When preparing for the Civil Services Exam, NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) books are considered an essential resource. Below are steps and tips on how to effectively read NCERT books for the exam:

Understand the Importance of NCERT Books

1. Foundation of Knowledge: NCERT books provide a comprehensive understanding of various subjects and lay the groundwork for advanced studies.
2. Concept Clarity: These books are known for their simplicity and clear explanation of concepts which is crucial in understanding complex topics.
3. Alignment with Exam Pattern: The Civil Services Examination pattern closely follows the basics covered in NCERT texts.

Select the Right Books

1. Focus on Relevant Subjects: Begin with subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Science and Technology.
2. Choose the Correct Class Books: Start from class 6th to 12th standard books for subjects important for UPSC preparation.

Reading Strategies

1. Initial Reading: Read to build a general understanding without focusing too much on memorization.
2. Multiple Readings: Read important topics multiple times to ensure retention.
3. Make Notes: Develop the habit of taking notes – write down important points and concepts.
4. Map Syllabus: Map the content of NCERT books with the Civil Services Exam syllabus to focus your preparation.

Active Learning Techniques

1. Question-Based Learning: After reading a chapter, try to create questions from the content and answer them.
2. Interlink Subjects: Always try to interlink topics from different subjects, as UPSC prefers a multi-dimensional understanding.
3. Update with Current Affairs: Relate the static portion with current affairs for a more effective preparation.

Revision and Practice

1. Regular Revision: Frequent revision is key; aim to revise your notes and NCERT highlights regularly.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers: Try to solve past year question papers to understand the nature of questions.
3. Mock Tests: Evaluate your preparation by taking mock tests.

Additional Tips

1. Important Areas: Focus on boxes, tables, and diagrams, as they contain crucial information.
2. Understand, Don’t Rote Learn: Comprehend the concepts instead of memorizing them; conceptual clarity is crucial.
3. Use Additional Sources: When needed, refer to additional sources to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

Conclusion

Reading NCERT books is not just about going through the text but understanding and internalizing the concepts to build a strong foundation for the Civil Services Exam. Remember to be patient, consistent, and systematic in your approach to preparation.