Best Book List for BPSC Preparation (Prelims & Mains)

INTRODUCTION

This list is exam-oriented, simple, and widely followed by BPSC toppers. Think of it like a toolbox – you don’t use everything at once, only what is needed. This book list is strictly aligned with the latest BPSC syllabus and avoids unnecessary sources.

HISTORY (Foundation + Advanced)

• India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipin Chandra
  Explains freedom movement like a story, very useful for concepts.
• Arihant History Magbook
  One-book revision source for Prelims.
• A Brief History of Modern India – Spectrum
  Most trusted book for modern history questions.
• Ancient India – R. S. Sharma
  Best for basics of ancient history.
• History of Medieval India – Satish Chandra
  Clear explanation of medieval period.

GEOGRAPHY (Concept + Map Practice)

• Geography: A Comprehensive Study – Mahesh Baranwal
  Bihar-specific + BPSC-focused content.
• Geography Through Maps – K. Siddharth
  Very important for map-based questions.

POLITY (One Book Is Enough)

• Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth
  Covers Constitution, Parliament, Government, Rights – everything needed for BPSC.

ECONOMICS (Understand + Update)

• Pratiyogita Darpan Economics Extra Issue
  Simple language, good for basics.
• Mrunal Economics Lectures
  Best for concept clarity (especially beginners).
• Economic Survey (India & Bihar)
  For data, trends, and analysis.
• Union Budget & Bihar Budget
  Focus on schemes, priorities, and figures.

GENERAL SCIENCE (Prelims-Oriented)

• Lucent General Science
  Straightforward facts, ideal for objective questions.

BIHAR SPECIAL (Choose Any One)

Bihar-specific books are non-negotiable for BPSC.

• Bihar Special – Hindi
• Lucent Bihar Special – Hindi
• Bihar Special – English, Pick one, revise it multiple times.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (Consistency Is Key)

Current affairs is like daily news digestion, not cramming. Choose any one source, don’t mix too many.

• Civil Services Chronicle – Hindi / English
• Drishti IAS – Hindi / English
• Drishti Bihar Current Affairs
• YouTube – For Bihar-specific current issues

MCQ PRACTICE (Most Important for Prelims)

• Lucent Objective General Knowledge – Hindi / English
• Bihar Objective
• Ghatna Chakra – History, Geography, Polity, Science

Final Advice

• Don’t run behind too many books
• Revise limited sources multiple times
• Match every book with BPSC syllabus