UPSC vs State PSC Exams – Books You Need for Each (2025-2026 Edition)

Civil services remain one of the most sought-after career paths in India, offering prestige, job security, and an opportunity to serve the nation. However, aspirants often face a dilemma — should they prepare for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) or their respective State Public Service Commission (PSC) exams?

While both exams test knowledge of history, polity, economy, geography, current affairs, and aptitude, UPSC focuses on national and international dimensions, whereas State PSC exams emphasize state-specific topics alongside general studies.

The good news is that 60–70% of the syllabus overlaps, which means you can strategically choose books that cater to both. This guide offers a publisher-specific, subject-wise book list for UPSC and State PSC exams for 2025-2026, using only Ashirwad Publication’s listed publishers like Arihant Publication, Lucent Publication, Spectrum, Disha Publication, Crown Publication, and Kiran Prakashan.

UPSC vs State PSC – Key Differences in Syllabus Focus

1. Polity

• Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth (McGraw Hill)
• Introduction to the Constitution of India – D.D. Basu (Lexis Nexis)

2. History

• A Brief History of Modern India – Spectrum Publication
• Ancient & Medieval India – Lucent Publication

3. Geography

• Certificate Physical and Human Geography – G.C. Leong (Oxford University Press)
• Oxford School Atlas – *Oxford University Press

4. Economy

• Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh (McGraw Hill)

5. Environment

• Environment – Shankar IAS Academy (McGraw Hill)

6. Current Affairs

• Disha Current Affairs Yearly – Disha Publication
• Manorama Year Book – (Malayala Manorama)

Best Books for State PSC – Subject-Wise (2025-2026)

1. State-Specific GK

• [State Name] Samanya Gyan – Crown Publication
• Lucent’s GK – State Edition – Lucent Publication

2. State History & Culture

• [State Name] Itihas Evam Sanskriti – Crown Publication
• Arihant State GK & Culture Guides – Arihant Publication

3. State Economy

• [State Name] Arthvyavastha – Crown Publication

4. General Studies Overlap Books

• Lucent’s General Knowledge – Lucent Publication
• Arihant General Studies Manual – Arihant Publication

Books That Work for Both UPSC & State PSC