Discover the top 10 expert-recommended books to crack UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams in 2025. Buy the latest editions now from MyBookShelfs.com.
Top 10 Must-Have Books to Crack Government Exams in 2025
Introduction
Preparing for India’s most competitive government exams in 2025? Whether you’re aiming for UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL/CHSL, Railway Recruitment, or State PSCs—your preparation starts with choosing the right books.
At MyBookShelfs.com, we understand what aspirants really need. We’ve handpicked the Top 10 books—trusted by toppers, updated for 2025, and highly recommended by expert mentors. These books cover everything from Art & Culture to General Knowledge, English, Practice Sets, and more.
Let’s dive in and find your perfect prep companions!
Overview of Popular Government Exams in 2025
| Exam | Conducting Body | Selection Stages | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Civil Services | UPSC | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Offline |
| SSC CGL & CHSL | SSC | Tier I, II, III | Online |
| IBPS/SBI Banking Exams | IBPS, SBI | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Online |
| RRB & Defence Exams | Railway Board, UPSC | CBT, PET, Medical, Interview | Online |
| State PSCs | BPSC, MPSC, etc. | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Offline |
Quick Glance: Common Subjects Covered
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General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economy)
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Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning
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English Grammar and Comprehension
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Current Affairs (National + International)
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India-specific topics (Art, Culture, Environment)
Top 5 Government Exam Books You Must Own
Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania (5th Edition – 2025)
For UPSC, State PSCs, and Prelims-Mains
This iconic book is a treasure trove of classical dance forms, architecture, folk traditions, and Indian heritage. Rich illustrations, updated facts, and crisp summaries make it a visual and conceptual delight.
Ideal for: GS Paper I (UPSC), State Exams
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Arihant General Knowledge 2026
For SSC, Railways, NDA, Banking & CUET
One of the most widely-used GK books. It’s updated yearly with latest facts, current affairs, government schemes, world events, and competitive questions. Perfect for last-minute revision and quick facts.
Ideal for: SSC, Banking, NDA, State Exams Buy Now
Geography of India by Majid Husain & Pallavi Saxena (11th Edition)
For UPSC, BPSC, MPPSC & SSC
A visually rich guide covering Indian physical geography, population trends, resources, environmental issues, and more. Its multicolour layout and easy-to-grasp structure make it perfect for both Prelims and Mains.
Ideal for: UPSC (GS1), State PSCs Buy Now
SSC CGL Tier‑I Practice Set Book
For SSC, CHSL, Railways & Banking
Practice is key—and this book offers 3600+ solved MCQs covering Quant, English, Reasoning, and GK. Time-bound sections help with exam readiness and mental sharpness.
Ideal for: SSC Tier I, Railways, Bank Prelims Buy Now
English for General Competitions Vol. 1 by Neetu Singh (2023 Edition)
For SSC, IBPS, NDA, and Teaching Exams
Neetu Singh’s grammar and comprehension book is famous for its lucid explanations, exercises, and exam-oriented structure. It covers rules, sentence correction, and vocabulary in a student-friendly tone.
Ideal for: SSC CGL/CHSL, Teaching, Banking Buy Now
Bonus Books to Add (Optional Expansion)
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Polity – M. Laxmikanth
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Modern History – Spectrum
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CSAT Manual – TMH
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Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal
(These can be added as you list them on MyBookShelfs.com)
Study Strategy – How to Use These Books
| Time Block | Task |
|---|---|
| Morning | Read Art & Culture / Geography (Theory) |
| Afternoon | Solve English & Quant MCQs |
| Evening | GK revision from Arihant + Newspaper |
| Weekend | Practice full-length mock test |
Tip: Don’t just read—make notes, highlight key points, and revise weekly.
Topper’s Advice
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Stick to 1 book per subject, avoid clutter.
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Create a revision plan from Day 1.
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Use mock papers from Day 15 onward.
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Join a study group/community online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use these books for multiple exams?
Yes. Books like Arihant GK, Nitin Singhania, and Neetu Singh are universally helpful across multiple government exams.
Q. Are these books suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! These titles are beginner-friendly and structured for concept-building.
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Conclusion – Start Strong with the Right Resources
Your exam success starts with the books you trust. The above titles have helped lakhs of students succeed across UPSC, SSC, Railways, and State exams.
Don’t wait. Get the latest editions, study smart, and start your 2025 journey with MyBookShelfs.com—India’s trusted online bookstore.
Explore All Govt Exam Books Now »