Set a daily study plan with dedicated hours for theory, practice, and revision, balancing between these books and current affairs.
1. NCERT Books (Class 6-12):
WHY: NCERT textbooks are the foundation for any competitive exam in India. They cover a wide range of topics in simple language and provide a clear understanding of fundamental concepts in history, geography, economics, and political science.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Civil Services, SSC, and any exam with a General Studies section.
2. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth:
WHY: This book is widely recognized for its comprehensive coverage of the Indian Constitution and Political system. It explains key concepts in Indian polity and governance, which is crucial for exams like UPSC and State PSCs.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Civil Services, State PSCs, and Political Science students.
3. History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra:
WHY: Bipin Chandra’s work offers insights into India’s freedom struggle, colonial impact, and social movements. It’s essential for understanding modern Indian history, which is a core part of most exams.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Civil Services, SSC, and any exam with a History section.
4. A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum:
WHY: This book provides a concise account of India’s freedom struggle, with chapters specifically tailored for competitive exams, covering both events and key personalities.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Civil Services, State PSCs, and SSC exams.
5. Geography of India by Majid Husain:
WHY: This book is indispensable for studying Indian geography, with detailed explanations of physical, economic and social geography. The maps and data included are useful for a thorough understanding of the subject.
RECOMMENDED FOR: UPSC, SSC, and exams with a Geography section.
6. General Science by Lucent:
WHY: Lucent’s General Science covers essential concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. It’s a comprehensive source for science-related topics asked in exams, making it ideal for quick revisions.
RECOMMENDED FOR: SSC, Banking, Railways, and exams requiring science knowledge.
7. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh:
WHY: This book breaks down complex economic concepts and current economic developments in a clear and concise way. It’s well suited for those looking to build a solid foundation in economics.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Civil Servies, State PSCs, and Banking Exams.
8. Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi:
WHY: English is an important component in most competitive exams. This book focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills with an exam-centric approach.
RECOMMENDED FOR: SSC, Banking, Railways, and exams with an English section.
9. Manorama Yearbook:
WHY: The Manorama Yearbook is a valuable resource for current affairs, covering national and international events, economic trends, and general knowledge topics essential for competitive exams.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Civil Services, Banking, SSC, and State PSCs.
10. Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal:
WHY: This book covers a wide array of mathematical topics, from arithmetic to algebra, which are critical for aptitude sections in competitive exams. The practice questions and solutions make it a popular choice among aspirants.
RECOMMENDED FOR: SSC, Banking, Railways, and exams with quantitative sections.
Conclusion:
These books cover the most critical aspects of competitive exam preparation. By studying these resources and regularly practicing past papers, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the questions that come your way. Remember, consistent practice and a well-planned study strategy are key to success. Good luck!
FAQs:
These books cover foundational and advanced topics but should be supplemented with current affairs, mock tests and practice papers.
O.P Gauba’s An Introduction to Political Theory is ideal for beginners due to its lucid explanation of concepts.
It’s a must-have but should be complemented with current affairs and deeper constitutional analysis.
Divide topics by the syllabus, allocate specific books for different areas, and focus on key chapters.
Yes, especially books like Andrew Heywood’s Global Politics and Politics, which cover theoretical aspects and global perspectives.
Ariful Islam
August 6, 2023Through this blog, we aim to inspire readers to embrace education as a lifelong journey and to advocate for quality education that empowers individuals and communities