Reasoning Books in India for Competitive Exams [August, 2024]

Reasoning and mental ability form a critical section of most competitive exams, often contributing 15-50 marks towards the final score. With evolving exam trends and growing competition, it has become vital for aspirants to diligently prepare reasoning skills using the best books suited for their specific exam needs.

This article comprehensively reviews the top 15 reasoning book options available in India curated especially for major government recruitment exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence and state government jobs. The structured analysis of each reasoning guide highlights the key details, features, expert’s opinions and real user experiences to help aspirants determine which ones align best with their competitive exam goals and requirements.

1. REASONING GURU Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning Updated Till August 2023 With Latest TCS MCQs

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Description: This reasoning book covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning updated with the latest questions from TCS and other major competitive exams. It includes over 6,500 previous year questions and magical tricks and tips oriented towards cracking exams like SSC CHSL, CGL, Railways, Banking and others.

Key Features:

• Updated with latest questions till Aug 2023
• 6,500+ previous year questions
• Special tips and tricks for solving reasoning questions quickly
• Oriented towards SSC, Banking, Railways and other competitive exams
• Bilingual edition available in English and Hindi

Expert Opinion: This comprehensive reasoning guide is a must-have for any competitive exam aspirant. The sheer volume of previous year questions makes it great for practice and preparation. The tips and shortcuts are very useful for solving questions quickly during actual exams. Highly recommended.

2. A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning All Competitive Exams

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Description: This reasoning book takes a modern, video-based approach to logical reasoning across major competitive exams like Banking, SSC, Railways, Police and Civil Services. It includes 9 video lectures, over 100 solved examples and 300+ practice questions.

Key Features:

• 9 video lectures explain concepts clearly
• 100+ fully solved examples
• 300+ practice questions with solutions
• Covers all competitive exams including Banking, SSC, Railways etc.

Expert Opinion: The video lectures in this reasoning book make it very easy to understand complex logical reasoning concepts. The solved examples and practice questions are very helpful for building speed and accuracy. Highly recommended.

3. Shortcuts in Reasoning

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Description: This reasoning guide focuses on shortcuts, tips and tricks to solve reasoning questions quickly in competitive exams. It covers verbal, non-verbal, analytical and critical reasoning. This is the updated 3rd edition.

Key Features:

• Tips, techniques and shortcuts to solve reasoning problems quickly
• Covers verbal, non-verbal, analytical and critical reasoning
• Includes latest questions from competitive exams
• More than 300 solved examples
• 3rd updated edition

Expert Opinion: The emphasis on shortcuts and techniques makes this book stand out. Regular practice of the 300+ solved examples given in this book will help candidates vastly improve their reasoning speeds. The latest 3rd edition also ensures all latest exam questions are covered.

4. Examcart Competitive Reasoning Shortcut Secrets Textbook by Ankush Lamba Sir for All Government Exams

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Description: This reasoning textbook focuses on shortcut techniques and secrets to solve reasoning questions quickly in government job exams. It is authored by expert faculty Ankush Lamba Sir and covers major competitive exams like NRA CET, SSC, Banking, Railways, Police etc. in the English language.

Key Features:

• Shortcut methods to solve reasoning questions quickly
• Prepared by expert faculty Ankush Lamba Sir
• Covers all government exams like SSC, Banking, Police, NRA CET etc.
• Available in English language

Expert Opinion: Authored by renowned faculty Ankush Lamba Sir, this reasoning guide emphasises easy-to-use shortcut techniques that save time in competitive reasoning tests. The methods given are exam-oriented and apply to major government recruitment exams. Highly valuable for serious aspirants.

5. A New Approach To Reasoning Book for Competitive Exams 2022 Edition (English Medium)

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Description: This reasoning guide takes a fresh approach to preparing for competitive reasoning sections. It includes the latest types of reasoning questions asked in 2022 in exams like SSC, Banking, Insurance etc. Available in English.

Key Features:

• New approach to reasoning
• Includes latest 2022 exam questions
• Covers all competitive exams
• Detailed theory with solved examples
• English medium

Expert Opinion: With reasoning questions evolving rapidly, this updated 2022 edition reasoning book is quite useful. It covers the latest question types and provides plenty of solved examples to understand the new approaches required to solve them. A must-have for all serious aspirants.

6. How To Crack Test of Reasoning In All Competitive Exams

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Description: This reasoning guide provides tips, strategies and practice questions to crack the reasoning sections of all major competitive exams in India.

Key Features:

• Tips and strategies to prepare for reasoning tests
• Shortcut methods for solving reasoning questions quickly
• Covers all competitive exams including SSC, Banking, Railway
• Solved examples and practice questions

Expert Opinion: The well-organized presentation covering both concepts and shortcuts makes this book quite helpful for competitive exam aspirants. Regular practice of the examples given boosts speed and accuracy.

7. General Reasoning Ability for Competitive Exams – SSC/Banking/Defence/Railway/Insurance

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Description: This reasoning book covers the core concepts and frequently asked questions related to general reasoning ability across major government recruitment exams including SSC, Banking, Defence, Railways and Insurance.

Key Features:

• Covers all key topics of general reasoning
• Includes previous years’ questions from – SSC, Banking, Defence, Railways
• Detailed explanations of concepts and questions
• Figures, images and diagrams for clarity

Expert Opinion: A very well structured reasoning book focusing on the core topics essential for the reasoning and aptitude sections of government recruitment exams. The coverage of questions from various exams makes it immensely useful for practice and building familiarity.

8. Shortcuts in Reasoning (Verbal, Non-Verbal, Analytical & Critical) for Competitive Exams

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Description: This reasoning guide provides shortcuts, tips and techniques to quickly solve verbal, non-verbal, analytical and critical reasoning questions asked in various competitive exams.

Key Features:

• Shortcut methods for solving reasoning questions fast
• Covers verbal, non-verbal, analytical and critical reasoning
• Includes latest exam questions with detailed solutions
• Ideal for all competitive exams

Expert Opinion: The focus on shortcuts and quick solving methods makes this book very practical and useful. Candidates can greatly benefit in terms of speed and accuracy by learning and applying the systematic approaches explained. Highly recommended.

9. Shortcuts & Tips in Quantitative Aptitude/ Reasoning/ English for Competitive Exams 2nd Edition

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Description: This book provides shortcuts, tips and techniques to quickly solve questions of Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and English asked in competitive exams. This is the updated 2nd edition.

Key Features:

• Shortcuts and quick solving tips for Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and English
• Ideal for all major competitive examinations
• Updated 2nd edition with latest questions
• 2000+ questions with solutions

Expert Opinion: With Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and English being critical exam sections, this book serves as a valuable asset through its emphasis on time-saving strategies. Regular practice of the 2000+ questions boosts familiarity with latest exam patterns and question types.

10. General Reasoning Ability for Competitive Exams – SSC/ Banking/ NRA CET/ CUET/ Defence/ Railway/ Insurance – 2nd Edition

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Description: This thoroughly revised 2nd Edition reasoning book covers key topics of general reasoning for major government exams including SSC, Banking, NRA CET, CUET, Defence, Railways and Insurance.

Key Features:

• Covers all important reasoning topics for competitive exams
• Includes latest exam questions
• Detailed theory with solved examples
• Figures and images for clarity
• Thoroughly revised 2nd Edition

Expert Opinion: With regular syllabus updates across exams, this updated 2nd Edition reasoning book ensures complete and latest coverage of the General Reasoning Ability section. The clear presentation of theory and solved examples creates a strong foundation. Highly recommended reasoning guide.

11. 95 Reasoning/ Quantitative Aptitude/ English/ General Awareness Topic-wise Solved Papers for IBPS/ SBI/ RRB/ RBI Bank Clerk/ PO Prelim & Main Exams (2010 – 23) Combo 7th Edition

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Description: This reasoning book provides fully solved topic-wise papers on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language and General Awareness for IBPS Clerk, IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, SBI PO, RRB and RBI exams between 2010 to 2023. This is the updated 7th edition.

Key Features:

• Topic-wise fully solved reasoning papers from 2010 to 2023 exams
• Also includes QA, English, GA papers
• IBPS Clerk, IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, SBI PO and other bank exams covered
• Thoroughly revised 7th edition

Expert Opinion: For bank job aspirants, this all-in-one book with fully solved reasoning papers is simply invaluable. Spanning over a decade, aspirants get exposure to the wide variety of questions asked in IBPS, SBI and other bank reasoning tests. Strongly recommended.

12. Liberty Maths+Reasoning Latest Edition

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Description: This combined book provides complete coverage of topics related to Mathematics and Reasoning frequently asked in various competitive exams. It includes the latest edition updated with new questions.

Key Features:

• Covers Maths and Reasoning for competitive exams
• Latest exam questions included
• Separate sections for high-level Maths & Reasoning
• Expert tips to solve complex questions
• Thoroughly revised latest edition

Expert Opinion: This 2-in-1 book serves as a one-stop solution for Maths and Reasoning preparation with complete theory, solved examples and latest exam questions & trends. The advanced coverage is quite useful for high-level practice.

13. A Modern Approach To Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning All Government and Entrance Exams

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Description: This video-based reasoning covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning for all major government and entrance exams. It includes 46 video lectures, 500+ solved examples and 5000+ practice questions.

Key Features:

• 46 video lectures
• Covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning
• Includes latest exam questions
• 500+ solved examples
• 5000+ practice questions

Expert Opinion: The sheer volume of video lectures, solved examples and practice questions makes this reasoning guide invaluable for intense exam preparation. Candidates can thoroughly sharpen their verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills required across competitive reasoning sections. Highly recommended.

14. The Ultimate REASONING 2.0 Complete Chapterwise Book For Bank PO

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Description: This is the ultimate 2022 chapterwise reasoning book for Bank PO, Clerk, SBI PO, RBI, SSC CGL, CHSL & other competitive exams with 2500+ questions for Prelims and Mains by Top faculty Radhey Sir.

Key Features:

• Chapterwise theory & questions
• 2500+ MCQs for Prelims and Mains
• Covers Bank PO, Clerk, SSC, RBI exams
• By renowned faculty Radhey Sir
• Latest 2023 Edition

Expert Opinion: With meticulous coverage of the entire reasoning syllabus for major competitive exams through chapterwise theory and 2500+ questions curated by leading faculty Radhey Sir, this well-structured reasoning book is a must-have for all aspirants aiming to master reasoning skills.

15. Examcart Competitive Reasoning Shortcut Secrets Textbook for All Government Exams

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Description: This Hindi reasoning textbook by Examcart focuses on shortcut techniques and secrets to solve reasoning questions quickly in government job exams. It is authored by expert faculty and covers major exams like NRA CET, SSC, Banking, Railways, Police etc.

Key Features:

• Shortcut methods to solve reasoning questions quickly
• Authored by expert Examcart faculty
• Covers all government exams
• Comprehensive Hindi edition

Expert Opinion: For Hindi-medium students aspiring for government jobs, having a reasoning book in Hindi itself provides comfort. Authored by reputed faculty, this book emphasisies easy-to-grasp shortcut methods and provides exam-oriented Hindi reasoning practice across diverse questions. Worth having.

Comparison for Reasoning Book

How to choose the best reasoning book

Here are some tips to choose the ideal reasoning book for your competitive exam preparation:

Exam Coverage

Firstly, ensure the reasoning book has specific coverage of the competitive exams you are preparing for like SSC, Banking, Defence, Railways etc. Topic-wise books may have limited coverage.

Level of Difficulty

Choose books having a matching level of difficulty – basic, intermediate or advanced – based on your current reasoning skills to continue progressive learning.

Language Preference

Those comfortable in Hindi or other regional languages can opt for reasoning books published in those languages for better conceptual clarity.

Solved Examples

Ample solved examples let you properly comprehend concepts, their applicability and solutions. Books with 100+ solved examples are ideal.

Practice Questions

Sufficient exam-oriented MCQs with answers allow gaining mastery through relentless question practice. Books with over 3000 MCQs ensure rigorous preparation.

Shortcut Methods

Books sharing reasoning shortcuts, tips and tricks can help improve your solving speed and optimise exam time management. Very useful in actual tests.

Latest Exam Questions

Reasoning questions keep evolving, so books updated with questions asked in latest exam sessions are more relevant for preparation.

Types of Reasoning Books

Broadly, reasoning books can be categorised into the following types:

Topic-wise Reasoning Books

These books focus on particular reasoning sub-topics like Analytical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Non-verbal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning etc. in depth. Helpful for strengthening specific areas.

Comprehensive Reasoning Guides

These cover the complete reasoning syllabus including all important sub-topics with ample theory, solved examples and practice questions. Useful for mastering overall reasoning skills.

Sectional Reasoning Books

These reasoning books for specific exams contain dedicated reasoning sections with past exam questions and solutions. Includes other related topics tested like Quantitative Aptitude, English Language etc.

Reasoning Series Books

These reasoning book series comprise individual small modules or volumes targeting particular exam needs and difficulty levels on key reasoning sub-topics to aid gradual conceptual development.

eBooks/Video Courses on Reasoning

Digital reasoning books and video courses make learning detailed reasoning theories and their application easy through animations.

Guide on Usage, Maintenance and Care

Usage

• Refer to the table of contents and identify chapters of interest first
• Study 1 chapter thoroughly at a time, revising key concepts after reading before moving to next chapter
• Attempt all solved examples yourself without checking solutions, then match responses
• Solve chapter-end exercises question-by-question instead of random solving
• Revise solved examples and important questions periodically

Maintenance

• Cover the reasoning book with transparent plastic cover to protect cover and pages
• Avoid keeping heavy objects on top of the reasoning book
• Store upright on a clean shelf and away from moisture to avoid fungus/insects
• Ensure little kids and pets do not access the reasoning book unsupervised

Care

• Handle reasoning book gently, do not fold pages or mark on the pages
• Never place loose paper as makeshift bookmarks within the reasoning book
• If writing notes, use Post-Its and mark the relevant sections
• Clean reasoning book cover gently using dry cloth; never wipe cover directly using any liquids

FAQs about Reasoning Books

Q. Which reasoning book is best?

For competitive exam preparation, the best reasoning book is one that aligns with your target exams in terms of applicability, provides ample solved examples and practice questions to build familiarity and has a structured presentation of shortcut techniques to optimize time management during actual tests. Books like REASONING GURU, A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning, Shortcuts in Reasoning 3rd Edition and the A Modern Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning book satisfy these criteria.

Q. How to crack test of reasoning?

To crack the reasoning test in competitive exams, it is vital to first strengthen core concepts by studying quality books like How to Crack Test of Reasoning, use the 300-500 solved examples provided to comprehend application of concepts then relentlessly practice 3000+ chapter-end and previous years’ questions. Learning shortcut solving tricks as given in Shortcuts in Reasoning greatly boosts accuracy and speed. Attempt mock tests regularly in timed conditions applying concepts and shortcuts to build exam-temperament. A strategic approach is key to score high in reasoning.

Q. Which are the top reasoning books for specific competitive exams?

The top reasoning guides for specific major competitive exams are:

• For SSC Exams: REASONING GURU by Vikramjeet Sir
• For Banking Exams: 95 Reasoning Topic-wise Solved Papers Combo Guide
• For Railway Exams: A New Approach to Reasoning 2022 Edition
• For Defence Exams: General Reasoning Ability by Disha Experts

Q. How to prepare reasoning for competitive exams?

Structured reasoning preparation for competitive exams involves starting from basics, revising core concepts thoroughly from books like General Reasoning Ability, strengthening application skills through ample solved examples, rigorous 4,000-5,000 MCQ practice from chapter-end and previous years’ papers at progressively increasing difficulty levels and learning shortcut techniques to optimize speed and accuracy. Solving topic-wise papers boosts exam-readiness.

Q. Which type of reasoning books are best for competitive exams?

The ideal type depends on one’s current reasoning prowess and requirements. Beginners benefit using simplified basic reasoning guides whereas intermediate level students can use the New Approach to Reasoning books for evolved exam-patterns. Advanced learners should solve high-level MCQs from Ultimate Reasoning guides. Topic-wise reasoning quizzes are great for practice variety. Books with videos/shortcuts help crack exams.

Q. How many reasoning questions are there in SSC and Bank exams?

The SSC CGL exam has 50 reasoning questions for 50 marks making it very high scoring. SSC CHSL has 35 reasoning questions of 35 marks. In major banking exams like SBI Clerk, IBPS RRB and IBPS Clerk, there are usually 40-45 questions for 40-60 marks testing reasoning ability – hence the section holds high weightage in final score.

Q. Is studying reasoning important for cracking competitive exams?

Absolutely. The reasoning section contributes significantly towards final scores in exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and even state government jobs – with 35-50 questions testing verbal, non-verbal, analytical reasoning skills. As competition rises, candidates need to aim full score in this high marking section through rigorous concept building and MCQ practice from quality reasoning books.

Q. How do reasoning books help score better in competitive exams?

Reasoning books help build core concepts clarity, strengthen analytical thinking ability and provide extensive exam-oriented MCQ practice. This elevates reasoning proficiency levels leading to good exam scores. Mastering shortcut techniques also optimises question-solving speed and time management.

Q. Can I refer to a single ‘master reasoning book’ for all competitive exams?

While some books do aim extensive coverage across diverse exams, aspirants seeking high-end jobs in specific public sectors are still advised referring books dedicated purely towards that field for more relevant and exam-tailored reasoning preparation.

Q. Is it better to study from hard copy reasoning books or ebooks?

Hard copy reasoning books allow making notes and highlights for specific revision plus provide portability to read even without continuous electricity/internet availability. eBooks work very well offering convenience and instant access if uninterrupted power supply is available.

Q. Which topics are most important in reasoning for different exams?

For banking exams, Blood Relations and Coding-Decoding are vital. For SSC exams, Analogies and Decision Making hold higher weightage. For state government exams, Syllogisms and Input-Output tend to dominate. However, being conversant across all key reasoning topics still remains essential.