Best Books for UPSC Preparation – Prelims, Mains & Solved Papers

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is not just an exam — it’s a dream for lakhs of aspirants across India who wish to become IAS, IPS, IFS, IES or other Group A officers. Known for its intense competition and wide syllabus, the UPSC exam tests your knowledge, clarity of thought, analytical ability, and writing skills — all at once.

Each year, over 10 lakh candidates register for the UPSC Prelims, but only a small percentage move on to the Mains and finally to the interview stage. What separates the qualifiers from the rest? Yes, consistency and strategy matter — but the foundation of all success in this exam lies in choosing the best books for UPSC exam preparation.

With so many books, coaching materials, and online content flooding the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Many aspirants make the mistake of referring to too many resources or switching books midway, which only leads to confusion and burnout. To avoid that trap, you need a reliable, time-tested booklist that covers everything — from NCERTs to standard reference books, from Prelims to Mains, and even solved papers from previous years.

In this comprehensive blog, we bring you a curated selection of the best books for UPSC prelims, best books for IAS mains, and also the top solved papers books for UPSC that have helped thousands of toppers clear the exam. Whether you're a beginner or a second-attempt aspirant, this list will guide you in creating a solid study foundation without wasting time or money.

We’ve also included subject-wise recommendations, tips on how to use these books, and links to free resources — so you can plan your preparation with clarity. All the recommended titles are ideal for both English and Hindi medium aspirants, and we’ll also touch upon UPSC book strategies, answer writing practice, and the role of test series.

If you’ve been searching for a complete UPSC book list, best books for IAS prelims and mains, or even UPSC solved paper books with explanations, your search ends here.

Let’s dive into the books that can take you one step closer to becoming a civil servant.