Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC IAS Mains
Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC cover topics in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. Here is the list of expert-recommended Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC preparation.
Deeksha Dixit19 Sept, 2025
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Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC : Candidates who opt for Chemistry Optional in UPSC Civil Services Mains usually have a specialization in this subject. However, since the syllabus is slightly different, candidates preparing with this optional must ensure that they pick the right Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC.
After gaining in-depth knowledge from the Chemistry Optional Book PDF, candidates should practice as much as possible to score 270+ in this subject. Read on to find out the list of best Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC CSE Mains.Best Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC
In the UPSC IAS exam, the optional paper has a significant role with a 500-mark weight. Aspirants need to ensure that they cover each topic mentioned in the Chemistry optional syllabus and practice numerical & equations as many times as possible. NCERTs of classes 11 and 12 have significance in the UPSC Chemistry optional to lay the foundation for preparation. Here are some of the top recommended Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC:| Best Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC | ||
| Book | Author | Key Features |
| Wiley's J.D. Lee Concise Inorganic Chemistry | Sudarsan Guha | Comprehensive coverage of inorganic chemistry topics, concise and easy-to-understand explanations as per the latest UPSC syllabus |
| Principles of Physical Chemistry | Puri, Sharma, and Pathway | In-depth coverage of physical chemistry concepts, including plenty of solved examples and practice questions |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | Francis A. Carey and Richard J. Wothers | Detailed treatment of organic reaction mechanisms, provides clear explanations with relevant examples |
Chemistry Optional Booklist Paper 1
Paper 1 of the Chemistry Optional covers dimensions of atomic structure, chemical bonding, solid state, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, bioinorganic chemistry, etc. This paper requires a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts from the following Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC:| Chemistry Books for UPSC Optional Paper 1 | |
| Book | Author |
| Class XI & XII NCERTs | NCERT |
| Principles of Physical Chemistry | Puri, Sharma, and Pathway |
| Advanced Physical Chemistry | Gurdeep Raj |
| A Textbook of Physical Chemistry (Vol. 4) | K.L. Kapoor |
| An Introduction to Electrochemistry | Samuel Glasstone |
| Principles of Inorganic Chemistry | Puri, Sharma, and Kalia |
| Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee |
| Selected Topics in Inorganic Chemistry | Malik, Madan, and Tuli |
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Exam Date
Chemistry Optional Booklist Paper 2
The UPSC Chemistry Optional Paper 2 requires in-depth knowledge of organic chemistry principles, proficiency in specific topics like stereochemistry, and a solid understanding of reaction mechanisms. Candidates should not underestimate the importance of revision and practice after the completion of the syllabus. Here are some of the top Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC:| Chemistry Books for UPSC Optional Paper 2 | |
| Book | Author |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry | Francis A. Carey and Richard J. Wothers |
| Organic Chemistry | Clayden, Nick Greeves, and S. Warren |
| Principles of Organic Synthesis | Norman and Coxon |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, And Structure | Michael B. Smith, Jerry March |
| Organic Spectroscopy | William Kemp |
| Reaction Mechanism in Organic Chemistry | Mukherjee and Singh |
| Organic Chemistry | Stanley H. Pine |
| Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds | P. S. Kalsi |
Tips to Cover Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC
While the number of books is comparably limited, it is timely coverage of the syllabus and rigorous practice that matter in chemistry optional papers. Here are some tips to cover the Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC Mains and fetch maximum marks in this paper:- Familiarise yourself with the UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus to ensure you cover all relevant topics.
- Select quality Chemistry Optional books that provide clear explanations with practical examples.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it to ensure you devote 3 to 4 hours daily to chemistry.
- Make topic-wise notes from the Chemistry Optional Books on important topics and revise them daily to reinforce your understanding.
- Practice previous-year chemistry optional papers to know the weight of important topics and learn the approach to major themes in the syllabus.
- Practice standard mock tests to identify weak areas that require intensive revision.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| International Relations Books | Newspaper for UPSC | UPSC Books |
| UPSC Study Material | UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 | UPSC Course |
Chemistry Optional Books for UPSC FAQs
Which is the best UPSC Chemistry Optional Book?
There is no single book that can be considered the best but some of the top books include “Wiley's J.D. Lee Concise Inorganic Chemistry” by Sudarsan Guha and “Principles of Physical Chemistry” by Puri, Sharma, and Pathway.
Which UPSC optional book to read for Organic Chemistry?
Candidates need to read “Advanced Organic Chemistry” by Francis A. Carey and Richard J. Wothers, “Organic Chemistry” by Clayden, Nick Greeves, and S. Warren, and “Principles of Organic Synthesis” by Norman and Coxon.
What are some of the Chemistry Optional Books by UPSC toppers?
Topper's recommendation includes “A Guide to Mechanism in Organic Chemistry” by Peter Sykes, “A Textbook of Organic Chemistry” by B S Bahl & Arun Bahl, and “Advance Physical Chemistry” by Gurdeep Raj.
Should I read NCERTs for UPSC Chemistry Optional?
Yes. candidates should read class XI and XII NCERTs for UPSC Chemistry Optional.
Where can I find the Chemistry Optional book for UPSC?
Candidates can find the Chemistry Optional book for UPSC at top bookstores or download the Chemistry Optional book PDF from the respective websites.
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