Why are NCERT books important for competitive exams?
Clear Concepts: NCERT books provide a strong foundation with simple, well-explained concepts, especially for subjects like history, geography, and science.
Authentic Information: These books are published by the government, ensuring factual accuracy and reliability of the content.
Exam-oriented: Questions in exams like UPSC, State PCS, SSC and other state exams are often directly or indirectly based on NCERT content.
Language Simplicity: Written in easy-to-understand language, making complex topics accessible to all aspirants.
Base for Advanced Learning: Essential for building a base before moving to advanced books or specialized study materials.
Coverage of Syllabus: NCERTs cover the syllabus comprehensively for both prelims and mains in various competitive exams.
Fundamental Knowledge: NCERT books lay the groundwork for understanding complex topics in competitive exams, especially in subjects like economics, political science, and biology.
Direct Source of Questions: In exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PCS, many direct or modified questions are derived from NCERT content.
Relevant for Both Prelims and Mains: NCERTs are not just helpful for objective-type questions in prelims but also for descriptive answers in mains.
Balanced and Neutral Approach: The content is unbiased and neutral, ideal for subjects like polity and history, which require balanced perspectives in competitive exams.
Easy Revision: Since NCERTs are concise and well-organized, they are ideal for quick revision before exams.
Essential Diagrams and Maps: Books, especially in subjects like geography and science, include important diagrams and maps often asked in exams.
Useful for Multiple Exams: NCERTs are helpful not only for UPSC and state exams but also for exams like SSC, CAPF, Railways, and teaching exams (TGT/PGT).
Consistency with Syllabus: NCERT books are closely aligned with the syllabus, ensuring no unnecessary content is included.
NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) books hold immense importance for aspirants preparing for various competitive exams in India, including UPSC, State Public Service Commissions (BPSC, MPPSC, etc.), SSC, and Railways. These books are considered a cornerstone for building foundational knowledge and are preferred by many due to their simplicity, accuracy, and alignment with the examination syllabus. Below, we explore why NCERT books are crucial for competitive exam preparation:
1. Conceptual Clarity
One of the primary reasons why NCERT books are vital for competitive exams is their ability to provide conceptual clarity. These books are designed to explain even the most complex topics in a simplified manner, making it easier for students to understand and retain information. Subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, and Science are explained in such a way that students with little prior knowledge can grasp the concepts. For competitive exams that require deep understanding rather than rote memorization, this clarity is essential.
2. Factual Accuracy
Since NCERT books are published by the government, they are considered reliable and authentic sources of information. The content is regularly updated, ensuring that it remains accurate and relevant. This is particularly important for subjects like History and Geography, where factual accuracy plays a significant role in answering questions correctly. UPSC and state-level exams often frame questions that are either directly lifted from NCERT books or based on the information found in them.
3. Exam-oriented Content
NCERT books are aligned with the educational curriculum, which in turn aligns with the syllabus for many competitive exams. For example, in exams like UPSC Civil Services, BPSC, MPPSC, SSC, and even banking exams, the topics covered in the NCERTs are directly related to the questions asked in these exams. Many times, questions in these exams are directly picked from these textbooks, particularly in subjects like Indian Polity, Ancient and Medieval History, Physical Geography, and Basic Science.
4. Simple Language
NCERT books are written in a simple and easy-to-understand language, which makes it accessible to students from all backgrounds. Competitive exams like UPSC are known for testing not just knowledge but also the ability to interpret and understand questions. The simplicity of language in NCERT books helps aspirants develop this skill and enhances their ability to comprehend complex questions in exams.
5. Foundation for Advanced Studies
Before diving into advanced reference books and materials, NCERT books serve as an excellent starting point. They provide the necessary groundwork for understanding more complex books, particularly for subjects like Economics, Geography, and Political Science. For aspirants aiming for exams like UPSC, it is advised to first complete NCERT books before moving on to more specialized sources. This structured learning process ensures a strong foundation, which is crucial for understanding advanced topics.
6. Coverage of Diverse Topics
NCERT books cover a wide range of topics, from History and Geography to Science and Economics. This makes them versatile and highly useful for multiple exams. The balanced approach towards different subjects ensures that aspirants get a holistic understanding, which is especially important for exams like UPSC, where questions can come from various domains. NCERTs help in gaining interdisciplinary knowledge, which is crucial for both objective-type questions in prelims and descriptive answers in mains.
7. Preparation for Both Prelims and Mains
NCERT books are highly useful not only for prelims but also for mains exams. In prelims, questions are often directly based on factual information provided in NCERTs. In mains, especially in exams like UPSC, detailed knowledge is required, which can be developed by understanding the concepts provided in these books. The ability to write answers in a structured manner with clear concepts is an added advantage NCERT books provide.
8. Useful for Multiple Competitive Exams
One of the best aspects of NCERT books is that they are not limited to one exam. They are beneficial for a wide range of exams, including UPSC, State Public Service Commission exams (BPSC, MPPSC), SSC, CAPF, CDS, and even banking exams. For example, the topics covered in NCERT History books can help aspirants preparing for both UPSC and SSC exams, where ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history are integral parts of the syllabus.
9. Diagrams, Maps, and Illustrations
NCERT books, particularly in subjects like Geography and Science, include well-illustrated diagrams and maps, which are often asked in exams. These visuals not only help in better understanding but also in retaining the information for a longer period. In exams like UPSC, where map-based questions are frequently asked, NCERT Geography books provide the necessary preparation through their detailed maps and explanations.
10. Quick Revision and Easy Availability
One of the key advantages of NCERT books is their concise nature, which makes them ideal for quick revision before exams. Students can easily go through the important chapters and topics in a short period. Moreover, NCERT books are easily available both in hardcopy and online formats, making them accessible to all aspirants at an affordable price.
In conclusion, NCERT books are indispensable for competitive exam preparation. Their conceptual clarity, factual accuracy, simple language, and relevance to exam syllabuses make them a must-read for aspirants. Whether preparing for UPSC, State PCS, or SSC, NCERTs provide a strong foundation that ensures success in both prelims and mains. With their wide range of topics, well-illustrated content, and structured approach, NCERT books continue to be the first choice for exam aspirants across the country.