The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam to recruit candidates for various positions in the Indian Railways. The competition is fierce, and to stand out, you need the right study materials. The best way to ensure success is by picking the right RRB NTPC books that align with the syllabus, provide ample practice, and guide you through every concept. Below, we explore the best books available for RRB NTPC preparation and their content, making it easier for you to make an informed choice.
Key Aspects of RRB NTPC Exam
Before diving into the books, it's important to understand the structure of the RRB NTPC exam. The exam consists of multiple sections, including General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. Each section plays a vital role in determining your overall score. A good RRB NTPC book should cover all these areas in-depth, offering a balanced approach to each subject.
Chapter Breakdown and Content in RRB NTPC Books
A well-structured book for the RRB NTPC exam should include the following core elements for each subject:
General Awareness:
Current Affairs: This section tests your awareness of national and international events, government schemes, and railways-related updates.
History: Key historical events, Indian freedom struggle, and important dynasties.
Geography: Questions on physical, economic, and political geography.
Economics: Basics of Indian economy, major economic terms, and current economic policies.
General Science: A mix of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology basics.
Mathematics:
Arithmetic: Focus on speed and accuracy in basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Algebra: Solving equations, inequalities, and related topics.
Geometry and Mensuration: Key properties of geometric shapes, areas, and volumes.
Data Interpretation: Bar graphs, pie charts, and other types of data analysis.
Ratio and Proportion: Understanding ratios, percentages, and averages.
General Intelligence and Reasoning:
Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, directions, puzzles, coding-decoding, and blood relations.
Non-verbal Reasoning: Series completion, mirror images, and figure analogies.
Logical Reasoning: Number series, letter series, and pattern-based questions.
Analogies and Classification: Identifying the relationship between different words or images.
Each book is expected to break down these topics into chapters, each focusing on specific sub-topics, and should be paired with practice questions and mock tests to ensure students get ample opportunities to test their knowledge.
Top RRB NTPC Books in India
Now that we have an understanding of what makes a good RRB NTPC book, let’s go through the best books for each subject, backed by expert recommendations. These books are considered some of the best choices in India for RRB NTPC exam preparation.
1. General Awareness
General Knowledge by Lucent: This book is one of the most popular choices for candidates preparing for competitive exams, including RRB NTPC. It provides a concise and comprehensive overview of important topics like History, Geography, Science, and Economy, along with current affairs.
Current Affairs Yearly Book by Arihant: Since current affairs play a significant role in the General Awareness section, a dedicated book for current affairs is indispensable. Arihant’s Yearly Current Affairs covers all major national and international events, important dates, and government schemes.
2. Mathematics
Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal: A go-to book for most competitive exams, R.S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude provides detailed explanations, solved examples, and practice questions. It covers all fundamental topics like Number System, Time and Work, Speed and Distance, and Algebra.
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma: This book is a great resource for quick revision and practice. It simplifies complex topics like Time and Distance, Profit and Loss, and Permutations and Combinations, making them easier to understand.
3. General Intelligence and Reasoning
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal: This book is essential for mastering reasoning skills for the RRB NTPC exam. It covers all types of verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions, such as Series Completion, Analogy, Odd One Out, and Blood Relations.
Logical and Analytical Reasoning by A.K. Gupta: Known for its detailed explanation of reasoning concepts, this book is great for building logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
4. Practice and Mock Test Books
RRB NTPC Solved Papers by RPH Editorial Board: Solving previous years' papers is one of the best ways to get familiar with the exam pattern and types of questions. This book contains a collection of solved RRB NTPC papers from past years, along with explanations for each answer.
RRB NTPC Practice Sets by Arihant: Arihant’s Practice Sets offers a series of mock tests designed to simulate the actual exam experience. It’s a great resource for time management and self-assessment.
How to Choose the Best RRB NTPC Books
Choosing the right RRB NTPC books is crucial for success. Here’s how you can make a well-informed decision:
Align with the Syllabus: Ensure the book you choose thoroughly covers the RRB NTPC syllabus. This helps avoid wasting time on unnecessary topics.
Practice is Key: Opt for books with ample practice questions and mock tests. The more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be.
Quality over Quantity: Rather than buying multiple books, focus on a few high-quality books for each section. It’s better to thoroughly study a limited number of books than to rush through many.
Current Edition: Always pick the latest edition of the books. New editions contain updated content, especially for current affairs and recent exam trends.
Expert-Backed Tips for Using RRB NTPC Books Effectively
Create a Study Schedule: Organize your time effectively by creating a timetable that dedicates enough time to each subject. Ensure that you set aside time for revisions as well.
Don’t Just Read – Practice: It’s essential to solve as many practice questions as you can. Regularly take mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
Focus on Weak Areas: While it’s important to be well-rounded, give extra attention to your weak areas. Use books to strengthen these topics through additional practice and revision.
Use Books with Explanations: Books that explain solutions in detail are more beneficial. Understanding the reasoning behind a solution helps you solve similar problems in the future.
Track Your Progress: Regularly assess your performance using the practice questions and mock tests provided in the books. Keep track of your progress to identify areas where you need more practice.
Additional Recommended Books for RRB NTPC Exam Preparation
Here are some more books that can add value to your study plan for RRB NTPC:
RRB NTPC Exam Guide by Dr. Lal & Jain: This book is a complete guide covering all subjects in detail, with practice sets and solved papers to boost your preparation.
Objective General Knowledge by Edgar Thorpe: This book is a great resource for building a strong foundation in General Knowledge, covering History, Geography, Politics, and other areas.
Practice Workbook for RRB NTPC by Disha Experts: Packed with hundreds of practice questions and sample papers, this book is designed to strengthen your exam-taking abilities.
Maths for RRB NTPC by Kiran Publication: Kiran's books are known for their easy-to-understand approach and wide range of practice questions.
General Intelligence and Reasoning by Pearson: Another solid option for building reasoning skills, with questions of varying difficulty levels.
Preparing for the RRB NTPC exam requires consistency, effort, and the right set of books. The above-listed books are highly regarded for their content, quality, and exam-oriented approach. Combining these with a structured study plan and consistent practice can greatly improve your chances of success. Always keep in mind that regular revisions and mock tests are key to performing well on the exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on RRB NTPC Books
When preparing for the RRB NTPC exam, selecting the right books is crucial to ensure you cover all topics thoroughly and have ample practice. Below are some frequently asked questions about RRB NTPC books to help guide your preparation.
1. Which is the best book for RRB NTPC exam preparation?
The best books for RRB NTPC preparation include:
For General Awareness: Lucent’s General Knowledge and Arihant’s Current Affairs Yearly Book.
For Mathematics: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal and Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma.
For General Intelligence and Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal and Logical and Analytical Reasoning by A.K. Gupta.
Each book is recommended for its coverage of topics, practice questions, and clear explanations.
2. How many books should I buy for RRB NTPC preparation?
You don't need to buy too many books. Focus on quality over quantity. Ideally, buy:
1 book for General Awareness
1 or 2 books for Mathematics (depending on your comfort level with the subject)
1 book for General Intelligence and Reasoning
1 book with mock tests or solved papers
This approach ensures you cover all subjects thoroughly without overwhelming yourself with too many resources.
3. Are previous year’s question papers helpful for RRB NTPC preparation?
Yes, solving previous year’s question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare. These papers give you a clear understanding of the exam pattern, types of questions, and the level of difficulty. They also help improve time management and provide an idea of frequently asked topics. Books like RRB NTPC Solved Papers by RPH Editorial Board are great for this purpose.
4. Should I focus on NCERT books for RRB NTPC preparation?
While NCERT books are valuable for building a strong foundation, especially for subjects like General Science and basic mathematics, they may not provide enough practice or cover advanced topics required for the RRB NTPC exam. It's better to use NCERT books in conjunction with other exam-specific books for better preparation.
5. Is it necessary to buy a book for every subject of RRB NTPC?
It’s not absolutely necessary to buy a book for every subject, but having focused study material for each key area is crucial. For instance, a comprehensive book on General Knowledge or one for Reasoning will help cover important areas in-depth. You can refer to online resources or previous year’s papers if you feel certain subjects are well-covered by other books.
6. How do I know if a book is good for RRB NTPC?
To determine if a book is good for RRB NTPC preparation:
Check if it follows the latest RRB NTPC syllabus.
Ensure the book offers a variety of practice questions and mock tests.
Look for books that include detailed explanations for solutions, especially for reasoning and math sections.
Verify if the book contains tips and tricks for solving questions quickly.
Read reviews from other candidates who have used the book for exam preparation.
7. What is the best way to use RRB NTPC books for study?
Here are some tips to use your books effectively:
Create a Study Plan: Divide your time between subjects and follow a study timetable.
Understand the Theory: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.
Practice Regularly: Solve practice questions daily to improve speed and accuracy.
Take Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and work on time management.
Review Mistakes: After solving practice sets, thoroughly review incorrect answers to understand your mistakes.
8. Are there any books specifically for the RRB NTPC stage 2 exam?
Yes, there are books specifically designed for Stage 2 preparation. These books often focus on advanced-level topics and more in-depth practice papers, along with detailed analysis of previous years' questions. Some popular books include RRB NTPC Stage 2 Exam Guide by Dr. Lal & Jain and RRB NTPC Stage 2 Practice Sets by Arihant.
9. How can I prepare for the General Awareness section of the RRB NTPC exam?
The General Awareness section tests your knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, economics, and general science. To prepare effectively:
Stay updated with current events by reading newspapers and magazines.
Use books like Lucent’s General Knowledge for topics like History, Geography, and Science.
Practice previous year’s question papers to understand the type of current affairs questions asked.
Regularly revise and focus on important facts, dates, and events.
10. Can I prepare for the RRB NTPC exam with online resources instead of books?
Yes, online resources can be a helpful supplement to your book-based study. Websites, YouTube channels, and mobile apps offer interactive lessons, quizzes, and mock tests. However, books provide structured content and in-depth explanations, which is why they are still an essential part of preparation.
11. Is it important to practice for the Reasoning section of RRB NTPC?
Yes, the Reasoning section is a significant part of the RRB NTPC exam. Practice is key to mastering the reasoning section. Focus on verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics like puzzles, analogies, and blood relations. Books like A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal are ideal for building your reasoning skills.
12. Are there any books that offer a complete RRB NTPC preparation guide?
Yes, books like RRB NTPC Exam Guide by Dr. Lal & Jain and RRB NTPC Solved Papers by RPH Editorial Board offer comprehensive coverage of the entire syllabus, with theory, practice questions, and solved papers for all subjects. These books are designed to be a one-stop solution for all your RRB NTPC preparation needs.
13. What should I do if I am weak in a particular subject?
If you are struggling with a particular subject, it’s important to dedicate extra time to that area. You can use specific books that focus on your weak subject, like Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal for math or A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning for reasoning. Start with easier topics and gradually increase difficulty. Regular practice and revisiting weak areas will help improve your understanding.
14. Are the RRB NTPC books available in both English and Hindi?
Yes, most popular RRB NTPC books are available in both English and Hindi to cater to a wider audience. Choose the version that you're most comfortable with. It's important to ensure that the book is in your preferred language for better understanding and retention of concepts.
15. How can I track my progress while studying with RRB NTPC books?
You can track your progress by regularly taking mock tests, solving practice questions, and reviewing your mistakes. Most RRB NTPC preparation books include practice sets at the end of each chapter or section, which can be used to gauge your performance. Additionally, you can maintain a study journal to note your daily study hours and areas of improvement.
The right books, combined with consistent practice and a well-structured study plan, are essential to succeed in the RRB NTPC exam. With the FAQs above, you now have a clearer understanding of how to approach your preparation, which books to choose, and how to maximize your chances of success. Keep practicing, stay updated with current affairs, and continue revising until you feel confident in all areas of the syllabus. Good luck !
