Is reading NCERTs essential for UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation?
Introduction
When preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination, the importance of reading NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks varies based on individual circumstances and the chosen subjects. This article explores whether it is necessary for every aspirant to read NCERTs from classes 6 to 12, particularly focusing on the relevance of these textbooks in the context of UPSC Civil Services Examination preparations.
Importance of NCERTs
Foundation Knowledge: NCERT textbooks from classes 6 to 12 provide a strong foundation in basic concepts, especially in subjects like Science and Social Studies. These books cover essential topics and are often aligned with the syllabus of various competitive exams.
Clarity and Simplicity: The language and explanations in NCERTs are straightforward, making complex concepts easier to understand. This is crucial for building a solid foundation, which is beneficial for competitive exams.
Exam Relevance: Many questions from the Preliminary examination can be directly sourced from NCERTs. These books are often considered primary sources for understanding basic concepts and often contain the information required for these exams. Moreover, they help in understanding the structure and pattern of the exam questions.
Subject-Specific Recommendations
Science Subjects (Biology, Physics, Chemistry): For subjects like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, NCERTs are quite useful for understanding fundamentals. They provide a starting point for beginners and can be supplemented with more advanced texts as the preparation progresses.
Social Studies (History, Geography, Political Science): For subjects like History, Geography, and Political Science, NCERTs can provide a good starting point, but it's essential to refer to additional sources for depth. Advanced texts and research materials provide the necessary context and additional information for a comprehensive understanding of the subjects.
Time-Effective Reading Strategies
Reading Strategy: Mr. Jeba Singh suggests an effective reading strategy which involves reading NCERTs thrice. The first reading is a speed reading to get a general idea, the second reading is a slow reading where key issues are flagged according to the syllabus, and the third reading is for making short notes which can be later used for revision.
Conclusion
While it is not strictly necessary for every aspirant to read all NCERTs from classes 6 to 12, doing so can significantly enhance your preparation, especially for foundational subjects. It is crucial to prioritize your preparation based on your strengths, weaknesses, and the specific subjects you are focusing on. The key is to use NCERTs as a starting point and then build upon them with more advanced materials and resources.
Recommended Reading: For a detailed guide on how to effectively utilize NCERTs in your preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, refer to Mr. Jeba Singh's detailed answer. You can find his post online for further reading.
;br/types;>