Requirements of UPSC Preliminary Exam in Brief:

UPSC Preliminary Exam (often known as CSAT), has 2 papers one which focus on General Awareness and the next which focus on Verbal and Mental Abilities. CSAT Paper 1 demands more time, books and effort from the candidates while CSAT Paper 2 demands practice. For CSAT Paper 1, NCERT books, government websites and news papers should rank first in the priority list of all candidates. In addition to these, candidates can refer books listed below related to each subject for in-depth knowledge. For CSAT Paper 2, proper practice with a good manual like that of TMH is advised.
Books for UPSC Civil Service Preliminary Exam : CSAT Paper 1
History Books for Civil Service Prelims

1. History Of Modern India Bipan Chandra. 2. Indias Struggle For Independence Bipan Chandra. 3. Facets of Indian Culture Spectrum. 4. For more reference, check books on History at : IAS Books Prelims History.
Geography Books for Civil Service Prelims

1. Indian And World Geography Hussain. 2. Geography of India Majid Husain. 3. Oxford School Atlas Oxford. 4. Certificate Physical and Human Geography Goh Cheng Leong. 5. For more reference, check books on Geography at : IAS Books Prelims Geography.
Polity Books for Civil Service Prelims

1. Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations M. Laxmikanth. 2. Introduction to the Constitution of India Durga Das Basu.

3. For more reference, check books on Polity at : IAS Books Prelims Indian Polity.
Economics Books for Civil Service Prelims

1. Indian Economy Ramesh Singh. 2. Indian Economy Uma Kapila. 3. Economic Survey (2012-13). 4. The Budget 2013-14. 5. India Year Book. 6. For more reference, check books on Economics at : IAS Books Prelims Economics.
Science and Technology Books for Civil Service Prelims

1. Science & Technology For Civil Services Exams. 2. Science and Technology in India Kalpana Rajaram Spectrum. 3. General Science For Civil Services Preliminary Examinations S.A.Majid. 4. For more reference, check books on Science and Technology at : IAS Books Prelims Science And Technology.
Environment Books for Civil Service Prelims

1. CSAT: Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change (Paper 1). 2. CSAT Environmental Ecology Biodiversity & Climate Change Pratiyogita Darpan. 3. Environmental Studies from Crisis to Cure 2nd Edition R.Rajagoplan. 4. For more reference, check books on Environment at : IAS Books Prelims Environment.
Current Affairs Books for Civil Service Prelims

1. Manorama Yearbook 2013. 2. Mathrubhumi Yearbook 2013 Plus. 3. For more reference, check books on Current Affairs at: IAS Books Prelims Current Affairs.

Complete GS Manuals for Civil Service Prelims

1. General Studies For Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2013 TMH. 2. Handbook of General Studies for Civil Services Preliminary Spectrum. 3. UPSC Civil Services Prelims in 60 days Rakesh Dwivedi. 4. The Pearson CSAT Manual 2013. 5. General Studies Unique. 6. IAS Prelims/CSAT Civil Services: 19 Years General Studies Topic-Wise Solved Papers (1995-2013) Disha. 7. IAS (Pre.) Solved Papers General Studies wih CSAT 2013 Arihant. 8. For more reference, check IAS Books Prelims General Studies Complete Guides / Question Papers.
Other Useful IAS Books and Magazines (Reference)

NCERT Books Download. Yojana Magazine Download. Kurukshetra Magazine. Pratiyogita Darpan Magazine.
Books for UPSC Civil Service Preliminary Exam : CSAT Paper 2

For CSAT Paper 2, any one of the three complete manuals listed below should suffice your preparation. In-case you need special attention to individual areas, refer the additional books for individual areas.
Complete CSAT Manual for Paper 2

1. CSAT 2013: General Studies for Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Paper 2) by TMH. 2. Pearson CSAT manual. 3. CSAT-II Arihant.

Additional Books for Individual Areas in CSAT (If necessary)

1. IAS Books Prelims Logical Comprehension. 2. IAS Books Prelims English Language Comprehension. 3. IAS Books Prelims Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability. 4. IAS Books Prelims Quantitative and Basic Numeracy. 5. IAS Books Prelims Data Interpretation. 6. IAS Books Prelims Decision Making and Problem Solving. 7. IAS Books Prelims Interpersonal Skills including communication skills. 8. IAS Books Prelims CSAT Paper 2 Complete Guides / Question Papers.