What to study to become an IPS Officer?

For effective preparation, many candidates have doubts about what to study to become an IPS officer.

Check the books mentioned below to efficiently prepare for the IPS officer exam.

Subject Topic Book Name

A Brief History of Modern

Modern History
India by Rajiv Ahir

‘Ancient India’ by RS
Ancient History
Sharma (Old NCERT)

History & History of Medieval India

Indian Culture Medieval History by Satish Chandra (Old
NCERT)

1.‘Facets of Indian Culture’

by Spectrum
Indian Culture
2. Art and Culture by Nitin
Singhania
 1. Certificate Physical and
Physical Human Geography
Geography 2. Maps Oxford School
Atlas

India: Physical
Geography Indian Geography
Environment (NCERT)

1. Fundamentals of Human
Geography (NCERT)
World Geography
2. Certificate Physical And
Human Geography

1. India People and

Economy (NCERT)
Economy Economy
2. Indian Economy by
Ramesh Singh

Indian Polity by
Polity Polity
Laxmikanth

Daily, Monthly &

Current
Weekly Current The Hindu
Affairs
Affairs

1. NCERTs
Science & Tech Science & Tech 2. Daily Newspapers
3. ISRO website

Environment & Environment & 1. Recent Events

Ecology Ecology on Climate
change through
Newspapers
 2. NIOS Study Materials

What Subjects are Required to Become an IPS Officer?

In order to become an IPS Officer, you are required to qualify for the IPS exam conducted by the
UPSC. There are no specific subjects or streams defined to become an IPS Officer. The Civil Service

Examination requires knowledge in subjects such as history, geography, politics, science and

technology, and many other subjects.

UPSC Prelims paper 1 syllabus includes the following subjects:

History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern History along with Post

Independence History
Indian Polity and governance
Indian and World Geography
Economic and Social Development
Environment
General Science

UPSC Prelims paper 2 syllabus includes the following subjects:

Interpersonal Skills and Communication Skills

Basic English Comprehension Skills
Decision-making skills and problem-solving skills
Basic numeracy
General mental ability

The UPSC Mains Exam consists of 7 papers including various subjects. Check the details below.

Paper Subject

Paper Essay (can be written in the medium of the candidate’s

1 choice)
Paper General Studies – 1 (Indian Heritage & Culture, History &
2 Geography of the World & Society)

Paper General Studies – 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity,

3 Social Justice & International Relations)

Paper General Studies – 3 (Technology, Economic Development,

4 Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management)

Paper
General Studies – 4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
5

Paper
Optional Subject – Paper 1
6

Paper
Optional Subject – Paper 2
7