khullar.
indian economy by mishra and puri
human geography by majid hussain.
India Year Book.
and also give ur reviews about “quantitative aptitude by R S agarwal”
In addition to the books you have wrote about, are thesr books mentioned by me are safe to read or these are just time wasting.
please reply.
Hello sir, i’m currently studying my 3rd year engineering and my question is ‘Is study material in pearson manual for general studies is sufficient for ias mains? I’m awaiting for your reply. Thank you in advance.
the GSM paper 2 i.e. CSAT is available in market from Tata McGraw-Hill Education. and this will add value to the any aspirants for sure. Soon they are going to release a Model Test Paper for CSAT which will be very much beneficial to Students.
mr.dileep any free website which providing previous or old edition of tata mcgraw hills prelims guide..
please kindly roast ASAP.
THANK YOU
hello sir which subject i can choose in ias examination?
sir l am highly oblieged by the precious and valueble suggestions. A heart full of thanks. Will be highly gratefull if u help me in atlas reading
hi sir, thnks for your kind responses for civils exams
at present im studying my 4th year b.tech in mechanical engg.
my aim is to become an I.P.S so please tell me whether its good to attempt prelims for 2013 or 2014…
sir, im preparing for upsc2013 and i feel the books mentioned by u is very much useful and i have started to follow. but i need ur help to study oxford atlas and also which magazine to be followed for current affairs..
Hi Sir,
Do notes of reputed institutes are worth buying than the books you have mentioned above.
If so please suggest the name of the institute for which should go.
Thanks,
Owais
hey can any body help on this:
which book is best for UPSC Prelims: PEARSON or UNIQUE PUBLISHERS
THANKS
sir i am new in this field so plz help me…i am a engineering student and want to take electricaal engg as optional subject but there was a problm i want to fill hindi medium… s plz help me in this matter..how cn i prepare for engg sbjct in hindi….plz sir help me
in atlas what we want 2 study and how it is usefull for ias exam?
read daily newspaper hindu…..n any 1 of these book which r mentioned above!!!
contact me on ‘[email protected]’