(Old and New) NCERT Vs Tamil Nadu Board Books: Which Book to Read for UPSC Mains and Optional?

Old NCERT vs New NCERT vs Tamil Nadu Books: Confused about which NCERT book to use for your studies? NCERT books are a must-have for anyone preparing for UPSC. They will give you a strong foundation and get you on the right track. But remember, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need to use other resources, stay updated on current affairs and practice with mock tests. NCERT are good, but Tamil Nadu Board Books are great too! They’re super easy to read and perfect for newbies. Why pick one? Use both! They work together for a super understanding of history.

Why Study NCERT Books?

NCERT books are very important for exams like UPSC and even school. They explain concepts clearly and in simple language. So should you study NCERT books for UPSC?  Absolutely! Here’s why:

• Think of NCERT books as building blocks. They explain things clearly and simply, so you’ll grasp the core concepts of each subject. This makes it easier to understand tougher stuff later on.
• These books are created by the government, so you can be sure the information is accurate and up-to-date. No weird rumours or outdated facts here!
• NCERT books hit all the main points for UPSC, including history, geography, economics and more. They’ll help you manage your study time effectively.
• These books aren’t overwhelming and are a great way to get started with UPSC prep. Then you can move on to more advanced stuff.

Are there any downsides? Sure, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• NCERT books are great for basics, but they might not go into enough detail for every single topic. You’ll probably need some extra reading later.
• The UPSC syllabus is huge, and NCERT books might miss a few things. Be prepared to use other study materials to fill in the gaps.
• Reading all the NCERT books can take time. Just be strategic about it and don’t let it slow you down from studying other things.

Must Read: NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 3 Delhi 12th to 15th Century

Old NCERT vs New NCERT 

Old NCERT are the earlier versions of the books, published before the 1986 National Education Policy. They might be tough to find in stores but are available online. While new NCERT are the updated versions with the latest information and curriculum. They’re easier to find and have more colourful images and diagrams. This table highlights how the new NCERT textbooks are designed to be more engaging and visually appealing compared to the older versions, with a focus on narrative-style content presentation.

Aspect	Old NCERT	New NCERT
Content	More factual, crammed details	Explains topics in a story-like way
Style	Straightforward, to-the-point information	Engaging, narrative style
Look and Feel	Black and white, less visually appealing	Colorful, full of pictures and diagrams

Which One Should You Choose? Well, It depends on your learning style!

• Like things short and sweet? Go for Old NCERT.
• Would you prefer a more engaging explanation? New NCERT is your go-to.
• Need the latest info? New NCERT has it covered.

Must Read NCERT Books for UPSC

Cracking UPSC can feel like climbing Mount Everest, but don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone. Today, we’re going to talk about your best companion on this journey – NCERT books! Think of NCERT books as the building blocks of your UPSC foundation. They’re written in a clear, easy-to-understand way and cover a wide range of topics that you’ll need to know for the exam.

These NCERT books cover a wide range of topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus and provide a solid foundation for aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination:

Subject	NCERT Books
History	–Class VI – Our Past –Class VII – Our Past -I –Class VIII – Our Past II and III –Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – I –Class IX – India and the Contemporary World – II –Class X – Themes In World History –Class XII – Themes In Indian History – I –Class XII – Themes in Indian History – II Class XII – Themes In Indian History – III
Indian Society	–Class VI – Social Science: Social & Political Life I –Class VII – Social Science: Social & Political Life II –Class VIII – Social Science: Social & Political Life III –Class XI – Sociology: Understanding Society –Class XII – Indian Society –Class XII – Social Change and Development in India
Indian Art and Culture	–Class XI – An Introduction to Indian Art –Class XI – Living Craft Traditions of India (Chapters 9 & 10)
Geography	–Class VI – The Earth Our Habitat –Class VII – Our Environment –Class VIII – Resource and Development –Class IX – Contemporary India – I –Class X – Contemporary India – II –Class XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography –Class XI – India – Physical Environment –Class XII – Fundamentals of Human Geography –Class XII – India – People and Economy
Polity	–Class IX – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – I –Class X – Political Science: Democratic Politics Part – II –Class XI – Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work –Class XI – Political Science: Political Theory –Class XII – Political Science I: Contemporary World Politics –Class XII – Political Science II: Politics in India since Independence
Economy	–Class IX – Economics –Class X – Understanding Economic Development –Class XI – Indian Economic Development –Class XII – Introductory Microeconomics –Class XII – Introductory Macroeconomics
Science & Technology	Class VI to XII across all Science subjects with specific chapters mentioned for Class XI & XII
Environment & Ecology	Class XII – Biology: last four Chapters (13 to 16)

Why Study Tamil Nadu NCERT?

This is the New NCERT book published by the Tamil Nadu board. It has the same content but might have some additional information specific to Tamil Nadu.

Here’s a quick tip for some subjects:

• In a nutshell:History: Talk to toppers! Some might recommend Old NCERT, while others might suggest using both depending on the topic (Tamil Nadu board books might be helpful here).
• Economics: Old NCERT is great because the topics are well-organized.
• Geography: New NCERT wins with all the colourful maps and diagrams.

So Which Book to Prefer?

Remember, NCERTs are a foundation, not the final word. You’ll need other resources too! In a nutshell:

• Start with New NCERTs to grasp the basics.
• Use Old NCERTs for extra facts and details (if you have time).
• Consider Tamil Nadu Board Books for specific history topics if needed.

FAQs

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