Preparing for Railway exams like RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, ALP, and JE requires not just hard work but also the right resources. With lakhs of candidates applying every year, the competition is intense.
The key to success lies in choosing a few high-quality books and revising them multiple times instead of wasting time on too many sources. This article lists the best books for Railway exams, subject-wise, to help you prepare smarter.
1. Best Books for Mathematics
Mathematics plays a major role in RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, ALP, and JE exams. Strong basics with good speed are crucial.
Quantitative Aptitude
R.S. Aggarwal
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
Rajesh Verma
NCERT Mathematics
Class 6-10
Tip: Start with NCERTs for basics, then move to Aggarwal for practice, and Verma for shortcuts.
2. Best Books for General Intelligence & Reasoning
Reasoning is a scoring subject since it doesn't involve lengthy calculations. Regular practice helps in accuracy.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
R.S. Aggarwal
Analytical Reasoning
M.K. Pandey
PYQ Compilations
Kiran/Arihant
Tip: Focus more on puzzles, seating arrangements, and coding-decoding as they are frequently repeated.
3. Best Books for General Science
Railway exams test candidates on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (10th standard level).
Lucent's General Science
Compact book covering all basics
NCERT Science
Class 6-10 for conceptual clarity
Tip: Don't try to study advanced topics; focus only on NCERT-level basics.
4. Best Books for General Awareness (GA/GK)
General Awareness carries high weightage in Railway exams, especially NTPC & Group D.
Lucent's General Knowledge
Covers History, Polity, Geography, Economy
Manorama Yearbook
For general knowledge & static awareness
Newspapers
The Hindu/Indian Express for current affairs
Tip: Revise the last 6–8 months of current affairs thoroughly.
5. Best Books for Technical Subjects (For RRB JE & ALP)
Technical subjects require specialized knowledge for RRB JE and ALP exams.
Objective Electrical Engineering
V.K. Mehta
Objective Mechanical Engineering
R.K. Jain
Basic Electronics
B.L. Theraja
Tip: For JE and ALP, rely more on diploma-level standard books + PYQ practice.
6. Best Resources for Current Affairs
Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for scoring well in Railway exams.
Pratiyogita Darpan
Monthly magazine
Monthly Current Affairs PDFs
Vision IAS, Gradeup, etc.
Daily Newspaper Reading
National & Railway-specific updates
7. Practice & Mock Test Resources
Regular practice with mock tests and previous year papers is essential for success.
Previous Year Papers
Kiran Publications, Arihant
Online Mock Test Series
Courage Library, Testbook, Gradeup
Tip: Attempt at least 2–3 full-length mock tests per week to build exam temperament.
Quick Summary – Best Railway Exam Books
| Section | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | R.S. Aggarwal, Rajesh Verma, NCERTs |
| Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal, M.K. Pandey, PYQs |
| General Science | Lucent's Science, NCERTs |
| General Awareness | Lucent's GK, Manorama Yearbook, Newspapers |
| Technical (JE/ALP) | V.K. Mehta, R.K. Jain, B.L. Theraja |
| Current Affairs | Pratiyogita Darpan, Monthly PDFs, Newspapers |
| Mock Tests & PYQs | Kiran, Arihant, Online Test Series |
Final Preparation Tips
- Stick to one book per subject—avoid multiple sources.
- Revise regularly and focus on short notes for quick revision.
- Give equal importance to mock tests and PYQs.
- Dedicate daily time to current affairs.
- Maintain balance—don't ignore PET preparation for RRB Group D.
Conclusion
Choosing the best books for Railway exams is the first step toward success. The right mix of NCERT basics, Lucent for GK, and PYQs for practice will maximize your score.
At Courage Library, we provide topic-wise resources, PYQ analysis, and mock test practice designed for Railway aspirants. Our self-paced platform ensures you stay consistent and exam-ready.
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Written by Railway Experts
Former RRB officers and subject matter specialists
Our team includes former railway employees and exam toppers who understand exactly what it takes to crack competitive railway exams.