Physics Wallah

Management Optional UPSC Books for IAS Preparation

Management Optional UPSC Books are primary reference materials for candidates. Read on for expert recommendations on Management Optional Books for UPSC.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit16 Sept, 2025
Share

Share

Management Optional Books for UPSC

Management Optional Books for UPSC: Most of the candidates opt for Management Optional in the UPSC exam when they have a similar background or educational qualification in related fields. However, management optional books for UPSC encompass a wide range of topics, including organizational behavior, strategic management, and financial management, among others.

Therefore, candidates must choose their study materials wisely, selecting comprehensive textbooks authored by renowned experts in the field. They must ensure that selected management optional books for UPSC not only cover the syllabus effectively but also provide relevant examples, aiding in their exam preparation.

Management Optional Books for UPSC by Toppers

UPSC toppers with Management Optional like Pankaj Yadav (AIR 107 UPSC CSE 2021) advise candidates to go through the official notification and consult experts to shortlist the most relevant and updated books. They emphasize the importance of selecting comprehensive resources that cover the entire UPSC Management Optional syllabus . Quality books are essential for strengthening the foundation to target precious 500 marks. Candidates can go through the UPSC topper’s Management Optional booklist given below for reference:
Topper’s Management Optional Books for UPSC
Paper 1 Paper 2
  1. Management by Robbins, Mary Coulter
  2. Organizational Behaviour by Robbins
  3. Human Resource Management by K. Aswathappa
  4. Cost and Management Accounting by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India
  5. Financial Management by Prasanna Chandra
  6. Marketing Management by Philip Kotler
  1. Business Statistics by Sanjiv Jaggia
  2. Operations Management by Heizer
  3. NCERT Business Studies
  4. Management Information System by O’Brien.

Management Optional Paper 1 Books for UPSC

UPSC Management Optional Paper 1 expects candidates to have a sound knowledge of foundational topics including managerial function and process, organisational behaviour, human resource management, strategic management, managerial economics, etc. Candidates can refer to the following experts’ recommended management optional books in Paper 1:
Management Optional Booklist for Paper 1
Book Title Author
NCERT XIth and XIIth NCERT
Marketing Management Philip Kotler
Fundamentals of Management DeCenzo, Agarwal, Bhattacharya, and Robbins
Business Environment AC Fernando
Organization Behaviour Stephen P. Robbins
Strategic Management Charles W.L. Hill and Gareth R. Jones
Cost and Management Accounting M.N. Arora
Financial Management Rustagi
Human Resource Management K. Aswathappa

Management Optional Paper 2 Books for UPSC

The UPSC Management Optional Paper 2 syllabus covers topics such as principles of management, organisational behaviour, and quantitative techniques, which require in-depth preparation. To develop a deep understanding of the concepts and principles of Paper 2, candidates can refer to online resources in addition to the Management Optional books for UPSC:
Paper 2 Management Optional Books PDF
Book Title Author
NCERT Business Studies NCERT
Business Environment AC Fernando
Operations Management Jay Heizer and Barry Render
Management Information Systems Laudon or O'Brien
International Business Charles Hill
Government Business Interface J.P. Sharma
Quantitative Approaches to Management Levin and Rubin
Production and Operations Management SN Chary

Tips to Cover Management Optional Books for UPSC

Given the rising difficulty level, candidates must take a systematic approach to complete the Management Optional Books for UPSC Mains in due time. This must be followed by regular revision and rigorous practice sessions. Here are some tips to cover Management Optional Books for UPSC:
  • Familiarize yourself with the UPSC Management Optional Syllabus to know the topics and subtopics you need to cover.
  • Create a study schedule, allocate time to each topic, and target covering the syllabus in 5 to 6 months.
  • Start with a broad overview of each book to understand the main concepts in the first reading.
  • Understand the underlying principles and theories rather than rote learning. Start making notes from the second reading for the revision process.
  • Supplement your reading with online videos, case studies, and the latest statistics to gain a holistic understanding.
  • Practice writing answers to previous years' questions and enroll in a good test series.
Embark on your UPSC journey with confidence. Join exclusive courses by Physics Wallah today and unlock the path to success!
UPSC Related Articles
UPSC Prelims Questions UPSC Prelims Marking Scheme UPSC Mains Admit Card
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024 UPSC Optional Subject UPSC Result 2024

Management Optional Books for UPSC FAQs

Which book is best for management optional in UPSC?

For UPSC Management Optional, renowned textbooks like "Management" by Robbins and Coulter, "Organizational Behaviour" by Robbins, and "Human Resource Management" by K. Aswathappa are highly recommended.

What are the UPSC management optional books for Paper 1?

The UPSC Management Optional Paper 1 booklist includes "Fundamentals of Management" by DeCenzo et al., "Organization Behaviour" by Stephen P. Robbins, and "Strategic Management" by Charles W.L. Hill and Gareth R. Jones.

Where can I get the Management Optional Books PDF?

You can access Management Optional Books in PDF format on respective online platforms or by purchasing e-books from reputable sources.

Which Management Optional Book is recommended by toppers?

Toppers often recommend books by top authors like Robbins and Coulter, K. Aswathappa, and Prasanna Chandra for UPSC Management Optional preparation.

Should I read NCERT books for UPSC Management Optional?

Yes, selective reading of NCERT books is beneficial for covering basic concepts and principles.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.