BPSC Exam: A Comprehensive Guide to Recommended Books
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam is a highly competitive gateway to various government services in Bihar. Success hinges on meticulous preparation and the right resources. This article provides a detailed guide to recommended books for each stage of the BPSC exam, focusing on the specific needs of aspirants.
I. Preliminary Examination (PT):
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies and General Hindi.
A. General Studies:
The General Studies paper covers a vast syllabus, including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Choosing the right books is crucial for effective preparation.
1. History:
- Ancient India: Bipin Chandra’s “India’s Ancient Past” and R.S. Sharma’s “Ancient India” are standard texts. Supplement these with NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12) for a comprehensive understanding.
- Medieval India: Satish Chandra’s “Medieval India” is a widely recommended book. Again, NCERT textbooks are beneficial for a foundational understanding.
- Modern India: Bipin Chandra’s “India’s Struggle for Independence” is an indispensable resource. Spectrum’s “A Brief History of Modern India” is a concise and helpful alternative. NCERT textbooks (Class 8-12) are crucial for building a strong base. Focus on Bihar’s specific historical contributions during this period.
2. Geography:
- Indian Geography: NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12) form the bedrock of Geography preparation. Majid Husain’s “Geography of India” is a detailed reference book. Pay special attention to the geography of Bihar, including its rivers, climate, and resources.
- World Geography: NCERT textbooks (Class 11-12) provide a good foundation. For a more detailed understanding, consider consulting standard geography textbooks.
3. Polity:
- Indian Polity: M. Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity” is the undisputed champion for this section. It covers the Indian Constitution, political system, and governance comprehensively. Supplement this with NCERT textbooks (Class 11-12) for a clearer understanding of fundamental concepts.
4. Economy:
- Indian Economy: Ramesh Singh’s “Indian Economy” is a widely recommended book. NCERT textbooks (Class 11-12) provide a strong foundation. Understanding the economic challenges and opportunities specific to Bihar is crucial.
5. Science & Technology:
- Science & Technology: NCERT textbooks (Class 6-10) provide a good base. Stay updated with current developments in science and technology through newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
6. Current Affairs:
- Current Affairs: Regularly read reputable newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express. Supplement this with monthly magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra. Focus on national and international events, as well as current affairs related to Bihar.
B. General Hindi:
This section tests proficiency in Hindi language and literature. Refer to standard Hindi grammar books and literature anthologies prescribed by Bihar Board or other recognized institutions.
II. Main Examination (MT):
The Main Examination consists of several papers, including General Studies, Optional Subjects, and Essay.
A. General Studies:
The General Studies papers in the Main Examination are more in-depth than the Preliminary Examination. Building upon the foundation laid in the PT, aspirants should delve deeper into the subjects using standard textbooks and reference materials. Focus on analytical and critical thinking skills.
B. Optional Subjects:
Aspirants choose an optional subject based on their strengths and interests. Choosing a subject with readily available study material and a manageable syllabus is crucial. Consult previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and the level of detail required.
C. Essay:
The essay paper tests the candidate’s writing skills, analytical abilities, and knowledge of current affairs. Regular practice is essential. Refer to standard essay writing guides and practice writing essays on diverse topics.
III. Interview:
The final stage is a personality test or interview. This assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and general awareness. Preparing for the interview involves self-reflection, understanding current affairs, and practicing mock interviews.
IV. Bihar Specific Resources:
It’s crucial to supplement the above-mentioned books with resources specifically focusing on Bihar. This includes:
- Bihar History: Books and articles focusing on the history, culture, and socio-economic development of Bihar.
- Bihar Geography: Detailed study of Bihar’s geography, including its rivers, climate, and resources.
- Bihar Economy: Understanding the economic scenario of Bihar, its challenges, and development initiatives.
- Bihar Polity: Focus on the administrative structure and governance of Bihar.
- Bihar Current Affairs: Stay updated on current events related to Bihar.
V. Conclusion:
Preparing for the BPSC exam requires a structured approach, consistent effort, and the right resources. This article provides a comprehensive list of recommended books. However, remember that success depends not only on the books you read but also on your understanding, application, and consistent practice. Good luck!
FAQs
BPSC Recommended Books: Frequently Asked Questions (Bihar Context)
Q1: What are the best books for BPSC Preliminary Exam preparation?
A1: No single “best” set exists. However, popular choices include objective-type books for General Studies by Lucent, Arihant, and Disha publications. For Bihar-specific topics, refer to state-specific publications and government websites.
Q2: Which books are recommended for BPSC Mains Exam – General Studies?
A2: Standard textbooks on History (Bipin Chandra, etc.), Polity (Laxmikanth), Geography (NCERTs, Majid Husain), Economy (Ramesh Singh), and Science (NCERTs) are crucial. Supplement with Bihar-specific books and government publications.
Q3: Are NCERT books helpful for BPSC?
A3: Absolutely. NCERTs (especially 6th to 12th standard) form a strong foundation for General Studies, particularly in History, Geography, and Science.
Q4: What about Bihar-specific books for BPSC?
A4: Several publishers offer books focused on Bihar’s history, geography, economy, and culture. Look for publications by local authors and publishers. Government websites also provide valuable information.
Q5: Which books are good for BPSC optional subjects?
A5: This depends entirely on your chosen optional. Research the syllabus thoroughly and choose standard textbooks and reference materials relevant to that subject.
Q6: Are online resources sufficient for BPSC preparation?
A6: While online resources are helpful for current affairs and supplementary material, they shouldn’t replace standard textbooks and a structured study plan.
Q7: Where can I find previous years’ BPSC question papers?
A7: Previous years’ question papers are available on the BPSC official website and various online educational platforms. Analyzing them is crucial for understanding the exam pattern.
Q8: Are there any specific books for BPSC essay writing?
A8: While no specific book guarantees success, practicing essay writing with examples from reputed publications and focusing on clarity and structure is key.
Q9: Should I focus more on Bihar-specific topics or general studies?
A9: A balanced approach is best. While general studies form the bulk of the syllabus, strong knowledge of Bihar-specific topics is crucial for a competitive edge.
Q10: How many books should I ideally refer to for each subject?
A10: Avoid overwhelming yourself. Choose 1-2 reliable books per subject and focus on thorough understanding rather than superficial coverage of many books.