Best Books for HPAS Prelims & Mains 2024
Books of standard quality play a pivotal role in the preparation for the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) examination. In this article on HPPSC HAS Books, we endeavour to provide you with the list of best books for the HPAS Exam 2024 Prelims & 2024 Mains exam. The HAS Exam or HPAS Exam is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). The highly prestigious exam is also one of the toughest exams in the country. Aspirants often find themselves in a dilemma regarding where to begin their preparation, which books to refer to, and what strategy to adopt . Selecting the right sources can significantly alter the trajectory of your journey as an aspirant.
Importance of Good Books for HPAS Preparation
Selecting the right books for HPAS preparation is essential given the of the syllabus. The right HPAS books help streamline the extensive study material available, ensuring that candidates focus on high-quality content that aligns with the latest exam trends. Starting with foundational texts, the recommended NCERT books for HPPSC HPAS Preparation, allows aspirants to solidify their understanding of basic concepts. Progressing to advanced materials tailored specifically for HPAS further deepens knowledge and enhances exam readiness.
It is also crucial to differentiate between Study materials for the Preliminary and Main stages of the HPAS or HAS exam. The Prelims require a focus on objective type questions, whereas the Mains demand a strong grasp of Answer writing and Essay’s. Therefore, a well-considered booklist for HPAS, recommended by experts, is indispensable. Such a booklist not only covers the entire syllabus but also equips candidates with the analytical skills necessary to tackle both the objective and subjective aspects of the HPAS exam effectively.
Below is a compilation of recommended books for HPAS 2024, favoured by successful exam takers and evaluated by expert educators.
HPAS Preparation Books For Prelims
| HAS Topics | Books/Study Material |
|---|---|
| Himachal GK |
|
| Ancient History |
|
| Medieval History |
|
| Modern History | History of Modern India – Spectrum - Rajiv Ahir |
| Culture |
|
| Geography |
|
| Indian Polity |
|
| Economic & Social Development |
|
| Environment & Biodiversity |
|
| General Science |
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| Current Affairs |
|
Booklist HPAS Mains: G. S. Paper I
Candidates who clear the Prelims reach the Mains stage of the HPAS Exam. There are several theory papers in the HPAS Mains, with specific ones focusing on general studies and others on optional subjects based on the candidate's choice. It is essential for candidates to refer to the important HPAS general studies Mains books for optimal preparation.
Given below are the best general studies books for the HPAS Mains:
| Subjects | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Geography, History, Sociology | NCERTs |
| Indian History | FROM PLASSEY TO PARTITION AND AFTER - S. Bandhopadhya Modern India - Brief History - Spectrum | Rajiv Ahir |
| World History | World History - Jain & Mathur ( Selected Chapters) |
| Physical Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography - G.C. Leong Human Geography - Majid Hussain |
| Himachal GK | Kritika Maam's Notes |
| Society | NCERTs |
Booklist for HPAS Mains: G. S. Paper II
| Subjects | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Polity & Governance | Polity &Governance - M. Laxmikanth Governance in India: Basic and Beyond by M.Karthikeyan |
| Magazines and Journals | The Hindu, Frontline, Yojana, World Focus, EPW Magazine |
| Himachal GK Part | Notes Kritika Sharma |
| International Relations | International Relations - Pavneet Singh |
Booklist for HPAS Mains : G. S. Paper III
| Subjects | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Himachal Component | Notes by Kritika Sharma Economic Survey of Hiamchal Pradesh |
| Indian Economy | Indian Economy - Sanjeev Verma |
| Economic Survey | Economic Survey of India |
| Science and Technology | Science Reporter & The Hindu Technology Page |
Study Material for HPPSC HPAS
Apart from the books mentioned above, the essential HPAS Study Material includes:
- 2nd ARC Report (To read more on ARC Reports, check the linked article.)
- Economic Survey of India & Himachal Pradesh
- Union Budget & Budget of Himachal Pradesh
- Finance Commission Report
- The Hindu Newspaper
- Yojana Magazine
- Press Information Bureau Releases
- Niti Aayog Action Agenda
This HPAS booklist is not set in stone; it's adaptable and can be tailored to your requirements. We've streamlined it by recommending fewer books for both prelims and mains preparation.
One thing that will certainly aid you is creating your own notes and supplementing them with information from the books you've read over time
Frequently Asked Questions related to Books for HPAS
Q1. Which books are the best for Hindi medium aspirants in HPAS Exam?
Hindi Medium Aspirants should read HPAS Hindi Medium Books from NCERT as well as Hindi translations of popular GS Books.
Q2. Which Himachal GK book is best for HPAS Preparation?
Students should read Wonderland Himachal Book by Jagmohan Balokhra and Notes by Kritika Sharma
Q3. Which book is best for Art and Culture for HPAS?
Nitin Singhania – Indian Art & Culture is a must-read book for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
Q4. Is NCERT book enough for HPAS?
NCERTs are first books for HPAS preparation. They are better when complemented with reference books.
Q5. Which book is best for Modern India History?
One should read Spectrum’s Modern History by Rajiv Ahir
