Economics Optional Books for UPSC IAS Exam
Economics Optional Books for UPSC CSE are primary resources to complete the syllabus. Read on for toppers' recommended Economics Optional Books for UPSC Preparation.
Deeksha Dixit6 Jun, 2024
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Economics Optional Books for UPSC : In the UPSC IAS exam, the role of good books cannot be underestimated, particularly when it comes to preparing for optional subjects. This applies to the UPSC Economics Optional subject as well, where candidates must target scoring as high as possible out of 500 marks to get on the merit list.
The Economics Optional Books for UPSC must be selected after consultation with experts and toppers, as these books will ultimately shape your understanding of the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Go through the provided list of must-read Economics Optional Books for UPSC IAS.Top Economics Optional Books for UPSC
Economics Optional is a dynamic subject that requires you to be updated with the latest developments while having a solid command over foundational concepts. Out of the number of Economics Optional Books for UPSC, it is advisable to prepare from limited ones, valuing quality over quantity. The table below mentions some of the most important Economics Optional Books for UPSC CSE Mains:| UPSC Economics Optional Books PDF | ||
| Book Title | Author | Key Features |
| Microeconomic Analysis | Hal Varian | Comprehensive overview of microeconomics, including intermediate microeconomic concepts |
| Macroeconomics | Richard T. Froyen | Detailed understanding of macroeconomic concepts, including monetary and fiscal policies |
| Public Finance | H.L. Bhatia | Public finance concepts, including taxation and government spending |
| Economic History of India, 1857-1947 | Tirthankar Roy | Presents a comprehensive account of the structural changes in India's economy initiated by colonial rule and globalization |
| Economic Survey | Government of India | An annual publication providing detailed information on the Indian economy |
UPSC Economics Optional Booklist for Paper 1
The Economics Optional Paper 1 Syllabus , mentions topics like advanced microeconomics, advanced macroeconomics, money-banking and finance, International Economics, etc. To cover these topics, candidates should refer to the standard textbooks written by reputed authors. Here is a topper recommended booklist for UPSC Economics Optional Paper 1:| Economics Optional Books for Paper 1 | |
| Book Title | Author |
| NCERT Class 11th and 12th | NCERT |
| Indian Economy | R. Dutt and KPM Sundaram |
| Modern Microeconomics | A. Koutsoyiannis |
| Advanced Economic Theory: Microeconomic Analysis | H. L. Ahuja |
| Monetary Economics | S. B. Gupta |
| Public Finance | Musgrave & Musgrave |
| International Economics | D. Salvatore |
| Open Economy Macroeconomics | Froyen |
| Growth & Development with special reference to Developing Countries | A. P. Thirwall |
Also Read: UPSC Mains Answer Sheet
UPSC Economics Optional Booklist for Paper 2
The syllabus for Economics Optional Paper 2 is all about the Indian economy in the pre- and post-independence eras. The list of Economics Optional Books for UPSC Mains is comparably short for Paper 2. Candidates can also read articles written by reputed economists relevant to topics mentioned in the Economics Optional Syllabus after completing the following books:| Economics Optional Books for Paper 2 | |
| Book Title | Author |
| Economic History of India: 1857-1947 | Tirthankar Roy |
| The New Oxford Companion to Economics in India | Edited by Kaushik Basu |
| Indian Economy – Performance and Policies | Uma Kapila |
| Indian Economy Since Independence | Uma Kapila |
| Money Supply in India: Concepts, Compilation, and Analysis: Functions and Working | Reserve Bank of India |
| Economic Survey: Current & Last 2 years | Government of India |
Tips to Cover Economics Optional Books for UPSC
While preparing for the UPSC Economics Optional, candidates should first ensure that they have completed the syllabus from the standard books. A systematic approach to Economics Optional Books for UPSC includes studying from the basics. Here are some useful tips to cover Economics Optional Books:- Begin with NCERT books for classes 11 and 12 to understand the fundamental concepts and terminology.
- For microeconomics, candidates can rely on H.L. Ahuja's book, while for macroeconomics, Richard Froyen's book is recommended for comprehensive understanding.
- Ensure that you have a strong conceptual understanding of each topic before moving on to the next one.
- Make topic-wise revision notes while studying Economics Optional books and revise them regularly.
- Go through the previous year’s Economics Optional question papers to highlight repeating themes to focus on.
- Pay attention to flowcharts, graphs, and diagrams in chapters, and learn to incorporate them into your answers.
- Stay updated with current economic trends and events by reading newspapers and the RBI website.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Prelims Mock Test | Newspaper for UPSC | UPSC Books |
| UPSC Study Material | UPSC Optional | UPSC Course |
Economics Optional Books for UPSC FAQs
Is Ramesh Singh enough for UPSC economics optional?
Ramesh Singh is good for the Indian Economy section in UPSC Mains GS 3 paper, but for optional papers, more specialized books are recommended.
Which book is best for the UPSC economy optional?
There isn't one single best book, hence candidates should refer to a combination of books covering dimensions of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the Indian economy.
How to prepare for the economics optional from books?
Start with NCERTs for basics, then move to advanced textbooks, make notes, and regularly revise them to prepare for the UPSC economics optional.
Which book is better for microeconomics in UPSC economy optional?
"Advanced Economic Theory: Microeconomic Analysis" by H. L. Ahuja is recommended for microeconomics in UPSC economy optional.
Which books to read for UPSC economy optional paper 2?
Books by Tirthankar Roy, Uma Kapila, and the Economic Survey are a must-read for Paper 2 preparation.
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