How do I read the NCERTs for the civil services examination?

First of all following NCERTs have to be read page by page.
  1. NCERTs VI to X (All relevant for GS).
  2. NCERTs XI to XII (Polity, History, Economy, Geography).
  3. Biology NCERT class XII (Chapter 13 to 16 i.e last 4 chapters related to Environment and Ecology)
  4. Chemistry NCERT (class XII part 2; last 3 chapters)
  • You can answer most of the static part of all the papers through NCERTs and also you will develop in-depth understanding.
  • Read all the NCERTs at least 4-5 times before attempting your examination.
  • For prelims, conceptual and factual information available in NCERT becomes very important. Any key phrases and keywords, if present especially in bold, italics, underlined etc. should be noted down separately.
  • Write these key words and phrases somewhere, either in physical form in your notebook or make some evernote file.
  • Revise it again and again, till it becomes your second nature.
  • Don't skip any NCERT even if you have studied the subject at higher level. For e.g., even if you are from science background, don't skip science NCERTs at any cost.
  • I know you have many things to do with your life and you guys are extremely busy in doing important stuff. But, it will not take much time for you to study them (few precious hours of your life at max),and always remember that cost of not studying them is exorbitantly high, so it doesn't make any sense to leave NCERTs completely.
  • Google what you don't understand
Completely avoid reading nostalgic description, pictorial elaborative discussion, and illustrations which conjures the feeling of awe. These are meant for fostering better understanding among younger audience in school, not for civil servants in making.