NCERT Reading Strategy for UPSC: Complete Guide Class 6-12
NCERT textbooks form the foundation of UPSC preparation. This guide provides a systematic approach to reading and mastering NCERTs efficiently.
Why NCERTs are Crucial
UPSC's Love for NCERTs
- Direct Questions: 15-20% Prelims questions directly from NCERTs
- Conceptual Base: 60-70% questions test NCERT concepts
- Mains Writing: Provides conceptual clarity for answers
- Interview: Basic knowledge tested
Success Statistics
- 80% toppers emphasize NCERTs
- AIR 1-50: Almost all read NCERTs cover-to-cover
- Average 3-4 readings before exam
Complete NCERT Reading List
History (Priority: Very High)
Class 6-8 (Ancient & Medieval Period)
- Class 6: Our Pasts Part I, II, III
- Class 7: Our Pasts II
- Class 8: Our Pasts III Part 1 & 2
Class 9-10 (Modern India)
- Class 9: India and Contemporary World I
- Class 10: India and Contemporary World II
Class 11-12 (Detailed History)
- Class 11: Themes in World History
- Class 12: Themes in Indian History Part 1, 2, 3
Total Books: 11
Time Required: 20-25 days
Readings Needed: 3-4 times
Geography (Priority: Very High)
Class 6-10 (Basics)
- Class 6: The Earth - Our Habitat
- Class 7: Our Environment
- Class 8: Resources and Development
- Class 9: Contemporary India I
- Class 10: Contemporary India II
Class 11-12 (Advanced)
- Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- Class 11: India - Physical Environment
- Class 12: Fundamentals of Human Geography
- Class 12: India - People and Economy
Total Books: 9
Time Required: 25-30 days
Readings Needed: 4-5 times
Polity (Priority: High)
- Class 9: Democratic Politics I
- Class 10: Democratic Politics II
- Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work
- Class 11: Political Theory
Total Books: 4
Time Required: 12-15 days
Readings Needed: 3-4 times
Economics (Priority: High)
- Class 9: Economics
- Class 10: Understanding Economic Development
- Class 11: Indian Economic Development
- Class 12: Introductory Microeconomics
- Class 12: Introductory Macroeconomics
Total Books: 5
Time Required: 18-22 days
Readings Needed: 3-4 times
Science (Priority: Medium)
- Class 6-10: Science Textbooks (selective reading)
- Class 11-12: Biology (selective chapters)
- Class 11-12: Chemistry (basics only)
- Class 11-12: Physics (basics only)
Time Required: 15-20 days
Readings Needed: 2-3 times
Social Sciences (Priority: Medium)
- Class 6-8: Social and Political Life (Polity basics)
- Environment-related chapters from all classes
Time Required: 8-10 days
Subject-Wise Reading Strategy
History NCERTs
Reading 1: Understanding (15 days)
- Read like a story
- Don't make detailed notes
- Understand flow of events
- Mark important pages with sticky notes
Reading 2: Analysis (10 days)
- Make detailed notes
- Timeline creation
- Connect events
- Note important dates, personalities
Reading 3: Revision (7 days)
- Read notes + book
- Focus on marked portions
- Practice PYQs after each chapter
Reading 4: Rapid Revision (5 days)
- Notes only
- Timeline charts
- Quick recap
Geography NCERTs
Special Focus Areas:
- Maps (mark and practice)
- Diagrams (draw and redraw)
- Data/statistics (note down)
- Definition (underline)
Reading Strategy:
- Draw diagrams while reading
- Practice maps alongside
- Create separate map notebook
- Link physical and human geography
Polity NCERTs
Active Reading Method:
- Read with Constitution of India
- Note article numbers
- Create comparison charts
- Current examples for each concept
Important Chapters:
- Fundamental Rights
- DPSP
- Constitutional Bodies
- Parliament and Legislature
- Judiciary
Economics NCERTs
Understanding > Memorizing:
- Focus on concepts
- Create economic models diagrams
- Real-life examples for each concept
- Current economic news linkage
Numerical Problems:
- Practice all solved examples
- Understand concepts behind formulas
- Don't memorize formulas blindly
Science NCERTs
Selective Reading:
- Don't read everything
- Focus on UPSC-relevant chapters
- Application-based reading
- Current developments linkage
High-Priority Chapters:
- Biology: Ecology, Environment, Health
- Chemistry: Everyday chemistry
- Physics: Energy, Light, Sound basics
Note-Making from NCERTs
Cornell Method
| Cue Column | Notes Column |
|--------------|------------------------|
| Key Points | Detailed Notes |
| Questions | Explanations |
| | |
|______________|________________________|
| Summary Section |
Mind Mapping
- Central concept in middle
- Branches for sub-topics
- Use colors and symbols
- Easy for revision
One-Page Summary
- Create after each chapter
- Include only key points
- Use abbreviations
- Perfect for last-minute revision
Time-Saving Techniques
Speed Reading
- Increase reading speed to 250-300 words/min
- Practice with timer
- Don't sub-vocalize
- Use finger/pen as pointer
Selective Reading
What to Skip:
- Intext questions (read once)
- Some case studies (if time-constrained)
- Detailed examples (if concept clear)
What Never to Skip:
- Chapter summaries
- Important definitions
- Maps and diagrams
- Exercises at the end
Digital vs Physical
Physical Books Advantages:
- Better retention
- No screen time
- Easy to mark/highlight
- Tactile learning
Digital PDFs Advantages:
- Searchable
- Portable
- No cost
- Easy sharing
Recommendation: Physical for first 2 readings, Digital for revision
Integration with Standard Books
Hierarchy of Reading
NCERTs (Foundation)
↓
Standard Books (Depth)
↓
Current Affairs (Application)
When to Move to Standard Books
- After completing all relevant NCERTs
- After 2 readings minimum
- When concepts are clear
- Not before 3-4 months into preparation
Practice Strategy
After Each Book
- Solve NCERT exercises
- Attempt 20-25 MCQs on that topic
- Try writing 2-3 answers
After All NCERTs
- Subject-wise test series
- Previous year questions (NCERT-based)
- Mock tests
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping lower classes: Class 6-8 are crucial
- Not reading multiple times: One reading is insufficient
- No note-making: Reading without notes
- Ignoring maps/diagrams: Visual learning ignored
- Not solving exercises: Practice questions skipped
- Direct to standard books: NCERTs not given priority
NCERT Reading Timeline
Beginner (3-4 months into preparation)
- Month 1: History + Geography Class 6-8
- Month 2: History + Geography Class 9-12
- Month 3: Polity + Economics
- Month 4: Science + Revision
Experienced (After first reading)
- Week 1-2: History complete
- Week 3-4: Geography complete
- Week 5: Polity + Economy
- Week 6: Science + Overall Revision
Revision Schedule
Monthly Revision
- One complete reading per month
- Focus on weak chapters
- Update with current examples
Pre-Prelims Revision
- Rapid revision in 7-10 days
- Notes only
- MCQ practice
Pre-Mains Revision
- Concept clarity check
- Examples for answers
- Link with Optional
Final Checklist
Key Takeaways
- Foundation First: NCERTs before standard books
- Multiple Readings: Minimum 3 times
- Active Reading: Notes, maps, diagrams
- Practice Essential: PYQs after NCERTs
- Regular Revision: Monthly at minimum
- Integration: Link with current affairs
NCERTs are not just books - they're the foundation of your UPSC success. Invest time here, and it will pay dividends throughout your preparation.
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