The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is one of the largest public sector companies in India, and it conducts recruitment exams for various posts across its operations. Preparing for the NTPC exam can be daunting, given the competitive nature of the test and the variety of topics it covers. However, with the right set of books, you can streamline your preparation, ensuring that you're well-equipped to tackle the exam with confidence.
Choosing the right study material is crucial, as it helps you cover the required syllabus in-depth and improves your chances of success. This article provides a list of the best books for NTPC, breaking them down into categories based on the topics they cover and their unique features. Whether you are preparing for the General Awareness, Reasoning, or Technical sections, this guide will help you choose the right resources to succeed.
Key Areas of NTPC Exam and How Books Help
Before diving into the list of books, it's important to understand the main sections that the NTPC exam tests:
General Awareness (GA): Covers current affairs, history, geography, science, and culture.
Reasoning and Aptitude: Tests logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and problem-solving skills.
Technical Section: Depending on the post you're applying for, this section covers specific subjects related to engineering and technology.
General English: Measures your command over the English language, including vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
Each of these sections requires a specific approach to preparation, and the right set of books can make a huge difference. Let’s now dive into the best books to tackle these topics.
Best Books for General Awareness (GA)
General Awareness is one of the most crucial sections of the NTPC exam. It assesses your knowledge of current affairs, general knowledge, history, geography, science, and culture. Here’s a list of the best books for mastering this section:
1. General Knowledge by Lucent
This book is a comprehensive guide that covers all areas of general knowledge, including history, geography, economics, polity, and more. It’s well-organized, which makes it easier for students to grasp the concepts. Lucent’s General Knowledge is a popular choice for competitive exams across India.
2. Manorama Yearbook
The Manorama Yearbook is an excellent reference for current affairs. It’s updated annually, ensuring that you are always aware of the latest events and developments in politics, sports, and economics. It's a must-have for anyone serious about cracking the NTPC exam.
3. General Awareness for Competitive Exams by R. S. Aggarwal
This book covers a wide range of topics, such as history, geography, polity, science, and current affairs. The clear explanations and practice questions make it ideal for anyone preparing for the NTPC exam.
Best Books for Reasoning and Aptitude
The Reasoning and Aptitude section of the NTPC exam tests your logical thinking and numerical ability. This section is critical for securing a good score, as it is often time-consuming. The following books are designed to sharpen your problem-solving abilities.
4. A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R. S. Aggarwal
This is one of the most trusted books when it comes to reasoning. It is divided into two parts: verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The book offers a vast range of questions, from basic to complex, helping you improve your speed and accuracy.
5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R. S. Aggarwal
A go-to resource for practicing quantitative aptitude, this book covers all the essential topics required for the NTPC exam. It includes detailed explanations of problems and solutions, along with a variety of practice exercises.
6. Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
This book is perfect for improving your speed and accuracy in solving arithmetic problems. It’s filled with short tricks and tips that can help you solve questions in the shortest possible time.
Best Books for Technical Section (Engineering)
The Technical section in the NTPC exam is where the real challenge lies, especially for candidates applying for engineering posts. This section will vary depending on the specialization you're applying for (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics). Below is a list of books based on different engineering disciplines.
7. Objective Electrical Engineering by A. K. Upadhyay (Electrical Engineering)
This book is a great resource for electrical engineering students preparing for the NTPC exam. It covers a wide array of topics related to electrical circuits, power systems, control systems, and instrumentation. It includes objective-type questions to test your knowledge.
8. Mechanical Engineering for Competitions by R. K. Jain (Mechanical Engineering)
Ideal for mechanical engineering aspirants, this book offers a comprehensive collection of questions from every mechanical engineering topic relevant to the NTPC exam. With detailed solutions and explanations, it is a great companion for your preparation.
9. Objective Questions in Civil Engineering by R. S. Khurmi (Civil Engineering)
For civil engineering candidates, R. S. Khurmi’s book provides an in-depth overview of key topics like fluid mechanics, structural analysis, surveying, and construction materials. It’s well-structured and suitable for objective-type question formats.
10. Electronics and Communication Engineering by A. P. Gupta (Electronics Engineering)
A must-have for candidates from the electronics discipline, this book covers all the fundamental topics in electronics and communication. It includes detailed practice questions along with solutions to enhance your preparation.
Best Books for General English
The General English section assesses your proficiency in the English language. This includes grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence formation. Here are the top books for this section:
11. Objective General English by S. P. Bakshi
A renowned book in the competitive exam community, S. P. Bakshi's Objective General English is an excellent resource for anyone looking to master the basics of grammar and vocabulary. It also includes practice questions that help you improve your understanding of English.
12. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
This book is ideal for expanding your vocabulary. It offers systematic techniques for learning new words and improving your language skills, which is beneficial for both the General English section and the overall exam.
13. English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
This book has been a go-to for English learners for decades. It provides an in-depth explanation of English grammar rules, making it a great resource for improving both written and verbal English.
Recommended Study Plan for NTPC Exam
A study plan is crucial for staying organized and focused during your NTPC exam preparation. Here’s a simple yet effective approach:
Start with General Awareness: Begin by reading the Manorama Yearbook and Lucent’s General Knowledge to cover the basics. Dedicate 2-3 hours each day to current affairs.
Focus on Reasoning and Aptitude: Set aside 1-2 hours daily to solve problems from R. S. Aggarwal’s reasoning books. Practice different question types to improve speed and accuracy.
Master the Technical Section: Depending on your engineering discipline, focus on the specific books listed above. Spend at least 3-4 hours each day practicing technical questions.
Improve General English: Read English newspapers daily and work on grammar with Wren & Martin and S. P. Bakshi’s books. Try to practice at least one mock test per week to monitor progress.
Mock Tests and Revision: Closer to the exam date, focus on revising key concepts and taking full-length mock tests to assess your readiness.
Final Thoughts on NTPC Exam Preparation
Success in the NTPC exam hinges on the quality of your preparation. By choosing the right set of books, following a structured study plan, and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your chances of scoring well. Remember, consistency and discipline are key. With these carefully selected books, you are all set to embark on a journey toward cracking the NTPC exam with confidence.
As you go through these books, ensure that you give equal attention to all sections of the exam. Each section plays a crucial role in your overall score. Stay motivated, track your progress, and don’t forget to take regular breaks to keep your mind fresh. Happy studying, and best of luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Books for NTPC
Here are some common questions students have about the books they need for NTPC exam preparation. These FAQs will help guide you in choosing the right study materials and provide answers to all your concerns.
1. What are the best books for General Awareness for the NTPC exam?
For General Awareness, some of the best books include:
Lucent’s General Knowledge: A comprehensive guide covering all areas like history, geography, economics, and current affairs.
Manorama Yearbook: Excellent for staying updated on current affairs and general knowledge.
General Awareness for Competitive Exams by R. S. Aggarwal: Covers a wide range of topics like politics, history, and science.
2. Which reasoning books are best for NTPC preparation?
When it comes to reasoning and aptitude, the following books are highly recommended:
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R. S. Aggarwal: A popular book offering a variety of questions to sharpen both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills.
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R. S. Aggarwal: This book covers all arithmetic topics, which are crucial for the NTPC exam.
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma: Ideal for improving speed and accuracy in solving arithmetic problems.
3. Are there any specific books for the technical section of the NTPC exam?
Yes, depending on your engineering discipline, here are some books to consider:
For Electrical Engineering: Objective Electrical Engineering by A. K. Upadhyay is perfect for electrical engineering students.
For Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineering for Competitions by R. K. Jain is a great resource for mechanical engineering aspirants.
For Civil Engineering: Objective Questions in Civil Engineering by R. S. Khurmi is widely regarded for civil engineering.
For Electronics Engineering: Electronics and Communication Engineering by A. P. Gupta is an excellent guide for electronics candidates.
4. How should I prepare for the General English section?
For the General English section, these books are great for building proficiency:
Objective General English by S. P. Bakshi: A helpful book for mastering English grammar and comprehension.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis: Ideal for expanding your vocabulary.
English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin: A thorough book for mastering English grammar, ideal for both beginners and advanced learners.
5. How can I manage time while preparing for NTPC?
Time management is crucial in NTPC preparation. Here's a general guide:
Create a Study Plan: Break down your preparation into manageable chunks. Allocate specific hours for each section (General Awareness, Reasoning, Technical, General English).
Practice Daily: Spend a couple of hours each day working on reasoning and aptitude. Set aside 1-2 hours for General Awareness, focusing on current affairs.
Mock Tests: Practice with full-length mock tests at least once a week. This will help you gauge your progress and identify weak areas.
6. Can I prepare for NTPC exam using online resources along with books?
Yes, combining books with online resources can enhance your preparation. You can use:
YouTube: For video lessons, mock tests, and tips.
NTPC-specific apps: Many apps offer quizzes and practice questions specifically tailored to the NTPC exam.
Online mock tests: Numerous websites offer mock tests that mimic the NTPC exam format, helping you get familiar with the exam environment.
However, make sure not to rely solely on online resources and always refer to trusted books for a more in-depth understanding of topics.
7. How many hours should I dedicate each day to studying for the NTPC exam?
The number of hours you dedicate will depend on your personal schedule and comfort level. However, a good starting point is:
4-6 hours a day: Focus on each section for at least 1-2 hours.
Practice mock tests: Dedicate 1-2 hours per week to mock tests.
Revise regularly: Spend at least an hour every two days revising what you've studied.
As the exam date nears, you can increase your study hours and focus more on practice.
8. Are NCERT books helpful for NTPC exam preparation?
While NCERT books are primarily designed for school-level education, they can be helpful in building a strong foundation in subjects like General Science, History, Geography, and Polity. If you are starting from scratch in these areas, NCERT books are a good resource. However, for competitive exam preparation, you’ll need more specialized books like those listed above for better results.
9. Should I focus more on theory or practice questions?
Both theory and practice are essential for success in the NTPC exam. Here's how to balance them:
Start with theory: Understand the basic concepts from books like Lucent’s General Knowledge, R. S. Aggarwal reasoning books, or Wren & Martin for English.
Focus on practice: Once you're comfortable with the theory, solve as many practice questions as possible. Mock tests and previous year papers will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
10. How can I choose the right books for my NTPC preparation?
When selecting books for NTPC preparation, keep these points in mind:
Check the syllabus: Ensure the book covers all the topics included in the NTPC syllabus.
Choose trusted authors: Opt for books written by well-known authors like R. S. Aggarwal, Lucent, or S. P. Bakshi.
Look for practice questions: Books with a variety of practice questions and solutions will help you hone your skills.
Consider your level: If you are a beginner, start with books that offer simpler explanations, and gradually move to advanced ones.
11. How can I improve my speed for solving reasoning and aptitude questions?
Improving speed is key in the reasoning and aptitude sections of the NTPC exam. Here are a few tips:
Practice regularly: Speed improves with practice. Solve practice sets and mock tests daily.
Use shortcuts and tricks: Learn short tricks for arithmetic and reasoning problems, which can save time.
Work on weak areas: Identify areas where you take the most time and focus on improving those.
12. Can I rely solely on one book for my NTPC exam preparation?
While it is tempting to rely on a single book, it's important to diversify your resources. One book may excel in a specific topic but might not be as effective in another. It's advisable to refer to a combination of books covering different sections of the exam, as each book brings something unique to the table.
13. How can I stay updated with current affairs for the NTPC exam?
To stay updated:
Read newspapers daily: Focus on national and international news, sports, politics, and business.
Use current affairs apps: Apps like The Hindu, Daily Current Affairs, and News in Short are great for quick updates.
Watch news programs: Keep track of current events on news channels and online news portals.
14. How long before the NTPC exam should I start preparing?
The ideal preparation time depends on your current knowledge and understanding of the subjects. However, starting at least 6-8 months before the exam is recommended for thorough preparation. This allows you enough time to cover the syllabus, revise, and practice adequately.
15. Can I take breaks during NTPC preparation?
Yes, breaks are essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Take short breaks (5-10 minutes) after every 45-60 minutes of study. Use this time to relax and recharge, but avoid distractions like social media. Taking proper rest helps keep your mind fresh for long study sessions.
By addressing these FAQs, we hope to clear any doubts regarding the books and preparation process for the NTPC exam. Stay focused, use the right resources, and with consistent effort, you’ll be well on your way to success!
