Exams

5 Best Geography Books for IAS Prelims and Mains Exam

Geography subject plays an important role in the preparation of Civil Services Exam. In General Studies preparation and in Prelims Paper 1 we can’t ignore it. Aspirants also keep Geography as an optional subject in IAS Mains Exam. Let us find out best IAS books for Geography for prelims as well as for mains exam.

Geography subject is divided into two parts namely Indian Geography and World Geography. Topics mostly asked in the prelims exam are from physical, social, economic Geography of India and the World.

5 Best Geography Books for IAS Prelims and Mains Exam

1.Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong

This book covers most of the topics in detail about physical and human geography. It is divided into two main sections namely physical geography and Global Climatic Zones of Savanna, Steppe, Mediterranean, Equatorial and Tropical Monsoon Climate. in the book pictorial representation and illustrations make understanding easy. It also consists of several maps with detailed explanation wherever required. It is helpful for mains as well as for prelims exam preparation.

Following topics are covered:

– Climate Change

– Types of Natural Vegetation

– Mountain Chains

– Desserts

– Climatic patterns

– Glaciers

– Rainfall

– Minerals or other natural phenomenon.

– The types of agriculture practiced

– The urban centers and the developed industrial belts etc.

Key features of the book

• Language used in the book is average not much tough not easy.
• Page quality is good.
• Printing is good.
• Provides basic understanding of the Geography
• Paperback: 200 pages

2.Geography of India by Majid Husain

It is a comprehensive book in which all the topics of Indian Geography are mostly covered. It will help in the preparation of IAS prelims and mains examination.

Following topics are covered:

– Drainage System

– Seasons

– Wildlife and parks

– Resources of India

– Different types of irrigation

– Cropping patterns of India

– Transportation,

– Public distribution system and food security etc.

Key features of the book

• Language of the book is simple.
• Easy to understand
• Elaborate and informative book
• Quality of pages is fine
• Paperback: 888 pages

3.World Geography by Majid Hussain

It provides detail explanation and knowledge about various countries of the world. It also provides information related to the distribution of people over the earth and also focus on the various geographical regions of the world. Several maps, data and illustrations are also provided. It is helpful in prelims and mains IAS exam.

Following topics are covered:

– Africa

– North Africa

– Northeastern Africa

– West Africa

– West central Africa

– Southern Africa

– Asia

– Southwest Asia

– South Asia

– Southeast Asia

– East Asia

– Central Asia

– Europe

– North America

– Middle America

– South America

– Oceania

– Antarctica etc.

Key features of the book

• this book is like a theoretical Atlas.
• Language is simple and easy to understand.
• Printing of the book is good.
• Quality of pages is average.
• Paperback: 452 pages

4.Geography of Population: Concepts, Determinants and Patterns by RC Chandna

This book will be helpful for those IAS aspirants who have Geography subject as an optional. As the title of the book suggests it focuses on the aspects of population.

Following topics are covered:

– Migration

– Demographic attributes

– Patterns of Settlements

– Types, sources and Problems of Population Data

– Distribution and density of population

– International Labour Movements

– Growth of Population- Birth and Death Rates etc.

Key features of the book

• Well described and subjective book
• Quality of Pages is good.
• Printing of the book is good.
• Tables, charts and maps are clear.
• Paperback: 666 pages

5.Physical, Human and Economic Geography for Civil Services Examination by D R Khullar

 

8 Best Books of Economics for the Preparation of the UGC-NET

This book is written in very simple language.. Every aspirants of the UPPSC prefer to study this book to know the all five plans of India, economic planning of India, and problems and properties of the developed and developing countries.

So aspirants of the UGC/NET can purchase this book to ensure their success in the exam.

8. Statistics and Econometrics by B. L. Agarwal

This book covers almost every topic of the Statistics and Econometrics. It has very good exercise before every chapter so that the students can solve the questions without the help of teacher.

Main topics covers in this book are, Central Tendency, Probability, Normal distribution, Regression, Correlation and Index Number etc.

UGC NET 2019: Best Books for Teaching & Research Aptitude (Paper-1) Recommended by Experts

5 Best GK Books 2019-2020: To Crack UPSC, RRB, SSC Exams

General Knowledge is a very important subject and mostly asked in competitive examinations. It is said that a student is known by the knowledge he possess. Nowadays, in GK several books are available in the market but which one is good or which book covered all the sections comprehensively is a bit difficult to decide. This article provides the list of 5 best GK books that will help in the preparation and also enhance your knowledge.

GK best books list is given below will help in building your confidence and will let you know what is going around the world. For example, what is Hurricane, why it occurred etc? General Knowledge consists of various subjects namely History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Business, Genera; Science, Ecology and Environment, Art and Culture, Sports, News and Media, Healthcare, Communication, Computers and Technology etc. While reading General Knowledge book you feel change in your personality and in fact you will be amaze after reading those types of stuffs that you have not heard earlier. Best recommended GK books for all competitive examinations are as follows:

5 Best GK Books for UPSC, SSC, RRB etc. 

1.General Knowledge 2020 by Arihant

This is an updated version of Arihant’s GK book and it covers all the subjects with miscellaneous topics and recent affairs also. This book is designed in such a way that it will not only give conceptual knowledge but also help in cracking competitive examinations. Book consists of around 591 pages and categorise into different topics for better clarity.

Key features of the book

– Covered all the topics with examples.

– Latest facts, updates are covered in the form of figures, graph and tables.

– Current affairs facts

– Paper quality of the book is good

2.General Studies by Disha

It is the second revised and updated enlarged edition of Disha’s experts for various competitive examinations preparation. Updates related to several exams like SSC, Banking, Agriculture, Environment, Technological developments, Policies of Government, Sports etc. are covered. If there is shortage of time and lot more to revise for upcoming exam then this book can be the best choice. It has 10000 plus objective MCQs with explanatory notes. Outdated questions are removed and explanations are updated. The questions in the book have been selected on the basis of questions asked in previous exams. The book consists of around 944 pages and paper quality is good.

Key features of the book

– Topics, chapter wise questions and answers with proper explanation Syllabus wise revision with updated latest topics

– Content in the book is to the point

– Language used is simple

– Good supplement to boost preparation

3.General Knowledge Manual by Pearson

This book consists of detail information of all the subjects of GK. Content is elaborated nicely and all the topics are covered. This is unique book because apart from the GK subjects it consists of more than 1400 previous year’s exams papers of different examinations. Latest Current Affair is also covered. It has around 928 pages with paperback.

Key features of the book

– Various patterns of exams are covered

– Consists of 1400+ previous year papers

– Give free access to Pearson’s online portal

– Quality of the pages in the book is fine

– With the concepts, facts and key points are covered

4.General Knowledge by Lucent

Lucent General Knowledge book is good for beginners and for revision before exams. All the content is covered in a simple language and students can mug up very easily. Book also has various tables to make learning easy. This is one of India’s best selling GK book so far. It is available in Hindi and English both languages.  It has around 410 pages and of good quality.

Key features of the book

– Enhance your GK basic knowledge

– Covered all the topics with facts

– Language used is simple and any teenager can read it.

– Handy to carry while travelling

– Best way to revise before upcoming exams

5.General Knowledge by Prabhat Prakashan

 

 

 

 

6 Best History Books for UGC NET Exam

UGC NET exam is conducted by NTA on behalf of University Grants Commission. It is a national level exam. This exam certifies the eligibility of candidates for the post of ‘Assistant Professor’ or ‘Junior Research Fellowship’. It conducts the examination for various subjects for two times a year. There are approx 81 NET subjects for paper 2 out of which History is one.

UGC NET Exam comprises two papers namely Paper 1 and Paper 2 which held consecutively without any break in the examination centre. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.

In Paper 1, 50 multiple choice questions are asked and in Paper 2, 100 multiple choice questions. The exam does not have negative marking. Each question is of two marks.

There are almost 81 Subjects in UGC NET exam out of which History is one. It has been seen that several candidates opt this subject to appear in the UGC-NET Exam. But success touches the feet of only those who choose good books and study with proper strategy.

Let us see 6 best books for history subject for UGC NET exam that will help in the preparation.

6 Best History Books for UGC NET Exam

As per the new syllabus of the UGC, Indian History consists of Pre-history, Ancient period, Medieval Indian history and Modern India including National Movement and post independent phase.

1.Indian History by Krishna Reddy

This book provides a comprehensive approach to prepare history subject for UGC NET Exam. It covers the history of ancient, medieval and modern times. It will also be helpful in the preparation of several competitive examinations. From the previous edition, in the ancient section, new chapter on culture is added which highlights socio-religious and cultural developments and concepts. Several maps, diagrams, flowcharts etc. are given in the book to make understanding of the concept easy and clear.

Key features of the book

– After every chapter MCQs are there.

– It covers entire syllabus.

– Language used in the book is simple and easy to understand.

– Several Practice tests are there at the last of the book for self evaluation.

– Information is given in tabular form which makes easy to remember several historical events.

– In front of the chapter flowchart is given which gives an idea about the topic.

– Maps are there in the book but still more are required.

– Page quality of the book is fine.

– Printing is good.

– Paperback: 1328 pages

2.UGC-NET: History (Paper-II) Exam Guide by D.S. Tiwari

 

It is a concise book on History for aspirants preparing for UGC NET for JRF and Assistant Professor Post. All the relevant chapters are there in the book.

Key features of the book

– Topics are covered in a lucid manner.

– Well-structured book with conceptual clarity.

– After every chapter, MCQs are given for practice.

– This book is helpful for revision before exam.

– Previous Years solved papers are there in the book.

– Reader friendly

– Questions in the book are based on exam pattern which boost the confidence of the candidate,

– Even some important terms, concepts, ideas are given about World History.

– Page quality is fine.

– Printing is good.

– Paperback: 894 pages

3.UGC-NET History by Sujata Ghosh

Book covers all the chapters according to the syllabus in detail with conceptual clarity. This book has three main units namely ancient, medieval and modern.

Key features of the book

– Book is designed according to the latest pattern and syllabus of UGC-NET.

–  All the concepts are covered in detail.

– For practice more than 5500 chapter wise objective questions are given in the book which gives it an edge.

– Previous years questions and solved papers are covered in the book.

– It consists of model question papers as per the examination pattern.

– It provide knowledge and build concept.

– Quality of the page is average.

– Printing of the book is fine.

– Paperback: 672 pages

4.The Wonder That Was India by A.L Basham

This book covers Indian history, culture, religion, governance, social evolution, tradition, languages, philosophy and science. It covers the past of India from the time of Harappa civilisation and settlement to Aryan invasion theory. The book has inputs from scholars around the world.

Key features of the book

– It explores India’s rich heritage culture.

– It has covered in detail our past starting from Pre-Vedic Period.

– This book will create a visualisation picture for all types of pre-Historic and Vedic History.

– It also covers cultural reforms starting from Hinduism till the Vijayanagar Empire.

– Muslim invaders and the fall of the ancient Hindu kingdoms are also covered in the book.

– End of the Muslim period is also covered.

– Maps, tables and chronology of events are also covered.

– Language used in the book is easy and simple.

– Help in building concept.

– It generates interest on the subject even for the candidates who don’t have much idea of our past.

– Marvellous book on state, society, life, religion, art, language etc.

– Page quality is average.

– Printing is fine.

– Paperback: 572 pages

5.India’s Struggle for Independence: 1857-1947 by Bipan Chandra

This book gives an in-depth and detailed overview on independence movement. The struggle for Independence is an important part of the history which can’t be ignored during preparation of the exam.

Key features of the book

– Well-documented history of India’s freedom struggle against the British rule.

– It consists of maps which make study easy.

– All the movements related to independence struggle are covered.

– All the chapters related to the independence are covered.

– Gives conceptual clarity.

– Independence movements are covered in story format which make it interesting to read.

– Aspirants need not to mug up the historical events to remember them for long time after reading this book.

– Language given in the book easy and simple.

– Quality of the pages is average.

– Printing of the book is good.

– Help in remembering the chronology of events in Indian history.

– This book provides full interpretations and views on colonial policies of British.

– This book sheds light on all of the important leaders, who were a part of the struggle for independence,

– Paperback: 600 pages

6.Trueman’s UGC NET History by Pramod Singh

 

 

5 Best Reasoning Books for all Competitive Examinations

Mostly, the entire entrance examination, tests candidate’s reasoning and logical analysis skills. It is an important part of any competitive examination. During the course of preparation we can’t ignore it. It is highly scoring subject and practice of various types of questions is required. To make your preparation easy, we are providing list of 5 best reasoning books that will also make your concept clearer.

Reasoning is divided into two parts verbal and non-verbal. It will help you to analyse situations and also help in making decisions using limiting data. Before choosing best books for reasoning it is necessary that it should have large variety of reasoning problems with solutions and explanations.

5 Best Reasoning Books are as follows:

1.Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by Dr. RS Aggarwal

The book is divided into two parts i.e. verbal Reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Further Verbal Reasoning has two sections; first section covers General Mental Ability, like Verification of truth of the statement, Assertion and Reasoning, Alpha Numeric Sequence Puzzle, Direction Sense Test, Series Completion, Inserting the Missing Character, Logical Sequence of Words, and Logical Venn Diagrams. Second section covers Logical Deduction, like Cause and Effect Reasoning, Statement-Conclusions, Theme Detection, Statement-Arguments, Deriving Conclusions from Passages, Logic, Statement-Assumptions, and Statement-Course of Action.

The second part Non Verbal Reasoning include Construction of Squares and Triangles, Classification, Figure Formation & Analysis, Series, Completion of Incomplete Pattern, Paper Folding, Analogy, Analytical Reasoning, Cubes and Dice, and Spotting out the Embedded Figures etc.

Key features of the book

– Book consists of several practice questions with explanations

– Conceptual clarity

– Quality of the book pages is fine

2.A new approach to Reasoning By B.S. Sijwali & S. Sijwali Arihant

It is the revised version of verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The book consists of three sections namely verbal reasoning, analytical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Each segment has chapters, question papers and covered all patterns of questions. In Analytical reasoning section real-time problems are covered like syllogism, cause and effect of particular sections etc. Book consists of around 1202 pages.

Key features of the book

– Book has basically two sections one is conceptual based and another one is advanced level.

– Previous year exam questions with detailed solution are given.

– Thousands of model questions are given for practice.

3.Analytical Reasoning by M.K Pandey

It is being said that analytical reasoning is somewhat tough than verbal and non-verbal reasoning. In these types of questions, logic is derived from the given concepts in question and then only we can answer them. Questions asked in the various examinations are based on statements and assumptions, syllogism etc. This book consists of various conceptual questions with explanations. The book consists of around 710 pages.

Key features of the book

– Useful for SSC, CHSL and other exams.

– All the topics are covered in detail

– Practice sets are given at the end

4.Multi Dimensional Reasoning by Mishra & Kumar Dr. Lal

As name suggest it is a multidimensional reasoning covering both verbal and non-verbal sections. It consists of all the topics related to verbal and non-verbal with detailed explanations. It has ample of questions which give good practice as required for the examination. In short time revision it is a good book.

Key features of the book

– Book consists of model questions based on concepts with explanations.

– Its Kindle edition is also available

5.Reasoning Book for Competitive Examinations by Pearson

The book consists of verbal and non-verbal reasoning segments. Over 2500 questions are given for practice with solutions. Previous years papers with explanation are also given. More clarity of the concept via explanation of the questions is there.

Key features of the book

– Book provides 3 mock tests to examine exam readiness.

– Helpful in all competitive examinations.

– Pages quality of the book is fine

5 Best Reasoning Books for all Competitive Examinations
S. No.	Book Name	Author/Publisher Name
1.	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	Dr. RS Aggarwal
2.	A new approach to Reasoning	B.S. Sijwali & S. Sijwali Arihant
3.	Analytical Reasoning	M.K Pandey
4.	Multi Dimensional Reasoning	Mishra & Kumar Dr. Lal
5.	Reasoning Book for Competitive Examinations	Pearson