Competitive exams are an integral part of our educational and professional journeys, acting as gateways to further education, jobs, or career advancements. To succeed in these exams, candidates must arm themselves with the right study materials and resources. While online resources and study materials are abundant, there's a timeless charm in holding a book that contains essential knowledge and expertise. In this article, we present a curated list of the best and most recommended books for all competitive exams, spanning various fields and subjects.
"Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal: A go-to book for those appearing in exams that assess numerical ability and problem-solving skills. This comprehensive guide covers topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data interpretation. The book's lucid explanations and abundant practice exercises make it ideal for mastering the fundamentals of quantitative aptitude.
"Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi: English language proficiency is a crucial component of many competitive exams. S.P. Bakshi's book offers a structured approach to improve vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. It is packed with practice exercises and previous year's questions to help candidates enhance their linguistic abilities.
"Lucent's General Knowledge" by Dr. Binay Karna, Manwendra Mukul, and R.P. Suman: This book is a treasure trove of general knowledge and current affairs. It covers topics ranging from history, geography, science, politics, and more. The content is presented in a concise and reader-friendly manner, making it suitable for various competitive exams, including civil services, bank exams, and SSC.
"India Year Book" by Publications Division: For those aspiring for civil services or other government exams, the "India Year Book" is an indispensable resource. It provides comprehensive information about India's progress, policies, and initiatives in various sectors over the past year. It acts as a one-stop reference for current affairs and socio-economic developments in the country.
"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis: Building a strong vocabulary is essential for excelling in verbal ability sections of competitive exams. Norman Lewis's classic book helps readers enhance their word power through easy-to-understand exercises and practical examples.
"Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma: Rajesh Verma's book is a popular choice for candidates aiming to improve their speed and accuracy in mathematics. With a plethora of practice questions and shortcut techniques, this book is an excellent resource for cracking arithmetic and data interpretation sections of competitive exams.
"A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal: R.S. Aggarwal's book covers all aspects of reasoning required for competitive exams. It provides extensive coverage of both verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics, accompanied by ample practice exercises and solved examples.
"Objective Computer Awareness" by Arihant Experts: In today's digital age, computer awareness is crucial for almost all competitive exams. This book from Arihant Experts offers a comprehensive guide to computer knowledge and terminology, making it beneficial for banking, insurance, and other exams with computer-related sections.
Click on the following links to buy books:
"Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal:
"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis:
"Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma:
"A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal:
"Objective Computer Awareness" by Swati Saraswat
"India Year Book" by Publications Division:
Maths Books for CAT Exam
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT" by Arun Sharma
This book covers a wide range of topics with varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for CAT aspirants at different stages of preparation.
"Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT" by Sarvesh K. Verma
Known for its comprehensive content and numerous practice questions, this book is a favorite among CAT aspirants.
"Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
A classic resource that provides a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and ample practice exercises.
"The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Nishit K. Sinha
Offers a holistic approach to quantitative aptitude with detailed explanations and challenging problems.
"How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for the CAT" by Arun Sharma
While not solely focused on math, this book covers the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sections, which often include quantitative aspects.
"Magical Book on Quicker Maths" by M. Tyra
Though not CAT-specific, this book is excellent for improving your speed and accuracy in calculations.
FAQ`s
Q 1.How should I start my preparation for competitive exams?
Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Create a study schedule to cover all subjects systematically. Gather the necessary study materials and books.
Q 2. How important is time management during the exam?
Time management is crucial to attempt all sections within the given time. Practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve speed.
Q 3. What role do mock tests and practice papers play in preparation?
Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Regular practice improves accuracy and confidence.
Q 4. How do I manage stress and anxiety during preparation?
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. Take regular breaks and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Q 5. How can I improve my English language skills?
Read newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance vocabulary and comprehension. Practice writing essays and paragraphs to improve writing skills.