Psychology Books for UPSC: In the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam, psychology is one of the preferred subjects. This subject has a lot of scope to score good marks out of 500 if its fundamental concepts are prepared well. Candidates must read tailored psychology books for UPSC to cover a variety of topics, ranging from foundational theories to contemporary applications.
Psychology books for UPSC preparation should provide a clear and concise understanding of psychological concepts related to human behavior, mental processes, and the application of psychological principles. Whether you're from a psychology background or starting fresh, choosing the right resources can make a significant difference in your preparation. Read on for a list of psychology books for UPSC optional papers.This is why experts advise candidates interested in psychology as an optional subject to begin their preparation with basic NCERT books. These books will familiarize them with numerous important definitions and terms of psychology that will ultimately guide them through challenging topics.
NCERT Psychology Books for UPSC Mains | |
Class | Book Title |
NCERT Class XI | Psychology |
NCERT Class XII | Psychology II |
Psychology Books for UPSC Optional Paper I | |
Book Title | Author |
Psychology: A Very Short Introduction | Gillian Butler and Freda McManus |
Introduction to Psychology | Morgan & King |
Systems & Theories | Krawiec & Chaplin |
Social Psychology | Baron & Byrne |
Statistics for Psychology | Aron, Aron, Coups |
Psychology: Themes and Variation | Wayne Weiten |
Psychology | Saundra K. Ciccarelli and J. Noland White |
Also Read: Sociology Books for UPSC Exam 2025
Read the following psychology book for UPSC Optional Paper 2 preparation:
Psychology Books for UPSC Optional Paper II | |
Book Title | Author |
Applied Psychology | Smarak Swain |
Abnormal Psychology & Modern Life | James.C. Coleman |
Community psychology | P. Mann |
Educational psychology | Mathur |
Inner World | Sudhir Kakar |
Achieving Society | David McClelland |
Here is the paper-wise list of psychology books for UPSC by toppers:
Psychology Books for UPSC by Toppers | |
Paper 1 Booklist | Paper 2 Booklist |
NCERTs 11th and 12th | NCERTs 11th and 12th |
Psychology (Fifth Edition) by Robert A Baron | Applied Psychology by Smarak Swain |
Psychology by Morgan and King (Selective Chapters like Attitude and Intelligence) | Abnormal Psychology & Modern Life James C. Coleman |
Psychology by Saundra Ciccarelli (South Asian Edition) | Social Psychology by Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, and Robin M. Akert |
Social Psychology by Baron and Branscombe | The Psychology of Small Groups Shaw |