Getting a government job in the Indian Railways is a dream for millions. However, the competition is huge. To crack exams like RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) and RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) in 2025, hard work alone isn’t enough—you need the right resources.
Many students make the mistake of buying too many books and getting confused. You don’t need a library; you need a few solid books that cover the syllabus perfectly.
This guide lists the most reliable books used by toppers and recommended by coaching experts to help you prepare smarter.
1. Best Books for RRB NTPC 2025
The RRB NTPC exam focuses on three major areas:
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness (GA)
Here is the subject-wise breakdown.
A. Mathematics (Quantitative Aptitude)
Maths in Railways is not about advanced calculus; it is about speed and knowing the basics.
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- Why use it: This is the standard book for beginners. If your basics are weak, start here. It covers every topic clearly.
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- Why use it: If you know the basics but take too long to solve questions, this book teaches you shortcuts and tricks to save time.
- Kiran’s Railway Mathematics (Chapter-wise)
- Why use it: This is purely for practice. It contains thousands of previous year questions. Solving this helps you understand the actual exam level.
B. General Intelligence & Reasoning
Reasoning is the most scoring section. If you practice well, you can get full marks here.
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Why use it: It covers every type of question asked in the exam. Great for building a foundation.
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
- Why use it: Excellent for “Critical Reasoning” topics like statements, assumptions, and arguments, which often confuse students.
- Arihant / Kiran Previous Year Reasoning Book
- Why use it: You need to practice exam-specific questions to improve your speed. Aim to score 35+ in this section.
C. General Awareness (GA)
This section is vast, but you don’t need to know everything—just what is relevant.
- Lucent’s General Knowledge (Yellow Book)
- Why use it: This is the “Bible” for Railway GK. If you memorize the History, Geography, and Science sections of this book, 70% of your job is done.
- Current Affairs (Speedy / Arihant / Adda247)
- Why use it: Railways ask a lot of current affairs. Buy a yearly compilation (Yearbook) or use monthly magazines. Speedy is particularly famous for Railway exams.
- General Science (Lucent or NCERT)
- Why use it: For ALP candidates especially, Science is crucial. Lucent’s specific General Science book or basic NCERTs (Class 9-10) are sufficient.
2. Best Books for RRB ALP 2025 (Technical & Non-Tech)
The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) exam is slightly different because it includes a Technical Section (Part B of CBT 2).
A. Technical Books (Trade-Wise)
This section is qualifying, but if you fail here, your other marks won’t count.
- ITI Trade Theory Books (NCVT/SCVT)
- Why use it: Stick to your standard ITI semester books. They explain the core concepts of your trade (Fitter, Electrician, Diesel Mechanic, etc.) better than any guide.
- RRB ALP Technical Book by Arihant
- Why use it: It gives a good summary of all trades and provides solved examples specifically for the exam.
- Basic Electrical & Electronics by B.L. Theraja
- Why use it: Highly recommended for Electrician, Wireman, and Electronics trades to clear fundamental concepts.
B. Basic Science & Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics by R.S. Khurmi
- Why use it: Good for understanding levers, mass, weight, and density.
- Basic Physics (Pradeep Publication or NCERT)
- Why use it: Keeps physics simple and easy to understand.
3. The “Must-Have” Previous Year Papers
If you buy only one thing from this list, let it be a Previous Year Question (PYQ) Bank. Railways often repeat question patterns.
- Kiran Publication – NTPC/ALP Solved Papers: They organize questions chapter-wise, which helps you see which topics are asked most often.
- Arihant Solved Papers: Good explanations and strictly based on recent exam trends.
- Youth Competition Times (YCT): Very popular recently for their detailed Railway-specific compilations.
Pro Tip: Don’t just read these books. Set a timer and solve a paper like a real exam to check your speed.
. Bonus: Online Resources to Use with Books
Books build concepts, but online tools help you test them.
- YouTube Channels: WiFiStudy, Adda247, and Exampur for free daily classes.
- Mock Tests: Testbook or Oliveboard (Essential for checking your All-India Rank).
- Apps: Use generic GK apps for daily quizzes while traveling.
5. How to Choose the Right Book?
- Check your level: If you are a beginner, stick to R.S. Aggarwal. If you are an expert, go straight to Kiran’s Previous Year Papers.
- Check the Year: Ensure the book is the 2025 edition or at least late 2024. Old data in GK books can lose you marks.
- One book rule: Do not buy four books for math. Buy one good one and finish it three times.
Final Thoughts
Cracking RRB NTPC or ALP is not about being a genius; it’s about consistency. Pick the books listed above, make a study plan, and stick to it.
Start with Lucent for GK and R.S. Aggarwal for Math/Reasoning, then move to Previous Year Papers. That is the proven formula for success.
Good luck with your preparation!
