Bank PO Preparation Books

Preparing for the Bank PO (Probationary Officer) exam requires a solid study plan and reliable resources. Books play a crucial role in this preparation, offering in-depth knowledge, practice questions, and strategies to tackle various sections of the exam. This guide provides an overview of essential books for each subject area, along with tips for using them effectively.

1. Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude is a critical section in the Bank PO exam that tests your mathematical and analytical skills. Here are some of the best books for mastering this area:

1.1. “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal

• Overview: This book is a comprehensive guide to quantitative aptitude, covering a wide range of topics from basic arithmetic to advanced problem-solving.
• Features:
  • Detailed explanations of concepts.
  • Numerous practice questions with varying difficulty levels.
  • Previous years’ questions and model papers.
• Why It’s Recommended: R.S. Aggarwal’s book is highly regarded for its clarity and thoroughness. It is ideal for building a strong foundation and practicing extensively.

1.2. “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by S. Chand

• Overview: Another excellent book for quantitative aptitude, known for its structured approach to problem-solving.
• Features:
  • Step-by-step solutions to problems.
  • Practice exercises categorized by difficulty.
  • Conceptual clarity and application-based questions.
• Why It’s Recommended: S. Chand’s book is praised for its clear explanations and practice-oriented approach, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced learners.

1.3. “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma

• Overview: This book focuses on quick problem-solving techniques and shortcuts.
• Features:
  • Tips and tricks for faster calculations.
  • Practice questions with solutions.
  • Techniques for improving speed and accuracy.
• Why It’s Recommended: Ideal for students looking to enhance their speed and efficiency in solving quantitative problems.

2. Reasoning Ability

The Reasoning Ability section evaluates your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are key books to excel in this section:

2.1. “A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal

• Overview: A well-rounded book that covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
• Features:
  • Extensive coverage of different reasoning topics.
  • Practice sets and previous years’ questions.
  • Detailed solutions and explanations.
• Why It’s Recommended: R.S. Aggarwal’s book is comprehensive and is often recommended for its breadth of coverage and clarity in explanations.

2.2. “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey

• Overview: Focuses on analytical reasoning and critical thinking.
• Features:
  • In-depth analysis of reasoning problems.
  • Practice questions with detailed solutions.
  • Useful for mastering complex reasoning problems.
• Why It’s Recommended: M.K. Pandey’s book is useful for students who want to delve deeper into analytical reasoning and improve their problem-solving skills.

2.3. “Reasoning Ability for Competitive Exams” by Dr. R.S. Agarwal

• Overview: A focused book on reasoning ability with a problem-solving approach.
• Features:
  • Various types of reasoning questions.
  • Practice exercises and solutions.
  • Strategies for tackling reasoning problems efficiently.
• Why It’s Recommended: Dr. Agarwal’s book is practical and provides a good mix of theoretical and practical aspects of reasoning.

3. English Language

The English Language section tests your proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Key books for this section include:

3.1. “Objective English for Competitive Examinations” by Hari Mohan Prasad and Uma Sinha

• Overview: A popular book for mastering English grammar and vocabulary.
• Features:
  • Comprehensive coverage of grammar rules and vocabulary.
  • Practice exercises and model papers.
  • Tips for improving writing skills.
• Why It’s Recommended: This book is known for its thorough coverage of English language topics and practical exercises.

3.2. “English Language for Bank PO/Clerk Exams” by Wiley

• Overview: Specifically designed for bank exams, focusing on the English language section.
• Features:
  • Practice questions and previous years’ papers.
  • Techniques for improving comprehension and writing.
  • Detailed explanations and solutions.
• Why It’s Recommended: Wiley’s book is tailored to the bank exam pattern and is useful for targeted practice.

3.3. “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis

• Overview: A book dedicated to improving vocabulary and understanding of words.
• Features:
  • Vocabulary-building exercises.
  • Techniques for retaining and using new words.
  • Root words and usage.
• Why It’s Recommended: This book helps in enhancing vocabulary, which is crucial for the English language section and overall comprehension.

4. General Awareness

General Awareness is essential for the Bank PO exam, testing your knowledge of current affairs and banking. Recommended books include:

4.1. “Banking Awareness” by M. L. Sharma

• Overview: Focuses on banking concepts, history, and current developments.
• Features:
  • In-depth coverage of banking and financial terms.
  • Recent developments and banking regulations.
  • Practice questions and explanations.
• Why It’s Recommended: M. L. Sharma’s book is a comprehensive resource for understanding the banking sector and its nuances.

4.2. “Manorama Yearbook” by MM Publications

• Overview: A yearly publication offering a broad overview of current affairs and general knowledge.
• Features:
• Detailed information on national and international events.
• Coverage of important topics like politics, economy, and science.
• Data and statistics relevant to current events.
• Why It’s Recommended: The Manorama Yearbook is a reliable source for up-to-date information and is widely used for general knowledge preparation.

4.3. “Pratiyogita Darpan”

• Overview: A monthly magazine focusing on current affairs and competitive exams.
• Features:
• Updates on recent events and news.
• General knowledge questions and answers.
• Insights into exam trends and patterns.
• Why It’s Recommended: Pratiyogita Darpan is useful for staying updated with current affairs and practicing related questions.

5. Descriptive Writing

The Descriptive Test assesses your writing skills, including essay writing and letter writing. Books to enhance these skills include:

5.1. “High School English Grammar & Composition” by Wren & Martin

• Overview: A classic book for improving grammar and writing skills.
• Features:
• Comprehensive coverage of English grammar.
• Practice exercises and composition techniques.
• Sample essays and letters.
• Why It’s Recommended: Wren & Martin is a timeless resource for building a strong foundation in English grammar and composition.

5.2. “Descriptive English” by S.P. Bakshi

• Overview: Focuses on enhancing descriptive writing skills.
• Features:
• Techniques for essay and letter writing.
• Practice papers and model answers.
• Tips for writing effectively and coherently.
• Why It’s Recommended: S.P. Bakshi’s book provides targeted practice for the descriptive section, helping to develop writing skills necessary for the exam.

6. Mock Tests and Previous Papers

Mock tests and previous papers are crucial for understanding the exam pattern and improving performance.

6.1. “Bank PO Previous Papers” by Arihant

• Overview: Compiles previous years’ question papers for practice.
• Features:
• Collection of past papers with solutions.
• Analysis of question trends.
• Practice tests mimicking the actual exam format.
• Why It’s Recommended: Arihant’s book is valuable for practicing actual exam questions and understanding the types of questions that frequently appear.

6.2. “Mock Tests for Bank PO” by Disha Experts

• Overview: Provides a range of mock tests for practice.
• Features:
• Full-length mock tests with answer keys.
• Test series to simulate exam conditions.
• Performance analysis and feedback.
• Why It’s Recommended: Disha Experts’ book offers extensive practice and helps in assessing readiness for the exam.

Conclusion

Preparing for the Bank PO exam requires a well-rounded approach, utilizing a variety of books to cover different sections of the exam comprehensively. The books mentioned in this guide provide essential knowledge, practice, and strategies needed to excel in the exam. Choose the ones that best fit your study style and needs, and integrate them into a structured study plan. Consistent practice, along with the right resources, will greatly enhance your chances of success in the Bank PO examination.