Recommended books for preparing for the UPSC exam include fundamental texts such as Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Economic Survey, and Political Science by A. C. Grayling. For geography, candidates often benefit from NCERT textbooks alongside Physical Geography by Goh Cheng Leong. Current affairs can be best understood through newspapers like The Hindu and magazines like Yojana. Additionally, aspirants should consider General Studies manuals published by renowned authors. Diverse sources enrich knowledge, ensuring comprehensive preparation aligned with the exam's breadth and depth.