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Best Economics Books for UPSC CSE Exam

Economics books for UPSC preparation must cover both basic and advanced concepts. Here is a list of the best Economics books for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit30 May, 2024
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Economics Books For UPSC

Economics Books for UPSC : In preparing for the UPSC CSE exam , quality books can make a significant difference by providing in-depth knowledge and developing analytical skills. By selecting the right Economics books for UPSC, candidates can build a strong foundation in the syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains stages.

To prepare for the Economy subject of UPSC, start with understanding basic concepts from books, then integrate current affairs for a holistic preparation of dynamic topics. Read on for top-rated Economics books for UPSC Prelims , Mains, and optional papers.

Best Economy Books for UPSC

To navigate the vast UPSC exam syllabus, candidates should ensure they pick quality study material in economy. This subject holds significant weightage in UPSC CSE with 15 to 20 questions in prelims and 40 to 50 marks in mains. This is why candidates must adhere to the best economics books for UPSC preparation. PW offers the best economy books for UPSC by compiling the content of popular standard books and NCERTs. These books integrate chapter-wise PYQs and practice questions for holistic preparation. Get your copy of the economy book for the IAS exam here:
Best Economy Books for UPSC
Purpose Book Link
UPSC Prelims UDAAN Economy
UPSC Mains PW ONLYIAS UPSC Wallah Economics
Economics Books for UPSC in Hindi UPSC UDAAN अर्थव्यवस्था

Economics Books for UPSC Prelims

In UPSC Prelims, the economy syllabus covers topics of economic and social development ranging from sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives, etc. To cover these topics, candidates can choose the following books for the static portion and supplement with current affairs magazines by Physics Wallah:
Economics Books for UPSC Prelims
Book Title Author/Publisher
NCERTs Class IX to XIIth NCERT
Indian Economy Nitin Singhania
PW UDAAN Economy Physics Wallah
Economic Survey and Budget Indian Government

Economics Books for UPSC Mains

The UPSC Mains syllabus covers a broad range of topics in economics, including the Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, government budgeting, and employment. This subject is an important part of GS Paper 3 in IAS Mains. Study these topics from suggested economics books for UPSC by toppers and integrate current affairs into your notes. Practice answering questions after completion of the syllabus to score well in this subject.
Economics Books for UPSC Mains
Book Title Author/Publisher
Indian Economy Ramesh Singh
Indian Economy Key Concepts Sankarganesh K
The Indian Economy Sanjiv Verma
Economic Survey Indian Government
Indian Economy Made Simple Jayant Parikshit
Union Budget Indian Government

Also Read: General Studies II

NCERT Economics Books for UPSC

NCERT Economics Books for UPSC help build a basic understanding of economic concepts, principles, and terminology. With clear and concise explanations of topics, NCERTs are the essential starting point for candidates beginning their IAS preparation. Here are some of the NCERTs that can be selectively referred to to learn the foundation:
NCERT Economics Books for UPSC
Class Book Title
Class IX Economics
Class X Understanding Economic Development
Class XI Indian Economic Development
Class XII
  1. Introductory Microeconomics
  2. Introductory Macroeconomics

Economics Books for UPSC Optional Paper

When preparing for the UPSC Economics optional paper, it's crucial to select resources that thoroughly cover all aspects of the theoretical and practical syllabus. Economics books for the UPSC Mains optional syllabus delve into economic principles, development policies, and Indian economic trends, providing a comprehensive understanding. For optional paper 1, candidates should focus on advanced micro and macroeconomics, money banking and finance, international economics, and growth and development. For optional paper 2, candidates should refer to books that cover the Indian economy in the pre-and post-independence eras.
Economics Books for UPSC Optional Paper
Paper Books
UPSC Economics Optional Paper 1
  1. Modern Microeconomics by A. Koutsoyiannis
  2. Advanced Economic Theory: Microeconomic Analysis by H. L. Ahuja
  3. Monetary Economics by S. B. Gupta
  4. Public Finance by Musgrave & Musgrave
  5. International Economics by D. Salvatore
  6. Open Economy Macroeconomics by Froyen
  7. Growth & Development with special reference to Developing Countries by A. P. Thirwall
UPSC Economics Optional Paper 2
  1. Economic History of India: 1857-1947 by Tirthankar Roy
  2. The New Oxford Companion to Economics in India by Edited by Kaushik Basu
  3. Indian Economy Since Independence by Uma Kapila
  4. Economic Survey: Current & Last 2 years
Looking for a comprehensive preparation for Economics? Dive into meticulously crafted Physics Wallah UPSC courses to master all concepts in depth!
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UPSC Prelims Mock Test 2024 Newspaper for UPSC UPSC Books
UPSC Study Material UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 UPSC Optional

Economics Books for UPSC FAQs

Is Ramesh Singh sufficient for the UPSC Mains exam?

Ramesh Singh's book provides a good foundation for UPSC Mains, but supplementing with other resources like PW current affairs magazines is recommended for comprehensive preparation.

Which book is best for the UPSC Economics syllabus?

PW OnlyIAS UPSC Wallah is best for the UPSC Economics syllabus.

Is NCERT enough for the Economics syllabus?

No. NCERTs simply provide an overview of topics, hence integrating them with supplementary material is advised for holistic preparation.

Can I skip NCERT for UPSC Economics?

Yes. You may skip NCERTs for UPSC Economics with the help of PW NCERT summary books and UDAAN Static books.

How can I study the UPSC economy syllabus?

Study the UPSC economy syllabus by starting with basic concepts from NCERTs, and then integrating with advanced books and current affairs for holistic preparation.
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