If you've chosen an optional subject, refer to specific books recommended by toppers or subject experts. Having a comprehensive understanding of your optional subject is crucial for scoring well in the UPSC exam.
Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers like 'The Hindu' or 'Indian Express.' Magazines like 'Yojana' and 'Kurukshetra' provide insights into government schemes and policies.
Choose standard reference books for each subject. For History, books by Bipin Chandra and Spectrum are popular. For Geography, resources by G.C. Leong are widely used. Similarly, for Polity, you can refer to books by M. Laxmikanth.
Start with NCERT books for a strong foundation. They provide in-depth coverage of subjects and are crucial for building a conceptual understanding, especially for subjects like History, Geography, and Economics.