Books for UKPSC Lower PCS Exam 2024
The UKPSC Lower PCS Exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in the Uttarakhand state government. The exam is divided into three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective type paper consisting of General Studies and General Aptitude.
- Main Examination: Written examination consisting of four papers: General Studies, Essay, Hindi Language, and Optional Subject.
- Interview: Personality test for shortlisted candidates.
To prepare effectively for the UKPSC Lower PCS Exam 2024, it is crucial to have a comprehensive study plan and a good set of books. This article provides a detailed guide on the best books for each subject of the exam.
General Studies
The General Studies paper covers a wide range of topics, including History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science & Technology, Environment, Current Affairs, and Uttarakhand-specific topics. Here are some recommended books for each subject:
History:
- Ancient India:
- Ancient India by R.S. Sharma
- A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh
- India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma
- Medieval India:
- Medieval India by Satish Chandra
- A History of Medieval India by Romila Thapar
- Modern India:
- Modern India by Bipan Chandra
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
- India Since Independence by Bipan Chandra
Geography:
- NCERT Geography Textbooks (Class 6-12)
- India: A Comprehensive Geography by Khullar
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
- Geography of India by Majid Husain
Polity:
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
- Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu
- Indian Constitution by P.M. Bakshi
- The Constitution of India by V.N. Shukla
Economics:
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- Economics by Sandeep Garg
- Economic Survey of India (Latest Edition)
- Indian Economy by Mishra & Puri
Science & Technology:
- NCERT Science Textbooks (Class 6-10)
- Science Reporter (Monthly Magazine)
- India Yearbook (Latest Edition)
Environment:
- Environment and Ecology by Shankar IAS Academy
- India’s Environment by R. Rajagopalan
- The Environment by R. Rajagopalan
Current Affairs:
- The Hindu (Newspaper)
- Indian Express (Newspaper)
- Yojana (Monthly Magazine)
- Kurukshetra (Monthly Magazine)
- Pratiyogita Darpan (Monthly Magazine)
Uttarakhand-specific topics:
- Uttarakhand: A Geographical Perspective by S.P. Singh
- Uttarakhand: History, Culture and Society by S.P. Singh
- Uttarakhand: Economy and Development by S.P. Singh
Table 1: General Studies Books
| Subject | Book | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient India | Ancient India | R.S. Sharma | Orient Longman |
| Medieval India | Medieval India | Satish Chandra | NCERT |
| Modern India | Modern India | Bipan Chandra | Penguin Random House |
| Geography | India: A Comprehensive Geography | Khullar | Vikas Publishing House |
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth | McGraw Hill Education |
| Economics | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | McGraw Hill Education |
| Science & Technology | NCERT Science Textbooks (Class 6-10) | NCERT | NCERT |
| Environment | Environment and Ecology | Shankar IAS Academy | Shankar IAS Academy |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu | The Hindu | The Hindu |
| Uttarakhand-specific topics | Uttarakhand: A Geographical Perspective | S.P. Singh | Gyanodaya Prakashan |
General Aptitude
The General Aptitude paper tests the candidate’s reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Here are some recommended books for this section:
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- Logical Reasoning by Arihant Publications
- Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma
- General Intelligence and Reasoning by Kiran Prakashan
Table 2: General Aptitude Books
| Subject | Book | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | S. Chand |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | S. Chand |
| Logical Reasoning | Logical Reasoning | Arihant Publications | Arihant Publications |
| Data Interpretation | Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma | McGraw Hill Education |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | General Intelligence and Reasoning | Kiran Prakashan | Kiran Prakashan |
Essay
The Essay paper requires candidates to write a well-structured and coherent essay on a given topic. To prepare for this paper, it is important to develop strong writing skills and a good understanding of current affairs and social issues. Here are some tips:
- Practice writing essays regularly.
- Read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve your vocabulary and writing style.
- Familiarize yourself with different essay writing styles, such as argumentative, persuasive, and descriptive.
- Practice writing essays on various topics, including social, economic, political, and cultural issues.
Hindi Language
The Hindi Language paper tests the candidate’s proficiency in Hindi grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Here are some recommended books:
- Hindi Vyakaran by Vishwanath Prasad Mishra
- Hindi Sahitya Ka Itihas by Ramchandra Shukla
- Hindi Rachna Kala by Harivansh Rai Bachchan
- Hindi Nibandh Sangrah by various authors
Optional Subject
The Optional Subject paper allows candidates to choose a subject of their choice from a list of available options. The syllabus for each optional subject is vast, and it is crucial to choose a subject that you are passionate about and have a strong foundation in. Here are some popular optional subjects for the UKPSC Lower PCS Exam:
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- History
- Geography
- Political Science
- Economics
- Law
- Literature
Table 3: Optional Subject Books
| Subject | Book | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | Indian Administration | M. Laxmikanth | McGraw Hill Education |
| Sociology | Sociology | C. Wright Mills | Oxford University Press |
| History | Modern India | Bipan Chandra | Penguin Random House |
| Geography | India: A Comprehensive Geography | Khullar | Vikas Publishing House |
| Political Science | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth | McGraw Hill Education |
| Economics | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | McGraw Hill Education |
| Law | Introduction to the Constitution of India | D.D. Basu | Prentice Hall |
| Literature | Hindi Sahitya Ka Itihas | Ramchandra Shukla | Rajkamal Prakashan |
Preparation Strategy
- Start early: Begin your preparation well in advance of the exam date.
- Create a study plan: Divide your time effectively and allocate sufficient time for each subject.
- Focus on your strengths: Identify your strong areas and focus on improving them further.
- Address your weaknesses: Work on your weak areas and seek help from teachers or mentors.
- Practice mock tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement.
- Stay updated with current affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay abreast of current events.
- Stay motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
Conclusion
The UKPSC Lower PCS Exam is a challenging but rewarding examination. With a well-defined study plan, a good set of books, and consistent effort, you can achieve success in this exam and secure a fulfilling career in the Uttarakhand state government. Remember to stay focused, stay motivated, and never give up on your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
Q: What are the best books for the General Studies paper?
A: Focus on NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, and Science. For Polity, “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth is a must-read. For Economics, “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh is highly recommended.
Q: Which books are good for the General Aptitude section?
A: “Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” and “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S. Aggarwal are popular choices.
Q: How can I prepare for the Essay paper?
A: Practice writing essays regularly, read newspapers and magazines, and familiarize yourself with different essay writing styles.
Q: What are some good books for the Hindi Language paper?
A: “Hindi Vyakaran” by Vishwanath Prasad Mishra and “Hindi Sahitya Ka Itihas” by Ramchandra Shukla are standard texts.
Q: How do I choose an Optional Subject?
A: Choose a subject you are passionate about and have a strong foundation in. Consider your interests, strengths, and career goals.
Q: What is the best way to stay updated with current affairs?
A: Read newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express, and magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra.
Q: How important are mock tests?
A: Mock tests are crucial for assessing your preparation level, identifying weaknesses, and getting familiar with the exam pattern.
Q: What are some tips for staying motivated during preparation?
A: Set realistic goals, break down your study plan into smaller tasks, reward yourself for progress, and seek support from friends, family, or mentors.