In this article, let us discuss the syllabus of Paper 1 of Prelims exam in a more detailed and extensive way:
Current events of national and international importance:
You can cover the portion by referring to any of the daily news paper. The Hindu is the most recommended of all. However the other newspaper that you can refer is:
1) The Economic Times
2) The Times of India
There are many current affairs monthly magazine flooded in the market that can be a good reference. Choosing a good magazine is your homework and remembers to stick to one so that you are updated about the latest happenings of India and the world.
India Yearbook is a book which keeps you updated about the latest schemes.
History of India and Indian National Movement
It comprises of 3 parts:
Ancient and Medieval History: Refer to New NCERT
Culture of India: NIOS
Modern History: Old NCERT or Bipin Chandra. However, Bipin Chandra is more recommended as it is more detailed and is instrumental for Mains preparation.
Additional Supplementary: IGNOU, NIOS
Note:
If time does not permit you, you might leave out the Ancient and Medieval History as not many questions are being asked from this portion. But then you have to make sure that you are strong enough in other sections of the syllabus.
Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
New NCERT Geography – From class 6 to 12.
Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
You may have a glimpse of a few chapters of M. Laxmikanth by following this link: http://http://books.google.co.in/books?id=EAunh90l44IC&printsec=frontcover&dq=indian+polity+by+m+laxmikanth&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2rXjUdPzKonqrQfJ_ICwDw&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=indian%20polity%20by%20m%20laxmikanth&f=false
However, it is better to have the latest edition of M Laxmikanth as this book is handy and comprehensive enough to help you grasp the concepts of Polity.
India Yearbook
Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
New NCERT – Class 9, 10, 11, 12. (Give more emphasis to the concepts presented in class 12 books- microeconomics and macroeconomics)
Economic Survey (latest year)
NIOS Economics
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Additional: IGNOU Economics
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization
NCERT Biology- Last 5 chapters
NCERT Environment
NIOS
Science and Technology
New NCERT- biology> Chemistry> Physics (basic concepts)
Current affairs
Important:
India Yearbook- It is divided into numerous chapters. It is better to refer to the relevant chapters of India Yearbook while preparing for the above subjects.