Best Book for Competitive Exams 2025 – Complete Guide
Introduction: Why Choosing the Best Book Matters
Success in any competitive exam—whether it is UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, Banking, NDA, GATE, or a State PSC—depends not only on your dedication and preparation strategy but also on the quality of study material you use. The difference between clearing a prestigious exam and falling short often lies in the choice of the right books. With thousands of options available in the market, from NCERTs to advanced reference books, from toppers’ notes to online PDFs, aspirants are often confused about which book to read and which one to avoid.
On Rojgar Plus, we have curated a complete list of the best books for all major competitive exams in India. This guide will not only recommend the most trusted books but will also categorize them exam-wise, subject-wise, and even topper-recommended, making it the ultimate “Best Book” guide for 2025.
Why Books Still Matter in the Digital Era
In today’s age, many students rely on online study materials, YouTube lectures, and coaching apps. While these are excellent supplements, books remain the backbone of preparation. They provide structured learning, authentic content, and practice sets that build a strong foundation. Whether it’s Laxmikant’s Polity for UPSC, Rakesh Yadav’s Maths for SSC CGL, or NCERT books for NEET and JEE, the journey of toppers always begins with the right books.
How to Select the Best Book?
When you choose the best book, keep the following points in mind:
- Syllabus Coverage – The book should cover the latest syllabus comprehensively.
- Authenticity – Prefer books written by trusted authors or recommended by toppers.
- Concept Clarity – Books that explain concepts in simple, easy-to-understand language.
- Practice Questions – Includes solved examples, PYQs (Previous Year Questions), and test series.
- Updates – For current affairs and fast-changing topics, books should be up-to-date.
Best Books for UPSC Preparation 2025
The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is one of the toughest exams in India. Lakhs of candidates appear every year, but only a few hundred make it to the final list. To crack this exam, one must choose standard books that provide depth, clarity, and reliability. Below is the subject-wise book list.
UPSC Prelims Books
The Prelims consists of General Studies (GS Paper 1) and CSAT (GS Paper 2).
General Studies Paper 1 Books
| Subject | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikant | Bible of Polity, covers Constitution, Governance, Political System |
| History (Modern) | Spectrum – A Brief History of Modern India | Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum) | Covers entire modern history in simple manner |
| History (Ancient & Medieval) | Old NCERTs | RS Sharma (Ancient), Satish Chandra (Medieval) | Authentic & concise for prelims |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong | Must for physical geography concepts |
| NCERT Geography (Class 6–12) | NCERT | Builds basics and maps | |
| Economy | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | Good for beginners, updated annually |
| Economic Survey & Budget | Govt. of India | Latest data, schemes, analysis | |
| Environment | Environment | Shankar IAS Academy | Standard book for ecology & environment |
| Science & Tech | NCERT Science + Current Affairs | NCERT + Vision IAS | Covers basics and recent developments |
| Current Affairs | Monthly Magazines | Vision IAS, Yojana, Kurukshetra | Crucial for dynamic topics |
CSAT (Paper 2) Books
| Area | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | Covers all types of aptitude questions |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Standard book for logical reasoning |
| Comprehension | Previous Year Papers | UPSC Official | Best way to prepare |
| Practice Sets | CSAT Manual | TMH (Tata McGraw Hill) | Comprehensive CSAT preparation |
UPSC Mains Books
Mains exam requires in-depth analysis, descriptive writing, and critical understanding.
General Studies Papers
- GS Paper 1 (History, Geography, Indian Society):
- Indian Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
- NCERTs for History, Geography, Sociology
- GS Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, IR):
- Indian Polity by Laxmikant
- Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu
- Current Affairs by Vision IAS / Drishti IAS (Hindi Medium)
- GS Paper 3 (Economy, Environment, Science, Security):
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- Economic Survey & Budget
- Environment by Shankar IAS
- Science & Tech Compilations (Vision IAS, Drishti IAS)
- GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude):
- Lexicon for Ethics by Niraj Kumar
- Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude by Subba Rao & P.N. Roy Chowdhury
- Case Studies in Ethics by Toppers’ notes
Essay Paper
- 150 Essays by Arihant
- UPSC Essay Compilations (Vision IAS, Drishti IAS)
- Toppers’ Essay Copies for practice
Optional Subject Books
Optional subjects decide rank. Popular optionals include Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, PSIR, History, Anthropology.
- Geography Optional: Savindra Singh, Majid Husain, Oxford Atlas
- PSIR: Andrew Heywood, Rajeev Bhargava
- Sociology: Haralambos, IGNOU Notes
- History: Bipan Chandra, Satish Chandra
- Anthropology: P. Nath, Munirathnam Reddy
UPSC NCERT Books (Class 6–12)
| Subject | NCERT Books (Must Read) |
|---|---|
| History | Class 6–12 NCERTs (Themes of World History, Our Past, India & Contemporary World) |
| Geography | Class 6–12 NCERTs (Contemporary India, Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Human Geography) |
| Polity | Class 9–12 NCERT Political Science |
| Economy | Class 9–12 NCERT Economics |
| Science | Class 6–10 NCERT Science |
| Environment | Class 12 Biology (Ecology Unit) |
UPSC Test Series & Study Material
- Vision IAS Test Series – Popular among toppers.
- ForumIAS Test Series – Great for answer writing.
- Insights IAS Test Series – Good for current affairs.
- Drishti IAS (Hindi Medium) – Best for Hindi aspirants.
Best Books for SSC Exams 2025
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts some of the most popular exams in India, including SSC CGL, CHSL, GD Constable, JE, MTS, Stenographer, and CPO. Every year, millions of candidates appear in these exams, and the choice of the best SSC books is critical to success. While online mock tests and coaching play an important role, books remain the backbone for preparation.
Below is a section-wise and subject-wise SSC book list, compiled from toppers’ recommendations.
Best Books for SSC CGL Preparation
The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam has four tiers:
- Tier 1: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
- Tier 2: Quantitative Abilities, English Language & Comprehension, Statistics, General Studies (Finance & Economics)
- Tier 3: Descriptive (Essay, Letter Writing)
- Tier 4: Computer Proficiency/Data Entry Skill Test
SSC CGL Maths Books
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Maths for SSC | Rakesh Yadav | Covers advanced maths topics with solved examples |
| 7300+ Maths Questions | Rakesh Yadav | PYQs practice, highly useful for CGL & CHSL |
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | Best for basics and beginners |
| SSC Mathematics | Gagan Pratap | Detailed explanations, shortcut methods |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma | Speed & accuracy building |
SSC CGL English Books
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) | Comprehensive grammar + vocabulary |
| Plinth to Paramount | Neetu Singh (KD Campus) | Highly recommended by toppers |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Builds strong vocabulary |
| MB Publication English | MB Publication | PYQs for SSC English |
| SSC English Practice Sets | Kiran Publication | Great for practice |
SSC CGL General Awareness (GA/GK) Books
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent Publication | Covers History, Polity, Science, Economy |
| Manorama Yearbook | Malayala Manorama | Current affairs + general knowledge |
| Kiran SSC GK Book | Kiran Publication | PYQs & expected questions |
| NCERT Class 6–10 Science & Social Science | NCERT | Builds strong basics |
SSC CGL Reasoning Books
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Complete reasoning guide |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | Improves logical reasoning |
| Kiran SSC Reasoning Book | Kiran Publication | PYQs for practice |
| SSC Reasoning Book | Arihant | Shortcut tricks for reasoning |
SSC CGL Descriptive Paper Books (Tier 3)
- 151 Essays by Arihant
- Descriptive English by S.P. Bakshi & R. Sinha
- Toppers’ essay collections (Vision IAS for practice, though made for UPSC, useful for SSC)
Best Books for SSC CHSL (10+2 Level Exam)
The SSC CHSL exam has similar subjects to SSC CGL but at a slightly easier level.
| Subject | Book Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Maths | Rakesh Yadav Class Notes, RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude |
| English | Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh, Objective English by S.P. Bakshi |
| Reasoning | Kiran SSC Reasoning, RS Aggarwal Reasoning |
| GK/GA | Lucent’s GK, NCERTs, Monthly Current Affairs by Pratiyogita Darpan |
Best Books for SSC GD Constable
The SSC GD exam focuses on basic Maths, Reasoning, GK, and English/Hindi.
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Maths | SSC Maths by Gagan Pratap, Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | Kiran SSC Reasoning Book, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal |
| GK/GS | Lucent’s General Knowledge, Arihant GK Book |
| English/Hindi | Objective General English (S.P. Bakshi), Hindi Vyakaran by Lucent |
👉 For practice, Kiran SSC GD Practice Sets and Youth Competition Times GD Book are highly recommended.
Best Books for SSC JE (Junior Engineer)
The SSC JE Exam is for Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical engineers. Along with general subjects, technical subjects are very important.
SSC JE General Subjects Books
- Lucent’s GK – for general knowledge
- RS Aggarwal Reasoning – for reasoning
- Objective English by S.P. Bakshi – for English
SSC JE Civil Engineering Books
| Book | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering: Conventional & Objective | R. Agor |
| SSC JE Civil Previous Year Papers | Made Easy / Kiran |
| Strength of Materials | R.K. Rajput |
| Surveying | B.C. Punmia |
SSC JE Mechanical Engineering Books
| Book | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering for Competitions | R.K. Jain |
| SSC JE Mechanical PYQ Book | Made Easy |
| Theory of Machines | S.S. Rattan |
SSC JE Electrical Engineering Books
| Book | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|
| Objective Electrical Engineering | V.K. Mehta |
| SSC JE Electrical PYQ Book | Kiran Publication |
| Electrical Machines | J.B. Gupta |
Best Books for SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff)
The SSC MTS exam is simpler compared to SSC CGL/CHSL.
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Maths | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | RS Aggarwal Reasoning |
| GK | Lucent GK |
| English | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi |
Best Books for SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation)
The SSC CPO exam is similar to SSC CGL but with emphasis on GK and reasoning.
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Maths | Advance Maths by Rakesh Yadav, Fast Track Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma |
| Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey |
| GK | Lucent GK, Kiran GK PYQs |
| English | Plinth to Paramount, Objective English |
Toppers’ Recommended SSC Book List
SSC CGL Maths (by Toppers)
- Rakesh Yadav (Advance Maths + 7300)
- Gagan Pratap (Arithmetic + Shortcuts)
- Rajesh Verma (Fast Track)
SSC English (by Toppers)
- Neetu Singh (Plinth to Paramount)
- S.P. Bakshi (Objective English)
- MB Publication (PYQs)
SSC GK (by Toppers)
- Lucent GK
- NCERTs (Class 6–10)
- Manorama Yearbook
SSC Reasoning (by Toppers)
- RS Aggarwal
- M.K. Pandey
- Kiran SSC Reasoning
SSC Books in Hindi Medium
Many SSC aspirants prepare in Hindi medium, especially in states like UP, Bihar, MP, and Rajasthan. Here are the best Hindi books:
- Maths: Rakesh Yadav 7300 (Hindi Edition), Gagan Pratap Maths Book in Hindi
- GK: Lucent Samanya Gyan (Hindi), Arihant GK (Hindi)
- English/Hindi: MB Publication English, Lucent Hindi Vyakaran
- Reasoning: Kiran Prakashan Reasoning (Hindi)
SSC Practice Sets & PYQ Books
| Exam | Best Practice Books |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL | Kiran SSC CGL Previous Year Papers |
| SSC CHSL | Kiran SSC CHSL Practice Sets |
| SSC GD | Youth Competition Times SSC GD Book |
| SSC JE | Made Easy SSC JE PYQ |
| SSC MTS | Kiran SSC MTS PYQ Book |
Conclusion: How to Choose the Best SSC Book
- Beginners should start with NCERTs and Lucent GK.
- For Maths & Reasoning – Rakesh Yadav, Gagan Pratap, RS Aggarwal are sufficient.
- For English – Neetu Singh + S.P. Bakshi combination works best.
- Always solve previous year question papers for accuracy.
- Regular practice sets are more important than collecting too many books.
Best Books for NEET 2025 – Complete Guide
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the most important exam for medical aspirants in India. Every year, more than 20 lakh students appear for NEET-UG, and thousands for NEET-PG. Selecting the best NEET books can make or break your preparation strategy. While coaching materials and online lectures are helpful, standard books like NCERT, MTG Fingertips, Errorless, and Trueman Biology remain irreplaceable.
Why Books are Important for NEET Preparation?
- NCERT is the backbone: Around 70–75% of NEET questions are directly or indirectly from NCERT textbooks (Class 11 & 12).
- Concept clarity: Standard books like DC Pandey Physics or MS Chauhan Organic Chemistry explain tough topics in a simplified manner.
- Practice sets: Books like MTG Fingertips and Errorless provide chapter-wise PYQs (Previous Year Questions) for revision.
- Toppers’ strategy: Every NEET topper recommends NCERT + one reference book per subject (not too many).
Best NCERT Books for NEET
| Subject | NCERT Books to Study |
|---|---|
| Physics | NCERT Physics Class 11 & 12 (both parts) |
| Chemistry | NCERT Chemistry Class 11 & 12 (all three parts: Physical, Organic, Inorganic) |
| Biology | NCERT Biology Class 11 & 12 (Line by line, with diagrams) |
👉 Tip: For NEET, NCERT Biology is the most important – many direct questions are repeated.
Best Reference Books for NEET 2025
NEET Physics Books
| Category | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | NCERT Physics | NCERT | Foundation |
| Objective Practice | Objective Physics Vol 1 & 2 | DC Pandey | Best for problem solving |
| Theory + Numericals | Concepts of Physics | HC Verma | Builds clear concepts |
| Advanced Practice | Errorless Physics | Universal Publication | Covers PYQs & practice questions |
| Crash Course | Marvel Physics NEET | Marvel | For last-minute revision |
NEET Chemistry Books
| Category | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | NCERT Chemistry (11 & 12) | NCERT | Most important |
| Physical Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | N. Awasthi | Practice numericals |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Inorganic Chemistry | VK Jaiswal | Easy explanations |
| Organic Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | MS Chauhan | Best for NEET-level organic practice |
| Problem Solving | Errorless Chemistry | Universal Publication | 100% syllabus + PYQs |
NEET Biology Books
| Category | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | NCERT Biology (11 & 12) | NCERT | The most important book |
| Objective Practice | Objective NCERT at Your Fingertips Biology | MTG | PYQs + NCERT based |
| Theory | Trueman’s Elementary Biology Vol 1 & 2 | Trueman | For in-depth understanding |
| MCQs | Biology at Your Fingertips | MTG | Chapter-wise MCQs |
| Problem Solving | Errorless Biology | Universal | 100% coverage |
NEET PG 2025 Books
The NEET-PG exam is tougher and requires clinical-based books.
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Medicine | Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine |
| Pharmacology | Review of Pharmacology by Gobind Rai Garg |
| Pathology | Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease |
| Anatomy | Gray’s Anatomy for Students |
| Biochemistry | Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry |
| NEET PG MCQ Practice | Self-Assessment & Review NEET-PG by Arvind Arora |
👉 For NEET PG aspirants, PYQs + test series are more important than multiple books.
NEET Test Series & Practice Books
| Resource | Best Options |
|---|---|
| NEET Test Series | Aakash Test Series, Allen Test Series, MTG NEET Champion |
| NEET Previous Year Papers (PYQ) | Disha Publication NEET PYQ, MTG 34 Years NEET PYQ |
| Chapterwise Tests | CareerOrbits NEET Test Series, Oswaal Books |
| NEET Mock Tests | Physics Wallah NEET Mock, Arihant Mock Tests |
Toppers’ Recommended Book List for NEET 2025
NEET Physics (Toppers’ Choice)
- NCERT Physics (11th & 12th)
- DC Pandey Objective Physics
- HC Verma Concepts of Physics
NEET Chemistry (Toppers’ Choice)
- NCERT Chemistry (Line by line)
- N. Awasthi for Physical Chemistry
- MS Chauhan for Organic Chemistry
- VK Jaiswal for Inorganic Chemistry
NEET Biology (Toppers’ Choice)
- NCERT Biology (with diagrams)
- MTG Fingertips Biology
- Trueman Biology Vol 1 & 2
NEET Books in Hindi Medium
For Hindi medium students, these books are useful:
- Biology: Trueman Biology Hindi Edition, MTG NCERT Fingertips (Hindi)
- Physics: HC Verma (Hindi), DC Pandey (Hindi edition)
- Chemistry: MS Chauhan (Hindi), N. Awasthi (Hindi edition)
- GK & Practice: Arihant NEET Hindi Books, Oswaal Hindi Series
Best Books for NEET Crash Course (Last 3 Months)
- NCERT Biology Line by Line Revision
- MTG NEET 30 Years PYQ Book
- Arihant NEET 40 Days Crash Course Series
- Oswaal Mock Tests & Practice Sets
NEET Booklist for Beginners (Class 11 Students)
- Physics: NCERT Physics + DC Pandey Objective
- Chemistry: NCERT + MS Chauhan (Organic)
- Biology: NCERT + MTG Fingertips Biology
👉 Start with NCERT and then add one reference book per subject.
Comparison – NCERT vs Reference Books
| Feature | NCERT | Reference Books |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Foundation, must-read | Advanced explanations |
| Importance | Direct NEET questions | For solving higher-level problems |
| Best For | Biology (70% questions from NCERT) | Physics & Chemistry (practice & problem-solving) |
Common Mistakes While Choosing NEET Books
- Collecting too many books – Stick to 1–2 per subject.
- Ignoring NCERT – Fatal mistake, as NCERT is 70% of the paper.
- Skipping PYQs – Always solve last 10–15 years papers.
- Relying only on coaching modules – Coaching material is supplementary, not a replacement.
Conclusion: NEET Best Book Strategy
- Start with NCERT (Biology, Physics, Chemistry).
- Add one advanced book for each subject:
- Physics → DC Pandey / HC Verma
- Chemistry → MS Chauhan + N Awasthi + VK Jaiswal
- Biology → Trueman Biology + MTG Fingertips
- Practice MTG/Oswaal PYQs daily.
- Enroll in a reputed test series (Allen, Aakash, MTG).
By following this approach, aspirants can prepare smartly without getting lost in the flood of too many books.
Best Books for JEE Mains & Advanced 2025
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is the gateway to IITs, NITs, and prestigious engineering colleges in India. More than 12 lakh students appear every year. The exam is conducted in two stages:
- JEE Mains → For admission to NITs, IIITs, and eligibility for Advanced.
- JEE Advanced → For IIT admissions.
Success in JEE depends largely on the right set of books, because these exams demand not only conceptual clarity but also fast problem-solving skills.
Importance of Right Books for JEE
- NCERT is essential for Chemistry basics and some Physics/Maths fundamentals.
- Reference books like Cengage, Arihant, HC Verma, MS Chauhan build deeper understanding.
- PYQs (Previous Year Questions) are vital for accuracy and pattern recognition.
- Test Series from institutes (Allen, FIITJEE, Resonance) improve time management.
Best Books for JEE Physics
JEE Mains Physics Books
| Category | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | NCERT Physics (Class 11 & 12) | NCERT | Fundamental clarity |
| Concepts | Concepts of Physics Vol 1 & 2 | H.C. Verma | Must for beginners & theory |
| Objective Practice | Objective Physics | DC Pandey (Arihant) | JEE Mains-specific problems |
| Problem Solving | Cengage Physics | BM Sharma | Exhaustive problem bank |
| Crash Course | Oswaal JEE PYQs | Oswaal | Quick revision + PYQs |
JEE Advanced Physics Books
- I.E. Irodov – Problems in General Physics (for tough problems).
- BM Sharma Cengage Series – For advanced practice.
- Resonance/FIITJEE Modules – For problem-solving speed.
Best Books for JEE Chemistry
Chemistry is often a rank-booster because it is relatively scoring if you follow the right strategy.
JEE Mains Chemistry Books
| Category | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | NCERT Chemistry (11 & 12) | NCERT |
| Physical Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | N. Awasthi |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee |
| Organic Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | O.P. Tandon |
| Objective | MTG NCERT at Fingertips (Chemistry) | MTG |
JEE Advanced Chemistry Books
- Organic Chemistry – MS Chauhan (must for Advanced)
- Physical Chemistry – N. Awasthi + P. Bahadur Numericals
- Inorganic Chemistry – VK Jaiswal (for practice)
- IIT Preparation Modules – Cengage / Resonance
Best Books for JEE Mathematics
Maths is often the decider in JEE ranks because it requires speed and accuracy.
JEE Mains Maths Books
| Category | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | NCERT Mathematics (11 & 12) | NCERT |
| Objective | Objective Mathematics | R.D. Sharma |
| Practice | Skills in Mathematics Series | Arihant (by Amit Agarwal, S.K. Goyal) |
| PYQs | Oswaal JEE Mains Chapterwise PYQ | Oswaal |
JEE Advanced Maths Books
- Black Book of Mathematics – Vikas Gupta (Highly recommended by toppers).
- Cengage Mathematics Series – Algebra, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry.
- Sameer Bansal Calculus – For Advanced problem solving.
- G. Tewani (Cengage Maths) – Very popular for JEE aspirants.
Best JEE Books by Subject & Class
JEE Books for Class 11
- NCERT Physics, Chemistry, Maths (foundation).
- HC Verma for Physics concepts.
- RD Sharma for Maths practice.
- NCERT Chemistry + N. Awasthi (Physical).
JEE Books for Class 12
- NCERT Physics & Chemistry.
- DC Pandey Objective Physics Vol 2.
- MS Chauhan Organic Chemistry.
- Black Book Mathematics (for Advanced aspirants).
JEE Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
Practicing PYQs is essential.
| Book | Publisher | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 36 Years JEE Main & Advanced PYQs | Arihant | Chapter-wise solved papers |
| MTG 43 Years JEE Advanced PYQ | MTG | Detailed solutions |
| Oswaal JEE PYQs | Oswaal | Error-free, explained answers |
JEE Test Series & Mock Books
- Allen JEE Test Series – Highly trusted.
- FIITJEE Test Series – For advanced aspirants.
- Resonance Test Series – Balanced difficulty.
- Disha Publication Mock Tests – Affordable option.
Toppers’ Recommended JEE Booklist
Physics (by Toppers)
- NCERT Physics + HC Verma
- DC Pandey (Objective Physics)
- Irodov + BM Sharma (for Advanced)
Chemistry (by Toppers)
- NCERT Chemistry
- N. Awasthi (Physical)
- MS Chauhan (Organic)
- VK Jaiswal (Inorganic)
Mathematics (by Toppers)
- NCERT Mathematics
- Black Book Maths (Vikas Gupta)
- Cengage Maths Series
- Sameer Bansal Calculus
JEE Books in Hindi Medium
- Physics: HC Verma (Hindi), DC Pandey Physics (Hindi Edition).
- Chemistry: MS Chauhan Organic (Hindi), N. Awasthi Physical (Hindi).
- Maths: RD Sharma Objective (Hindi), G. Tewani (Hindi Edition).
Best Books for JEE Crash Course (Last 3 Months)
- Arihant 40 Days Crash Course for JEE.
- MTG 30 Years PYQ Book.
- Oswaal Mock Tests (JEE Mains).
- Allen Rank Booster Series.
Common Mistakes in JEE Book Selection
- Collecting too many books → leads to confusion.
- Ignoring NCERT Chemistry → very risky for Mains.
- Not practicing PYQs → reduces exam confidence.
- Over-relying on coaching → books must be parallel.
Conclusion: JEE Best Book Strategy
- NCERT → Foundation.
- Add one main book per subject (Physics: HC Verma/DC Pandey, Chemistry: MS Chauhan/N. Awasthi, Maths: Black Book/Cengage).
- Regularly solve PYQs & Mock Tests.
- Use Allen/FIITJEE Test Series for speed building.
This smart approach ensures both concept clarity & exam-level problem-solving, which are essential for cracking JEE 2025.
Best Books for GATE & Engineering Exams 2025 – Complete Guide
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most prestigious and toughest exams in India. Every year, lakhs of engineering graduates appear for GATE, aiming for M.Tech admissions, PSU jobs, and higher research opportunities. Success in GATE depends on two factors: concept clarity and practice with the right books.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete subject-wise list of the Best Books for GATE 2025, including General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Engineering subjects (CSE, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Electronics, Chemical, and others).
Why Choosing the Right Books Matters for GATE?
- Standard Textbooks = Conceptual Clarity – University-recommended books like Galvin, Tanenbaum, and Bansal build strong foundations.
- GATE-Specific Guides = Exam Focused – Made Easy, Ace Academy, and Arihant provide exam-oriented practice.
- Previous Year Papers = Pattern Understanding – Solving past 20–30 years of questions helps understand trends.
- Revision-Friendly Notes – A limited set of books avoids confusion and ensures multiple revisions.
👉 The rule is simple: One core textbook + One GATE guide + PYQs = Success.
General Aptitude Books for GATE
General Aptitude (15 marks) is compulsory in all GATE papers.
Best General Aptitude Books
| Subject | Book | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal | Covers arithmetic, algebra, DI, shortcuts |
| Logical Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal | Reasoning puzzles, coding-decoding |
| Verbal Ability | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | Strong English foundation |
| Practice Papers | Made Easy Aptitude & Reasoning Book | GATE-specific practice sets |
👉 Tip: Practice 2–3 aptitude questions daily. This is the easiest 15 marks in GATE.
Best Books for Engineering Mathematics
Engineering Mathematics carries 12–15 marks and is considered a scoring section.
Recommended Books
- Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal – Complete coverage with solved examples.
- Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig – Conceptual clarity.
- Engineering Mathematics by Made Easy Publications – GATE-specific practice.
- N.P. Bali – Probability & Statistics – For probability & random processes.
👉 Prioritize Linear Algebra, Probability, Differential Equations, and Numerical Methods.
Best Books for GATE Computer Science (CSE/IT)
CSE is one of the most popular GATE streams.
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Data Structures | Data Structures Using C by Reema Thareja, Fundamentals of Data Structures by Horowitz & Sahni |
| Algorithms | Introduction to Algorithms (CLRS) by Cormen, Algorithm Design by Kleinberg & Tardos |
| Operating Systems | Operating System Concepts by Galvin, Modern Operating Systems by Tanenbaum |
| Computer Networks | Computer Networks by Tanenbaum, Data Communication & Networking by Forouzan |
| Databases | Database System Concepts by Korth & Sudarshan |
| Theory of Computation | Introduction to Automata Theory by Hopcroft & Ullman |
| Compiler Design | Compilers: Principles, Techniques & Tools by Aho (Dragon Book) |
| Programming | ANSI C Programming Language by Kernighan & Ritchie |
| GATE Prep | GATE CSE Previous Year Papers by Made Easy, Ace Academy Books |
👉 Strategy: NCERT-level basics in C, DSA + Standard books + Solve PYQs.
Best Books for GATE Mechanical Engineering
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Engineering Mechanics | Engineering Mechanics by R.K. Bansal |
| Strength of Materials | Strength of Materials by R.K. Rajput, B.C. Punmia |
| Theory of Machines | Theory of Machines by S.S. Rattan |
| Thermodynamics | Engineering Thermodynamics by P.K. Nag |
| Fluid Mechanics | Hydraulics & Fluid Mechanics by Modi & Seth |
| Heat Transfer | Heat & Mass Transfer by R.K. Rajput |
| Manufacturing | Manufacturing Science by Amitabh Ghosh & A.K. Mallik |
| Machine Design | Design of Machine Elements by V.B. Bhandari |
| Industrial Engineering | Industrial Engineering & Production Mgmt. by Martand Telsang |
| GATE Prep | Mechanical Engineering GATE Guide by Made Easy |
👉 Mechanical students must practice numerical questions daily.
Best Books for GATE Electrical Engineering (EE)
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Electrical Machines | Electrical Machinery by P.S. Bimbhra, J.B. Gupta |
| Power Systems | Power System Engineering by Nagrath & Kothari |
| Power Electronics | Power Electronics by P.S. Bimbhra |
| Signals & Systems | Signals & Systems by Oppenheim |
| Control Systems | Automatic Control Systems by B.C. Kuo |
| Circuit Theory | Network Analysis by Van Valkenburg |
| Measurements | A Course in Electrical & Electronic Measurements by A.K. Sawhney |
| GATE Prep | Electrical Engg. GATE Guide by Made Easy, Ace Academy |
👉 Focus: Machines + Power Systems + Signals.
Best Books for GATE Civil Engineering (CE)
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Strength of Materials | B.C. Punmia |
| Surveying | S.K. Duggal |
| Structural Analysis | S.S. Bhavikatti |
| RCC & Steel Structures | B.C. Punmia, Jindal |
| Geotechnical Engineering | Soil Mechanics by K.R. Arora |
| Environmental Engg. | P.N. Modi & S.C. Chand |
| Fluid Mechanics | Modi & Seth |
| Highway Engineering | Khanna & Justo |
| GATE Prep | Made Easy Civil GATE Books, Previous Year Papers |
👉 Civil aspirants should solve numerical + design problems extensively.
Best Books for GATE Electronics & Communication (ECE)
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Electronic Devices | Electronic Devices & Circuit Theory by Boylestad & Nashelsky |
| Analog Circuits | Microelectronic Circuits by Sedra & Smith |
| Digital Circuits | Digital Design by Morris Mano |
| Control Systems | Control Systems Engineering by Nagrath & Gopal |
| Signals & Systems | Oppenheim |
| Communication Systems | Principles of Communication Systems by Taub & Schilling |
| Electromagnetics | Engineering Electromagnetics by William Hayt |
| GATE Prep | Made Easy ECE Books, Ace Academy Notes |
Best Books for GATE Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Reaction Engineering – O. Levenspiel
- Transport Processes & Separation Process Principles – Christie Geankoplis
- Heat Transfer Principles – D.Q. Kern
- Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers – James Welty
- Process Control – D.R. Coughanowr
- GATE Chemical Engineering Guide – Made Easy
Best Books for Other GATE Branches
- Biotechnology: Lehninger’s Biochemistry, Molecular Biology by Alberts.
- Instrumentation Engineering: Modern Control Engineering (Ogata), Electrical & Electronic Measurement (A.K. Sawhney).
- Aerospace Engineering: Fundamentals of Aerodynamics (John D. Anderson), Gas Dynamics (E. Rathakrishnan).
Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) for GATE
Solving PYQs is the most effective preparation strategy.
- Made Easy 30 Years GATE Solved Papers (Branch-wise)
- Ace Academy GATE Question Bank
- GATE Online Test Series – Made Easy, GateForum, Testbook
👉 70–80% of GATE questions are repeated in concept.
Online vs Offline GATE Books
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Offline (Hardcopy) | Better for revision, less distractions | Heavy & costly |
| Online (PDF/eBooks) | Portable, searchable, instant access | Eye strain, distractions |
| Hybrid | Use textbooks offline + PYQs online | Balanced approach |
Toppers’ Strategy with Books
- Choose one standard book per subject.
- Solve PYQs multiple times.
- Revise formulas weekly.
- Use test series for time management.
- Focus on weightage subjects first.
Conclusion
The Best Books for GATE 2025 depend on your branch, but the golden rule remains:
- NCERT basics → Standard textbooks → GATE Guides → PYQs → Mock Tests → Revision.
Whether you’re from CSE, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, or Chemical, following the right set of books and practicing rigorously will take you to success.
With the right books + discipline, cracking GATE is not just possible—it’s achievable.
Best Books for Banking, Defence & PSC
Competitive exams in India go beyond UPSC, SSC, NEET, and JEE. Aspirants also prepare for Banking exams, Defence forces, State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), and technical exams like GATE. Each exam has a unique syllabus, but the foundation remains the same: choosing the right books.
Best Books for Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI, Insurance)
Banking exams like IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, RBI Assistant, and Insurance AO/Clerk demand strong aptitude, reasoning, English, and banking awareness.
Banking Quantitative Aptitude Books
| Book Name | Author | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | Comprehensive, beginner-friendly |
| Fast Track Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma | Shortcut methods, speed building |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M. Tyra | Shortcut tricks, time-saving |
| Data Interpretation Book | Arun Sharma | High-level DI, useful for SBI PO, IBPS PO |
Banking Reasoning Books
| Book Name | Author | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Covers all types of reasoning |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | Strengthens logical reasoning |
| Puzzle Mania | Arun Sharma | Best for banking puzzle practice |
Banking English Books
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | Grammar + practice |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Vocabulary building |
| Plinth to Paramount | Neetu Singh | SSC + Banking English practice |
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Grammar foundation |
Banking Awareness & General Knowledge
| Book | Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Banking Awareness | Arihant | Banking sector concepts |
| Static GK | Lucent GK | General knowledge |
| Monthly Current Affairs | Vision IAS, Pratiyogita Darpan | Updated information |
| Economy & Finance GK | McGraw Hill Banking Guide | Financial awareness |
Banking Practice Books
- Previous Year Papers – Kiran Publication
- Practice Sets for Bank PO/Clerk – Arihant
- Adda247 Banking Books Series – Complete sets for prelims & mains
👉 Strategy: One book per subject + daily practice of mock tests.
Best Books for NDA & Defence Exams
Defence exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, SSB Interview, and CAPF require a mix of Mathematics, General Ability, and Personality Tests.
NDA Exam Books
| Subject | Book | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | Pathfinder NDA/NA Book (Arihant) | Covers entire NDA Maths syllabus |
| Maths | Rakesh Yadav SSC Maths Book | Useful for arithmetic concepts |
| English | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi | Grammar & comprehension |
| GK | Lucent GK | Covers all sections of GA |
| Science | NCERT Class 6–10 Science | Foundation for NDA science |
CDS & AFCAT Books
- Pathfinder CDS Book by Arihant – Complete syllabus coverage
- AFCAT Exam Book by Arihant – Recommended for Air Force aspirants
- Manorama Yearbook – Current affairs for Defence exams
SSB Interview Books
- Let’s Crack SSB Interview by SSBCrack
- Breaking the Code of SSB Psychological Tests by Col. S.K. Aggarwal
- Psychological Tests for SSB – Recommended practice
👉 Defence aspirants must balance academics + personality development.
Best Books for State PSC Exams (BPSC, TNPSC, UPPCS, MPPSC, etc.)
Every state conducts PSC exams for civil services. While syllabus overlaps with UPSC, state-specific books are necessary.
BPSC (Bihar PSC) Books
| Subject | Book |
|---|---|
| History | Spectrum Modern History, Bipan Chandra |
| Geography | NCERTs + G.C. Leong |
| Polity | M. Laxmikant |
| Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Bihar GK | BPSC Ghatna Chakra, Youth Competition Times |
UPPCS (Uttar Pradesh PSC) Books
- Polity: Laxmikant (Hindi edition available)
- History: Spectrum + UP-specific GK books
- Geography: Oxford Atlas + NCERTs
- UP GK: UP Special GK by Arihant
TNPSC Books
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| General Studies | Samacheer Kalvi Books (Class 6–12) |
| Polity | Indian Polity by Laxmikant |
| Tamil Language | TNPSC General Tamil Book by VVK Subburaj |
| Current Affairs | Manorama Yearbook |
MPPSC Books
- History: Spectrum Modern History
- Polity: M. Laxmikant
- MP GK: Madhya Pradesh Samanya Gyan by Arihant
👉 State PSC books are usually NCERTs + State GK books.
Conclusion: One Book Rule
- Banking: One core book per subject + mock tests.
- Defence: Pathfinder (NDA/CDS) + NCERT basics.
- PSC: NCERTs + State-specific GK.
By choosing wisely, aspirants can avoid book overload and focus on smart study with maximum results.
Best Books for NCERT, Subjects & Toppers’ Recommendations
NCERT Books – The Foundation of All Exams
When it comes to competitive exams in India, whether it is UPSC, SSC, Banking, JEE, or NEET, one common suggestion from toppers is:
👉 “Start with NCERT.”
Why NCERT is Important?
- Authentic Content – Directly published by Government of India.
- Simple Language – Easy to understand for beginners.
- Conceptual Foundation – Especially useful for UPSC, NEET, and JEE.
- Repetition in Exams – Many direct questions in prelims/mains are lifted from NCERT.
NCERT Books by Subject
| Subject | NCERT Books to Cover | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| History | Class 6–12 NCERTs | UPSC, SSC, State PSC |
| Geography | Class 6–12 NCERTs | UPSC, JEE, State PSC |
| Polity | Democratic Politics (9–10), Indian Constitution at Work (11–12) | UPSC, SSC |
| Science | Class 6–10 Science, Class 11–12 Physics/Chemistry/Biology | NEET, JEE, NDA |
| Economics | Class 9–12 NCERT Economics | UPSC, Banking, SSC |
| Maths | Class 6–12 NCERT Maths | JEE, NDA, SSC |
| Sociology & Arts | Class 11–12 Sociology, Fine Arts | UPSC Mains Optionals |
NCERT in Hindi Medium
- UPSC Hindi Medium students rely on Hindi-translated NCERTs.
- Many publishers like Arihant and Pratiyogita Darpan print NCERTs in Hindi.
Subject-Wise Best Books for Competitive Exams
Beyond NCERT, every subject requires advanced references.
Best Polity Books
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikant (Bible for UPSC & State PSC).
- Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu.
- NCERT Political Science (Class 9–12).
👉 Table:
| Exam | Best Polity Books |
|---|---|
| UPSC/State PSC | Laxmikant, DD Basu |
| SSC | Lucent Polity |
| Banking | Basic NCERT + Current Affairs |
Best History Books
- Spectrum – Modern History (Rajiv Ahir).
- Ancient India by R.S. Sharma (NCERT).
- Medieval India by Satish Chandra (NCERT).
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra.
Best Geography Books
- Certificate Physical & Human Geography – G.C. Leong.
- Oxford Atlas (India & World).
- NCERT Geography (Class 6–12).
Best Economy Books
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh.
- Economic Survey (Government of India).
- Mrunal Economy Notes.
Best Science & Environment Books
- General Science – Lucent GK.
- Environment – Shankar IAS Book.
- NCERT Science (Class 6–10).
- Science & Tech in India – TMH.
Toppers’ Recommended Book Lists
Every topper emphasizes limited, repeated revision rather than hoarding books.
UPSC Toppers’ Booklist
- Polity: Laxmikant
- History: Spectrum, NCERTs
- Geography: G.C. Leong + NCERT
- Economy: Ramesh Singh, Economic Survey
- Ethics: Lexicon Ethics, 2nd ARC Report
- Essay: Previous Year Essay Papers
SSC Toppers’ Booklist
- Maths: Rakesh Yadav 7300 Questions
- English: Neetu Singh, MB Publication
- GK: Lucent GK
- Reasoning: Kiran Publication
NEET Toppers’ Booklist
- Biology: NCERT + Trueman’s Biology + MTG Fingertips
- Physics: DC Pandey, HC Verma
- Chemistry: MS Chauhan, N. Awasthi
JEE Toppers’ Booklist
- Physics: HC Verma + DC Pandey + I.E. Irodov
- Maths: Black Book (Vikas Gupta), Cengage Maths
- Chemistry: MS Chauhan, N. Awasthi, VK Jaiswal
Banking Toppers’ Booklist
- Quant: Arun Sharma DI, RS Aggarwal
- Reasoning: MK Pandey
- English: Word Power Made Easy, Plinth to Paramount
- Banking Awareness: Arihant, Lucent GK
GATE Toppers’ Booklist
- Standard textbooks (Galvin, Tanenbaum, Bansal, Nag)
- Made Easy/ACE Academy practice sets
- Previous Year GATE Question Papers
Best Books for Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
Practicing PYQs is non-negotiable.
| Exam | Best PYQ Book |
|---|---|
| UPSC | Arihant 25 Years UPSC Prelims Solved Papers |
| SSC | Kiran SSC Previous Year Papers |
| NEET | MTG 34 Years NEET/AIPMT Solved Papers |
| JEE | Arihant 43 Years JEE PYQs |
| Banking | Disha Publication Bank PO PYQs |
| GATE | Made Easy GATE Previous Papers |
Online vs Offline Books
| Mode | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Offline (Hardcopy) | Easy to revise, no screen fatigue, mark with notes | Heavy to carry, costly |
| Online (PDFs, eBooks) | Portable, searchable, cheaper/free | Eye strain, distractions |
| Hybrid | Best approach – NCERT + Reference in hardcopy, PYQs in digital | Balance required |
Common Mistakes in Book Selection
- Buying too many books instead of focusing on few.
- Ignoring NCERT basics.
- Over-reliance on coaching notes without standard books.
- Not revising multiple times.
How to Choose the Best Book?
- Always ask: Is this book covering the syllabus?
- Prefer books recommended by toppers & experts.
- Stick to one book per subject, revise 3–4 times.
Conclusion – One Book Can Change Your Result
The journey of any aspirant begins with the right book. Whether it’s:
- UPSC → Laxmikant, NCERTs
- SSC → Lucent, Rakesh Yadav
- NEET → NCERT Biology
- JEE → HC Verma, MS Chauhan
- Banking → RS Aggarwal, S.P. Bakshi
- GATE → Standard Engineering Texts
👉 The formula is simple:
NCERT → Standard Reference Book → PYQs → Mock Tests → Revision.
With Rojgar Plus, aspirants can not only find the best books for every exam but also get updates on Sarkari Results, Admit Cards, Job Notifications, and Preparation Tips.
📌 Remember: It’s not about the number of books, but how many times you revise the right ones.