The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam is one of the most sought-after examinations for aspiring civil servants in Bihar. Preparing for the BPSC requires dedication, strategy, and, most importantly, the right study materials. Selecting the best BPSC books can make a world of difference when it comes to acing the exam. From general studies to specialized subjects, the right books ensure that candidates not only cover the syllabus comprehensively but also practice effectively.
Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or someone preparing for the next BPSC exam, finding the right resources will help you streamline your preparation. This guide will walk you through the most essential BPSC books available in India, offering expert-backed recommendations and providing insight into the chapters and content that you must focus on.
Why Choosing the Right BPSC Books Is Crucial
For BPSC exam candidates, books act as a foundation of knowledge and are essential for structured learning. The syllabus is vast and encompasses subjects like General Studies, Indian Polity, Economy, Geography, History, and current affairs. Having the correct books not only covers every section in-depth but also helps you stay organized.
When selecting books for BPSC, it’s important to pick those that offer clarity in concepts, contain practice questions, and align with the latest exam pattern. With a vast pool of study material available, it can often be overwhelming to choose the right books. However, following the expert-backed suggestions and going through the relevant chapters will ensure that you are well-prepared.
Key BPSC Books for General Studies
General Studies is a crucial section in the BPSC exam, and it tests a candidate’s knowledge on a wide array of subjects. Let’s break down the essential books and resources you should refer to for each part of the General Studies paper.
1. Indian Polity
One of the foundational chapters in the General Studies syllabus, Indian Polity covers the Constitution of India, its structure, and governance systems. The book "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth is a must-read. This book provides an in-depth understanding of key topics such as the Union and State Governments, Judiciary, Federal System, and more. It’s written in a simple, easy-to-understand language and is known for its detailed explanations and flowcharts.
Chapters to Focus On:
Indian Constitution
Fundamental Rights and Duties
Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
Centre-State Relations
Electoral Systems in India
2. History and Culture
For the history section, a blend of ancient, medieval, and modern history is necessary. "A History of Modern India" by Bipan Chandra is widely regarded as one of the best resources. Along with this, "Ancient India" by R.S. Sharma covers the essentials of ancient Indian history, while "Medieval India" by Satish Chandra helps in understanding the medieval era in depth.
Chapters to Focus On:
Indus Valley Civilization
Maurya and Gupta Empires
The Mughal Era
British Colonial Rule in India
Freedom Struggle and Post-Independence India
3. Geography
Geography forms an integral part of the BPSC exam. "Physical Geography of India and the World" by Savindra Singh is a great resource for understanding the physical landscape. This book covers everything from the earth's structure to climatic conditions, soils, and resources.
Chapters to Focus On:
Physical Features of India
Climates, Natural Resources
Population Distribution and Urbanization
World Geography Overview
4. Economics
For economics, you should refer to "Indian Economy" by Ramesh Singh. This book covers the basics of economic theories, national income, economic policies, and planning in India. For a more detailed understanding, especially on current affairs, "Economic Survey" and "Budget" documents are also essential.
Chapters to Focus On:
Economic Planning
Monetary and Fiscal Policy
Agriculture, Industry, and Services Sector
Poverty and Unemployment in India
5. Science and Technology
Understanding science and technology is also crucial for BPSC. "General Science for Competitive Exams" by R. S. Agarwal is a great starting point for this section. It covers a wide range of topics like physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
Chapters to Focus On:
Basic Concepts in Physics and Chemistry
Environmental Science and Technology
Space Science and Technological Advances
BPSC Books for Current Affairs
A significant portion of the BPSC exam focuses on current affairs, especially for General Studies. Keeping up with the latest events, policies, and developments is essential. Here’s a list of resources to stay updated:
"Manorama Yearbook": This book is essential for staying updated on national and international current affairs. It covers politics, economics, sports, and other key events.
*"The Hindu" or "The Indian Express": Regularly reading newspapers will give you the most up-to-date information on political events, government policies, and global affairs.
Best Optional Subject Books for BPSC
BPSC also allows candidates to choose an optional subject for the exam. Depending on the subject, the required books will vary. However, here’s a general list of essential books for some of the popular optional subjects:
1. Anthropology
"Physical Anthropology" by P. K. Shukla
"Anthropology: A Paper 1 and Paper 2" by P. K. Mishra
2. Geography
"Geography of India" by Majid Husain
"Physical Geography of India" by Savindra Singh
3. Sociology
"Sociology: Themes and Perspectives" by Haralambos
"Indian Society" by Ram Ahuja
Other Recommended Books for BPSC Exam
In addition to the core subjects, there are a few more books that will help you strengthen your overall preparation. These books cover multiple aspects of the exam, from English to General Knowledge.
1. English for BPSC
"High School English Grammar and Composition" by Wren and Martin
"Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
2. General Knowledge
"General Knowledge 2025" by Lucent
"General Knowledge Manual" by Manohar Pandey
How to Use BPSC Books Effectively
While it’s great to have the right books, knowing how to use them efficiently is just as important. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your study sessions:
Follow the Syllabus: Stick to the BPSC syllabus while referring to your books. This helps in staying focused and not wasting time on irrelevant topics.
Make Notes: While reading, make concise notes. Summarizing key concepts in your own words will help in retaining information.
Practice Mock Tests: Solve practice papers and previous years’ questions regularly to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers and keep track of the latest developments in national and international news.
Revisit Difficult Topics: Don’t hesitate to revisit topics that are difficult. Consistent revision is key to mastering tough areas.
BPSC Books in Hindi and English
Although most of the best BPSC books are available in English, many aspirants prefer studying in Hindi. Fortunately, several publishers offer Hindi versions of popular books. These versions are tailored for students who feel more comfortable with the Hindi language but still want to access high-quality resources for the exam.
Best BPSC Books for Prelims and Mains
The BPSC exam is conducted in two stages: Prelims and Mains. The books mentioned above are useful for both stages, but additional focus on specific subjects might be required. For instance, the Mains exam has detailed descriptive papers, so referring to books that help improve writing skills is essential. Additionally, solving previous years’ Mains papers will provide insight into the level of difficulty and exam pattern.
Chapter-wise Study Plan for BPSC Books
To make the most out of your BPSC preparation, it’s helpful to break down each subject into smaller chapters. This allows you to cover topics efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s a suggested study plan for each section:
General Studies: Dedicate 2-3 weeks to each subject, ensuring you cover the chapters methodically.
Current Affairs: Dedicate at least 1 hour daily to current affairs reading.
Optional Subjects: Allocate 1-2 hours daily to optional subject preparation, depending on the complexity and syllabus.
Finding the right BPSC books is essential for your success in the exam. By choosing books that cover the syllabus comprehensively, offering clear explanations, and practicing with mock tests and previous years' papers, you can ensure that your preparation is on the right track. With proper planning and consistent study, these books will serve as a valuable resource to help you achieve success in the BPSC exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BPSC Books
When preparing for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam, one of the most common questions candidates have revolves around the selection of the right books. With so many resources available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are best suited for your preparation. Here’s a comprehensive FAQ to help guide you in choosing the best BPSC books.
1. What are the best books for BPSC General Studies?
For BPSC General Studies, the following books are highly recommended:
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
A History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Geography of India by Majid Husain
General Science for Competitive Exams by R.S. Agarwal
Manorama Yearbook for Current Affairs
These books comprehensively cover the syllabus and are written in a simple, clear language, making them perfect for BPSC preparation.
2. How many books do I need for BPSC preparation?
You don’t need to buy an overwhelming number of books. A few well-chosen books for each subject, along with newspapers and current affairs magazines, are sufficient for effective preparation. Focus on quality over quantity. The key is to thoroughly study the books you choose, make notes, and revise regularly.
3. What are the best books for BPSC Prelims?
The BPSC Prelims exam primarily tests your knowledge of General Studies, so the following books are recommended:
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Modern India by Bipan Chandra
Geography of India by Majid Husain
General Science by R.S. Agarwal
Lucent’s General Knowledge for basic general knowledge
Current Affairs - Refer to Manorama Yearbook and The Hindu newspaper
These books will give you a solid foundation for Prelims preparation. Focus on revising the key concepts regularly and solving previous years' question papers.
4. What are the best books for BPSC Mains?
For BPSC Mains, the subjects are more detailed, and you’ll need additional books:
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth (for polity)
Sociology by Ram Ahuja (if choosing Sociology as an optional subject)
Geography of India by Majid Husain (for geography)
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (for economics)
Modern India by Bipan Chandra (for history)
You may also consider books for essay writing, such as "Mastering the Art of Writing Essays" by R. S. Aggarwal, as the Mains exam often includes descriptive questions.
5. How to study BPSC books effectively?
Here are some tips for studying BPSC books effectively:
Make a Study Plan: Break down the syllabus into manageable chunks and create a schedule.
Stick to the Syllabus: Follow the BPSC syllabus closely to avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
Make Notes: Write summaries of key points to enhance retention.
Practice Regularly: Solve practice papers, previous years’ questions, and mock tests.
Revise Frequently: Revise the topics multiple times to retain the information.
6. What is the importance of current affairs in BPSC preparation?
Current affairs play a significant role in BPSC, especially for the General Studies section. The exam often includes questions related to recent political, economic, and social events. To stay updated, refer to newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and magazines like Manorama Yearbook. Make it a habit to read current affairs daily, and take notes for easy revision.
7. Can I rely on online resources instead of books for BPSC?
While online resources such as YouTube tutorials, apps, and websites can be useful for supplementing your studies, they should not be your primary source of preparation. Books offer in-depth content and structured learning, which is essential for BPSC preparation. Online resources are great for revision and current affairs, but comprehensive books will help you build the foundational knowledge required for the exam.
8. Are Hindi versions of BPSC books available?
Yes, many popular BPSC books are available in Hindi. Some books like Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, General Knowledge by Lucent, and History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra have Hindi translations that cater to Hindi-speaking aspirants. Ensure that you buy the correct version that aligns with your language preference.
9. Are there any specific books for BPSC optional subjects?
Yes, the BPSC allows candidates to choose an optional subject for the Mains exam. Here’s a brief list of recommended books for some common optional subjects:
Sociology: Sociology Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos, Sociology Indian Society by Ram Ahuja
Geography: Physical Geography of India by Savindra Singh, Geography of India by Majid Husain
Anthropology: Anthropology Paper 1 and Paper 2 by P.K. Mishra, Physical Anthropology by P.K. Shukla
Public Administration: Public Administration Theory by M. Laxmikanth, Public Administration by R. K. Arora
10. How important is solving previous years’ question papers for BPSC preparation?
Solving previous years’ question papers is incredibly important. It helps you get a feel for the exam pattern, understand the types of questions asked, and assess your level of preparation. It also improves time management, which is crucial in the actual exam. Regular practice with past papers ensures that you are well-prepared for the exam's difficulty level.
11. How much time should I dedicate to BPSC book study each day?
The time you dedicate to studying depends on your personal schedule and study goals. However, it’s recommended to study for at least 6-8 hours a day if you’re preparing full-time. Break down your study sessions into focused blocks, taking regular breaks to stay fresh and avoid burnout.
12. Is it enough to refer only to BPSC books or do I need extra study materials?
BPSC books form the backbone of your preparation, but it is also important to stay updated with current affairs. Therefore, regularly reading newspapers, current affairs magazines, and online articles will give you an edge. Also, some candidates find it useful to use online resources for quick revision, but make sure not to depend solely on them.
13. Should I focus more on books for Prelims or Mains first?
Start by focusing on the Prelims, as it is the first stage of the BPSC exam. However, make sure to cover the basic concepts required for the Mains exam as well. Once you clear the Prelims, you can dedicate more time to in-depth study for the Mains. Preparing for both stages concurrently will help in better retention of information.
14. What is the role of reference books in BPSC preparation?
While primary books should cover most of the syllabus, reference books are useful for gaining additional depth and perspectives. They provide a broader understanding of topics and help you approach questions from different angles. For subjects like Sociology or Anthropology, reference books are often essential to grasp the nuances of the subject.
15. Are there any books specifically for BPSC interview preparation?
While books for the BPSC Prelims and Mains are essential, preparing for the interview (also known as the Personality Test) is equally important. Some recommended books for interview preparation are:
"The Art of Interviewing" by How to Prepare for Civil Services Interviews
"Interview and Group Discussion" by T.N. Chhabra
"Kiran’s Interview Success"
It’s important to stay updated with current events, have a deep understanding of the BPSC syllabus, and be ready to discuss your educational background, career goals, and current affairs during the interview.
Selecting the right books for BPSC exam preparation can be a game-changer in your success. Whether it’s General Studies or an optional subject, make sure to pick books that are thorough, reliable, and relevant to the syllabus. Stay committed, keep practicing, and use a mix of books, current affairs, and mock tests to ensure the best preparation possible.
