Best Books for RPSC RAS Prelims and Mains

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) conducts the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) exam to recruit candidates for various administrative positions within the state. This exam is highly competitive, and aspirants need to prepare extensively to secure a good rank. One of the key components of effective preparation is choosing the right study material. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best books for RPSC RAS exam preparation, covering all stages of the exam – Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.

Overview of RPSC RAS Exam

The RPSC RAS exam is conducted in three stages:

1. Preliminary Exam: This is an objective type exam aimed at screening candidates for the Mains exam. It includes a single paper on General Knowledge and General Science.
2. Mains Exam: This is a descriptive type exam consisting of four papers: General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III, and General Hindi and General English.
3. Interview: The final stage assesses the personality, general knowledge, and suitability of candidates for the administrative roles.

Best Books for RPSC RAS Preliminary Exam

General Knowledge and General Science

1. Lucent’s General Knowledge by Dr. Binay Karna and Manwendra Mukul
   • A comprehensive book covering various topics in general knowledge including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, General Science, and Miscellaneous facts. It is widely regarded for its succinct presentation and clarity.
2. General Science by Lucent’s
   • Focused specifically on general science topics which are crucial for the preliminary exam. This book covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science in a simplified manner.
3. Manorama Yearbook by Mammen Mathew
   • A great resource for current affairs and updates on various national and international events. It includes detailed information on a variety of topics including sports, awards, politics, and science.
4. Rajasthan GK by Rajendra Bohra
   • Specially tailored for RPSC exams, it covers detailed knowledge about Rajasthan, including its history, geography, polity, economy, and culture.
5. Arihant General Knowledge by Manohar Pandey
   • Another excellent book for general knowledge that covers a broad range of topics and is updated annually.

History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition, and Heritage of Rajasthan

1. Rajasthan Adhyayan by Rajasthan Board
   • Provides in-depth information about the history, art, and culture of Rajasthan. It is a prescribed textbook for students in Rajasthan and covers a comprehensive range of topics related to the state’s heritage.
2. Rajasthan Ka Itihas Evam Sanskriti by L. R. Bhalla
   • Covers the historical and cultural aspects of Rajasthan in detail. It is highly recommended for understanding the intricate history and rich cultural heritage of the state.
3. Rajasthan: An Introduction by Dr. Bhati
   • A good book for understanding the traditions and heritage of Rajasthan, providing a well-rounded overview of the state’s cultural landscape.
4. Rajasthan Ka Rajnaitik Itihas by Gopal Singh
   • Focuses on the political history of Rajasthan, detailing the major events, movements, and personalities that have shaped the state’s history.

Geography of Rajasthan

1. Rajasthan Geography by Dr. L. R. Bhalla
   • Comprehensive coverage of the geographical aspects of Rajasthan including physical, economic, and social geography. This book is essential for understanding the diverse geographical features of the state.
2. Rajasthan Ek Parichay by G. S. Bains
   • Another good resource for geographical knowledge specific to Rajasthan. It covers the state’s physical features, climate, natural resources, and more.
3. Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
   • While not specific to Rajasthan, this book provides an excellent foundation in physical geography concepts which can be applied to understanding Rajasthan’s geography in more detail.

Recommended Books for RPSC RAS Mains Exam

General Studies Paper I

1. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
   • Essential for understanding modern Indian history. It covers the Indian freedom movement in great detail and provides insights into the various phases and key figures involved.
2. A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum
   • A concise book for modern Indian history, useful for quick revisions. It presents information in a well-structured manner, making it easy to grasp key events and dates.
3. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
   • A must-read for Indian polity, covering all important aspects comprehensively. It includes detailed chapters on the Constitution, Parliament, State Legislature, Judiciary, and other aspects of Indian political system.
4. Geography of India by Majid Hussain
   • Detailed explanation of physical, economic, and social geography of India. This book is crucial for understanding India’s geographical diversity and related issues.
5. Facets of Indian Culture by Spectrum
   • Provides a deep insight into India’s rich cultural heritage, covering art, architecture, music, dance, and literature.

General Studies Paper II

1. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
   • Comprehensive coverage of Indian economy concepts, policies, and current issues. This book includes detailed analysis and up-to-date information on economic developments.
2. Social Problems in India by Ram Ahuja
   • Discusses various social issues prevalent in India, useful for socio-economic studies. It covers topics such as poverty, unemployment, caste system, gender issues, and more.
3. Governance in India by M. Laxmikanth
   • Provides insights into the governance system of India. It includes detailed discussions on the Indian administrative system, public policy, and the roles of various government bodies.
4. Public Administration by M. Laxmikanth
   • A detailed book on public administration, covering theories, concepts, and the functioning of the public administration system in India.

General Studies Paper III

1. Science and Technology in India by Ravi P. Agrahari
   • Covers the developments and contributions in the field of science and technology in India. This book is useful for understanding technological advancements and their impact on society.
2. Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure by Rajagopalan
   • Discusses environmental issues and solutions, relevant for environmental studies. It provides a detailed overview of environmental challenges and the measures needed to address them.
3. Internal Security and Disaster Management by Ashok Kumar
   • Important topics related to internal security and disaster management. It covers issues such as terrorism, cyber security, and strategies for disaster management.
4. Science and Technology by Spectrum
   • Another excellent resource for science and technology, providing updated information on recent advancements and their applications.

General Hindi and General English

1. Samanya Hindi by Dr. Vasudevanand Tripathi
   • A comprehensive guide for Hindi grammar and literature. It covers all essential topics and provides ample practice exercises.
2. Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
   • A good resource for English grammar, comprehension, and writing skills. It includes practice questions and detailed explanations of grammar rules.
3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
   • An excellent book for improving vocabulary and understanding the nuances of the English language.
4. High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
   • A classic book for mastering English grammar and composition. It provides thorough explanations and practice exercises for all grammar topics.

Books for RPSC RAS Interview Preparation

1. Cracking the Code to a Successful Interview by Evan Pellett
   • Provides tips and strategies for performing well in interviews. It focuses on understanding the interview process and presenting oneself effectively.
2. Interview Skills that Win the Job by Michael Spiropoulos
   • Covers essential skills needed to ace an interview. It includes advice on answering common questions, body language, and other crucial aspects of the interview.
3. Naukri Interview Guide by First Edition
   • Specifically tailored for government job interviews. It provides insights into the types of questions asked and how to prepare for them.
4. How to Answer Interview Questions by Peggy McKee
   • A helpful guide on answering various types of interview questions confidently. It includes examples and tips for crafting effective responses.
5. The Complete Interview Guide by Robert Walters
   • Offers comprehensive advice on preparing for interviews, including tips on research, practice, and post-interview follow-up.

Additional Resources and Tips

Online Resources

• RPSC Official Website: Regularly check for updates, notifications, and exam-related information.
• YouTube Channels: Channels like Study IQ, Unacademy, and BYJU’s provide valuable video content on various topics.
• Online Mock Tests: Websites like Testbook, Gradeup, and Oliveboard offer mock tests and previous year question papers.

Study Tips

• Consistent Study Routine: Dedicate specific hours each day to study different subjects.
• Revision: Regularly revise what you have studied to retain information.
• Notes Making: Make concise notes for quick revision before exams.
• Group Study: Discuss topics with fellow aspirants to gain different perspectives.

FAQs

By following this guide and utilizing the recommended resources, aspirants can enhance their preparation and increase their chances of success in the RPSC RAS exam. Good luck!