What Books to Cover for OPSC OAS? Complete Booklist for Prelims & Mains
Strategy Description
“Choosing the right book is half the battle won.”
When it comes to cracking the OPSC OAS examination, one of the most common and confusing questions among aspirants is:
“Which books should I read to prepare for OPSC?”
The truth is — you don’t need 100 books, just the right books and a solid revision plan.
This article offers a complete, updated booklist for OPSC Prelims and Mains, with a special focus on Odisha-specific content, all written in a friendly and practical way. Whether you're just starting or revising for the second attempt, this guide is for you.
First, Know the Exam Pattern
The OPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted in 3 stages:
- Prelims (Objective – GS 1 and CSAT)
- Mains (Descriptive – 9 Papers)
- Interview (Personality Test)
The books suggested here are handpicked to match the official OPSC syllabus, including state-specific portions that many aspirants overlook.
OPSC Prelims Booklist (GS Paper 1 & Paper 2)
History
- Modern India – Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir (Must-read for freedom struggle)
- Ancient & Medieval India – Old NCERT by R.S. Sharma & Satish Chandra
- Odisha History – BSE Odisha History Book + Odisha History by Dr. Bidyadhar Mishra
Indian Polity
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth (Bible of Polity for both Prelims & Mains)
- Constitution-related current affairs – from The Hindu & Study OAS magazine
Geography
- NCERTs (Class 6 to 12) – for Indian and World Geography
- Certificate Physical Geography by G.C. Leong
- Odisha Geography – School Textbook (Class 11 & 12, Odisha Board)
Economy
- Economics by Sanjeev Verma (Beginner-friendly)
- NCERT Class 11 & 12 – for basics
- Economic Survey of India & Odisha + Budget Highlights (from official website)
Science & Tech
- NCERT Class 6–10 Science Books – for conceptual clarity
- Current Affairs –The Hindu, Study OAS CA magazine
Environment & Ecology
- Shankar IAS Environment Book (most concise and useful)
- Environmental issues from newspapers
Current Affairs
- The Hindu or The Indian Express (Daily)
- Monthly Compilations by Study OAS
- Odisha-specific news from The Samaja
Paper 2 (CSAT – Qualifying Only)
- CSAT Manual by Arihant
- Previous Year CSAT Questions (especially comprehension)
- Basic Maths and Reasoning – Class 10 level (RS Aggarwal)
OPSC Mains Booklist (Detailed Paper-wise)
Paper 1: Odia Language (Qualifying)
- School Grammar Book (BSE Odia Grammar)
- Essay Topics & Odia Editorials from Odia newspapers
- Book by Study OAS
Paper 2: English Language (Qualifying)
- Wren and Martin – High School English Grammar
- Daily writing practice of précis, comprehension & grammar
- Book by Study OAS
Paper 3: English Essay
- Editorials from The Hindu
- Book by Study OAS
General Studies Papers (Most Important for Selection)
GS Paper I (History, Geography, Society)
- Modern History – Spectrum
- Odisha History – State Board Books + Odisha Manthan Notes by Study OAS
- Indian Society – NCERT Class 11 Sociology + Current Affairs
- Odisha Society – Government Reports, Panchayati Raj Journal
- Geography- G C Leong
- Additional Notes by Study OAS
GS Paper II (Polity, Governance, Social Justice)
- Laxmikanth – Indian Polity
- Governance in India – Laxmikanth or ARC Reports
- Yojana & Kurukshetra – Social Justice topics
- Odisha Governance Schemes – Official portal + Daily news by Study OAS
- Additional Notes by Study OAS
GS Paper III (Economy, Environment, Disaster Management)
- Ramesh Singh + NCERTs – for Economy
- Economic Survey + Budget
- Shankar IAS – Environment
- NDMA Guidelines – for Disaster Management
- Additional Notes by Study OAS
GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
- Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
- Examples for Ethics– newspaper case studies
- Additional Notes by Study OAS
Optional Subjects (Paper VI & VII)
Choose optional based on:
- Graduation background
- Interest
- Availability of materials
Top Scoring Optionals for OPSC:
- Odia Literature
- Home Science
- Public Administration
- Political Science and International Relation
Bonus: Other Resources to Keep Handy
- OPSC Previous Year Question Papers – Both Prelims and Mains
- Study OAS Test Series – Targeted MCQs + Answer Writing
- Odisha Government Documents – Budget, Policy Briefs, Gazette
- Editorial Notes File – Cut and paste articles from The Hindu, Indian Express (Daily provided by Study OAS Telegram Channel)
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t read 3 books for one subject. Stick to 1 main book + 1 backup for revision.
- Don’t ignore Odisha-specific topics. They’re game-changers in Mains.
- Don’t keep switching books every month. Stick to your core list.
Make Books Your Tools, Not Burdens
Books are tools — not trophies to display, but weapons to master.
Instead of asking “Which books?”, ask yourself “How well have I understood and revised them?”
Start with NCERTs, build with standard books, and finish with revision + answer writing. You don’t need to study everything under the sun — just what’s inside the syllabus.
“Don’t be afraid to start small. Even the tallest tree began as a seed.”
Need more help? Explore our exclusive Study OAS book reviews, topper strategies, and state-focused current affairs packs — made just for Odisha’s serious aspirants.
← Back to All Strategies