Recommended books for preparing for the UPSC exam include comprehensive texts such as NCERT books for foundational knowledge, and works like "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth and "India's Struggle for Independence" by Bipan Chandra. For current affairs, sources like "The Hindu" newspaper and monthly magazines such as "Yojana" are valuable. Additionally, standard reference books for various subjects and practice test papers can improve understanding and performance. Ultimately, a balanced approach combining diverse resources is essential for effective preparation.