NCERT Books for UPSC in Hindi: How Accessible is UPSC for the Non-English Aspirants?

According to a recent article, the percentage of UPSC aspirants who give the exam in Hindi is negligible when compared to those who chose their medium as English. What may be the reasons for the same? Is the paper more accessible for English aspirants? What are the advantages of bringing in people with Hindi as their preferred language in Civil Services? How does one prepare for UPSC in Hindi? What books and resources should one refer to for the exam? Which NCERT books should be used for UPSC in Hindi?

Find out answers to all of the above and know more about the topics discussed in the article below.

NCERT Books for UPSC in Hindi

While it is difficult to access study materials for UPSC in Hindi, you can always start with the basics and study with the help of NCERT books. Take a look at the list of IAS books available for your better understanding of the concepts. The books are easily available in the market and the ebooks can be obtained for free from the official website of NCERT. Instead of just focusing on the latest editions of the books, you should also refer to 1990, 1994, and 1995 editions for the exam.

Also Read: How to Read NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation

Science/ Vigyan

Vigyan for Class 6
Vigyan for Class 7
Vigyan for Class 9
Vigyan for Class 10

History/ Itihaas

Hamara Atit I-III Itihaas (History) Class 6-8
Bharat Aur Samakalin Vishwa for Itihas Class 9-10
Vishwa Itihas Ke Kuch Vishay Class 11
Bharatiya Itihas Ke Kuch Vishaya Bhag I, II, III Class 12

Geography/ Bhugol

Humara Paryavaran Class 7
Sansadhan Avam Vikas Class 8
Samakalin Bharat Class 9-10
Bhautik Bhugol Ke Mool Sidhant Class 11-12

Economics/ Arthashastra

Arthshastra Class 9
Arthik Vikas Ki Samajh Class 10
Arthashastra Mein Sankhyiki Class 11
Bhartiya Arthvyavastha Ka Vikas Class 11
Vyashti Arthashastra Ek Parichay Class 12
Samashti Arthshastra Ek Parichay 12

Political Science/ Social and Political Life/ Samaaj aur Rajniti

Samajik Evam Rajnitik Jeevan CLass 6 & 8
Samajik aur Rajniti Jeevan Class 7
Loktantrik Rajniti Class 9-10
Bharat Ka Samvidhan Sidhant aur Vyavhar Class 11
Swatantra Bharat Mein Rajniti Class 12
Samkalin Vishwa Rajniti Class 12

Sociology/ Samajshastra

Samajshastra I Class 11
Bhartiya Samaj Class 12
Bharat Mein Samajik Parivartan aur Vikas Class 12

It should be noted that the books mentioned above only cover a limited number of subjects that are important for IAS Prelims and Mains. These books can help try to understand the basics of the concepts important in those particular areas. It would be helpful if the readers also read books in Hindi to enhance their understanding of the language and also get familiar with difficult words. This could also be useful for the exam that is known to contain tough vocabulary in the Mains. The readers can also refer to the following sources for their preparation-

Other Sources to Prepare for UPSC Hindi

Dainik Jagran Newspaper
Online News Websites such as BBC Hindi
Yojana Magazine
Kurukshetra Magazine
Bharat Magazine

Government/ Official Websites

Public Information Bureau (PIB) Official Website
Parliament Standing Committee (PRS) India Official Website
DRDO and ISRO Official Websites
Ministry of Environments and Forests Official Website
Economic Survey and Union Budget of India Official Website
Government of India’s Official Website

Also Read: A Study on Writing the Civil Services Exam in Hindi

How Accessible is UPSC for the Non-English Aspirants?

According to an article published in August 2020, data collected from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) shows that out of 326 students admitted to the Foundational Course, only 8 candidates had taken the exam in Hindi, while the rest had chosen English. For the past 9-10 years, there has been an argument by some who state that the changed exam pattern has made it more accessible to those who take the exam in English while the other mediums have been ignored. It is an offensive take according to some critiques, given that Hindi is the official language of India and it is not given the importance it should be assigned.

Reasons for not Choosing the Official Language

The Civil Services exam candidates have been preferring English over their Hindi despite some of them being more comfortable in the latter. Here are some of the reasons for the same-

The syllabus is vast in Hindi and it seems difficult to cover the entire syllabus in the limited time allotted for preparation.
There are not enough resources to prepare for the exam and the best books for UPSC are translated, and other important books from English are not even included in the list.
With the advent of English-medium schools and education, the candidates comfortable with Hindi feel pressure to improve their language skills to save themselves from embarrassment.
There aren’t enough coaching classes or online sources to guide them through the preparation.
The terminology and vocabulary used in the exam are quite tough and the candidates find it difficult to interpret the words.
Since the introduction of CSAT in prelims, the examination has been even less accessible for other mediums.

Why Should You Choose Your Mother Tongue as Your Medium of Writing?

The government officials have been complaining over the lack of entries in regional languages in the IAS. They suggest that the candidates with regional languages can connect with the people of the area better and they are more sensitive to issues faced in the area than other officers. The use of regional languages has reduced over the years and it encourages people to give up their mother tongue in pursuit of English.

Conclusion

Now that you are familiar with the UPSC preparation books for the Hindi medium, do you feel more inclined towards the language? Apart from referring to NCERT books in Hindi preparation, you should not forget to find other credible sources as well. We hope that you would consider taking the exam in your mother tongue and ace it this time. There has been a gradual decrease in the use of Hindi as a medium for taking the paper for the past few years, and we hope that you would give the language a try before giving up on it completely.