If you are an aspiring candidate who wants to make a career in the civil services, then you will have to pick one of the top IAS coaching centres in Chennai for better prospects. Before you start the preparations for the UPSC exam, you might be looking out for the best study materials and coaching books to be successful. You can also ask for the past candidates and experts at the top IAS coaching centres in Chennai for the best books that you can refer. However, most of them might suggest bloated lists that might scare you.

If you are serious about the IAS preparation, then you should know that there are some recommended books that you should grab first. But as there is a huge stack of books that people might recommend, here we have come up with some important books that you should refer to be successful with your UPSC preparation. Notably, you should start with these books as soon as you start with the preparation.

NCERT books will be suggested by top IAS coaching centres in Chennai

pile of NCERT text booksThe top IAS coaching centres in Chennai will definitely suggest some of the best books. One of the basic books to consider is the NCERT book. It is a must read book for all the aspirants wanting to clear the UPSC exam. Reading this book will provide you a comprehensive overview of the NCERT strategy. Remember that this is not the only book that you should refer to clear the UPSC exam. You refer NCERT along with other books in parallel. So, ensure that you read the NCERT book along with the other important books. But you should make sure that you do not mix the subjects in a single day.

Indian Polity will be recommended by top IAS coaching centres in Chennai

Besides NCERT, there are many other important books that are necessary for a successful UPSC preparation. Polity is a really challenging subject to crack. But this book by Laxmikanth should be helpful. Though it will not make it relatively easier to crack the exam, it will give you an idea of how to approach the exam. More than fetching food marks, this book will give you a different perspective of Indian Polity. If you allocate three weeks for this book, then you can finish it completely. This is the reason that you should read this book on Indian Polity at the beginning of the preparation phase.

When it comes reading this book, you need to follow a step-by-step approach as mentioned below,

  • First reading – just highlight the unfamiliar topics and concepts
  • Second reading – Go through the highlights parts
  • Third reading – Read the book from cover to cover

As you complete the third reading, you will have to take skeleton notes for a better preparation and successful scoring.

Top IAS coaching centres in Chennai focus on history of India

IAS refresher series Indian history and culture text bookWhen you take up the top IAS coaching centres in Chennai, they will focus on the history of the country. It is important to know the history of the country before taking part in the civil services examination. Some of the books that will give you a clear picture of the history of India are India’s Struggle for Independence written by Bipan Chandra and Introduction to the Constitution of India written by D.D. Basu.

Except for a few books, the others do not focus on the modern history of the country. So, the first book is important to learn about how things turned. Also, it is suggested by top IAS coaching centres in Chennai so that you get to know how to answer for the UPSC level questions. It is this reason that this is one of the important and must read books for a successful UPSC exam preparation.

When it comes to learning about the history, you should not focus too much on the names and dates but the causes and effects. Also, there will be explanations on several events. You should be capable of explaining why a specific event took place in a concise and simple manner. You will have to remember the details such as provisions, bills, proclamations, etc. Once you understand the basics of modern history, polity and economy, it will be better to go deeper to understand the other concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any open examination wherein the subject-wise/paper-wise marks are not accessible or available?

Yes, in the UPSC Preliminary (Civil Services) examination, the subject-wise/paper wise marks are not accessible or available to the candidate. This is because the Preliminary examination (Civil Services) is purely a shortlist/elimination exercise to select the candidates for the Mains examination. The marks obtained in the examination by the candidate are not communicated to the candidates. However, an individual candidate who is desirous of knowing his/her marks can seek information from the Commission according to RTI Act 2005. By getting to know the individual marks, serious candidates can get an insight into their performance in the UPSC CSE examination.

Is it true that the IAS examination is only for the strong-hearted candidates?

Well, this is just a misconception related to the IAS examination. Don’t worry even if you are not strong and faint-hearted. Don’t waste time, prepare from now onwards. The competition will be very tough. Start to prepare for the UPSC Prelims with great confidence and will-power. Ideally, 12-18 months is sufficient for the preparation of the Civil Services Exam. It is better to join any institute, private coaching center or civil aspirant group for your support. You can also have guidance from quality video lectures and mock tests. Start with NCERT books and follow good websites like Roman Saini’s sir and IASbaba videos on YouTube.

Can a candidate write the answers in different languages in different papers of Mains examination?

No, UPSC does not allow the candidate to write the answers in two different languages in Mains examination. You have to mention your language initially in the eighth schedule. Only then, the candidate can write the answers in English or any one of the languages mentioned before in the application form. The candidate should select the language based on their comfort zone. The candidate must have very good command on the selected language either Hindi or English as merit is depended on written examination. So, if a candidate prefers any regional language, then it is important to stick to the same for all papers.

After the written examination of UPSC, what is the criterion for evaluation of the answer books?

After the UPSC written examination, all the answer books are collected from the various examination centers and taken to the UPSC office in New Delhi. The evaluation of answer books is not done based on roll numbers or examination centers. At the UPSC office, the answer books are mixed and reshuffled before the evaluation. Later, a computer-based fictitious code number generated randomly is allotted to each answer book. Only after this process, the answer books are sent for evaluation to the examiners. The board has strict rules set for the evaluation of the UPSC answer books.

Is a candidate with a foreign degree qualified for UPSC examination?

Yes, the candidate’s graduation degree is valid for the UPSC exam, but you need to apply for an equivalent certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). When you get your graduation degree from the US or any foreign country, get a photocopy of the US/foreign degree attested by the High Commission of India of that particular country. Send photocopies of degree, transcripts, matriculation and 10+2 certificates to the Foreign Degrees Evaluation Section at the AIU. Within a week, you will be receiving an equivalence certificate from AIU.