Psychology Books for UPSC IAS Mains Optional Paper 2025
Psychology books for UPSC optional papers serve as the ultimate resource during preparation. Psychology by Baron, Applied Psychology by Smarak Swain, and Introduction to Psychology by Morgan & King are some of the recommended psychology books for UPSC Mains.
Deeksha Dixit28 Jun, 2025
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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.Psychology Books for UPSC Mains 2025
The level of questions asked in the UPSC Mains optional paper is comparatively higher, as evident in the syllabus of the psychology optional . Therefore, the choice of books becomes paramount to completing the topics and practicing answer writing. For aspirants who are new to this subject, grasping complex concepts can be overwhelming.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
Paper 1 of the psychology optional is mainly concerned with theoretical concepts. Candidates need to have a solid command of the syllabus of Paper 1 to tackle the application-based questions of Paper 2. Topics in this paper range from historical antecedents of psychology to issues and perspectives in contemporary psychology. Here is a comprehensive list of psychology books for UPSC Optional Paper I:| 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
Psychology Books for UPSC Optional Paper II
Psychology Optional Paper 2 is more about the practical application of psychological concepts. It revolves around topics like psychological measurement, abnormal psychology, organizational psychology, and the application of psychology in various fields. Answer writing practice has a crucial role in scoring decent marks in this paper.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 |
Psychology Books for UPSC by Toppers
Over the years, UPSC psychology optional toppers like Manasvi Sharma and Anurag Jain have emphasized the importance of selecting the right study materials. These toppers recommend psychology books that offer comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, clear explanations of complex theories, and practical examples.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 |
How to Read Psychology Books for UPSC CSE?
To read psychology books for maximum output, it is necessary to have a systematic approach. Candidates can adopt the following techniques to focus on the core areas of psychology books for UPSC and grasp the intricacies of psychological concepts:- Start with the NCERTs for classes 11th and 12th to understand foundational topics
- Move to standard books such as ‘Psychology by Robert A. Baron’ for advanced topics and detailed explanations.
- Use online lectures, articles, and UPSC-specific psychology websites to cover any gaps and stay updated with recent developments.
- Understand and memorize key theories, experiments, and their implications.
- Create concise notes and summaries from UPSC psychology books for quick revision.
- Solve previous years' psychology optional papers to understand the question pattern and improve answer writing skills.
- Enroll in a psychology test series to evaluate your preparation and get feedback for improvement.
Psychology Books for UPSC FAQs
Which book is best for UPSC psychology optional?
“Psychology" by Robert A. Baron is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage and detailed explanations.
How to read psychology for UPSC Mains?
Start with NCERTs for foundational understanding, then delve into standard books for advanced topics.
How can I cover psychology optional in UPSC?
Divide the syllabus into manageable sections, use a systematic approach, and focus on understanding key theories and concepts with the help of books and online resources.
Are NCERT books useful in UPSC psychology optional?
Yes, NCERT Psychology books for Classes 11th and 12th provide fundamental knowledge and are recommended for beginners.
What are the recommended books for Psychology Paper II?
For Paper II, refer to "Applied Psychology" by Smarak Swain and IGNOU MA Psychology notes.
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