Best Reasoning Books for Competitive Exams? This question definitely comes in the mind of every aspirant who is preparing for any competitive exam. Because in India, the section that decides your success in cracking any competitive exam is Reasoning Ability. Be it SSC, Banking, Railways, CAT or any government job exam, it becomes very important for you to master Reasoning to get success.
In such a situation, the biggest challenge is that which is the best among so many reasoning books? Because there are so many Best Reasoning Books in the market that aspirants waste a lot of their time and money in searching for the right book.
To save both your money and time, I have shortlisted Top 5 Best Reasoning Books on the basis of real facts which are best on the basis of content quality, student feedback, exam coverage and actual-problem solving among so many options.
Let us review all these books in detail and try to know them so that you can pick the best book according to your preparation level.
Table of Contents
1.How to Crack Test of Reasoning
- Publisher: Arihant Publications
- Author: Premkishan Jaikishan
- Pages: 490
What Makes This Book Special:
The most special thing about this book is that every chapter starts from a very basic level and slowly moves to the advanced level. This is why this book is quite popular among beginners. The layout is also simple which is perfect for self-study aspirants. The concept clarity of this book is amazing. After reading it once, you can easily understand every topic.
Best for Whom:
This book is best for freshers and those who are giving competitive exam for the first time.
Highly useful for UPSC-CSAT, SSC (CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, Steno, Selection Post), Railway, Banking PO/Clerk, DSSSB, CUET, State PSC, State Police and other Govt. Exams.
Key Features:
a) Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical Reasoning three topics are covered.
b) Questions are distributed type-wise in every chapter along with shortcut techniques and concept explanations.
c) Practice sets are kept after every chapter. You don’t need to read any other book for practice.
d) There are more than 5000+ PYQs.The content is designed according to the updated exam patterns.
Real Use Case:
If you are a beginner then you will not get a better resource than this book.
Many SSC CGL aspirants also start reasoning from this book. Then they move towards advanced books.
The practice exercises given are also based on the new exam pattern.
2. A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by Dr. R.S. Aggarwal
- Publisher: S. Chand and Company Ltd.
- Author: Dr. R.S. Aggarwal
- Pages: 932
Why is This a Classic Book:
Any list of Best Reasoning Books is incomplete if it does not include the book A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal. This book has been a symbol of trust among students for decades. No matter how many books are there in the market, the popularity of this book has never decreased.
Best for whom:
- SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, GD, FCI, SI/ASI, Income Tax Exams etc.
- IBPS CWE, SBI PO/Clerk, IDBI, NABARD, RRB Officers, etc.
- LIC, GIC, AAO, ADO exams, etc.
- UPSC-CSAT, SCRA, State Services Exams
- RRB-NTPC, Group C&D, etc.
- Entrance Exams- MAT, CMAT, CET(MBA), CLET, NTSE etc.
Key Features:
a) 7500+ Practice questions– to improve both speed and accuracy
b) 1000+ solved examples with full explanation – will help in understanding the concepts
c) 47 free video solutions (through QR codes)– for visual learning
d) Wide range of topics– covers almost every topic of Reasoning.
Standout Points:
Every topic of this book starts from the basics and gradually moves to the advanced level. 1000+ examples have been solved step-by-step with full explanation for better understanding of the topic. By following this book you can start preparing for any exam. More than 7500 practice questions based on the latest exam pattern and their detailed solutions have been given.
This is the reason why it is so popular among aspirants even today.
✅ Bonus:
If you need extra help, you can also watch video solutions of every topic by scanning the QR code given in the book. This is especially useful for those who prefer visual/auditory learning.
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3. Reasoning Guru 2.0 by Vikramjeet Sir
- Publisher: S Chand and Company Ltd.
- Author: Vikramjeet Sir
- Pages: 744
The Book with a Coaching Feel:
This book Reasoning Guru 2.0 is based on the teaching style of Vikramjeet Sir who is one of the top educators of reasoning on YouTube. His real classroom experience has been presented in book format. You will get the same feel as he teaches in class in this book.
Best for Whom:
- SSC CGL (Tier I & II), CHSL, CPO, MTS etc
- Railway NTPC, Group D, etc.
- IBPS , SBI PO/Clerk, etc.
- Any other State Govt. Exams
Key Features:
a) The entire book has been designed in a Classroom like structure
b) Smart tricks and shortcuts are included to solve problems fast
c) Simple and easy language has been used in the book so that you can easily understand the topic and remember it
d) To clear the concept, it has been explained in Bilingual format (Hindi & English). This will help those students who find pure English difficult.
e) From basic to advanced puzzles, arrangements and important/high weightage topics of SSC CGL, everything has been covered.
f) The book has been designed keeping in mind the latest TCS exam pattern and trends so that you can confidently prepare for the upcoming exams.
What Makes It Elffective:
The special thing about Reasoning Guru 2.0 book is that every chapter is explained with detailed explanations. The style of clearing concepts is just like coaching. The logic is easily understood and remembered. The explanations are simple and clear – not too theoretical or boring. Plus, the focus is more on the topics that come in the exam. This book also has 6500+ PYQs for practice. It is an All in One book.
💡 Pro Tip: Although this book alone is enough for any exam preparation, but if you also follow Vikramjeet Sir’s YouTube videos then your learning becomes even stronger. The combo of visual and reading creates a strong memory.
4. A New Approach to Reasoning
- Publisher : Arihant Publications
- Author: B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali
- Pages: 1202
A Complete Guide:
This book A New Approach to Reasoning is different from other books because it divides reasoning into 3 parts with in-depth explanations.
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
Best For Whom:
- SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, FCI, Steno etc.
- CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP & others
- LIC (AAO & ADO)
- Railways (Group D, NTPC etc.)
- UPSC- CSAT, CLAT & other State PSC Exams
Key Features:
a) Each topic is explained first with detailed explanations.
b) Type-wise questions and step by step solutions are given in each chapter.
c) The language is simple and clear so that you can understand every topic easily.
d) Thousands of PYQs with solutions are given. You do not need to buy a separate book for practice.
What Makes It Your Favourite:
The presentation of this book is amazing. After explaining the topic with detailed explanations, Type-wise questions and answers of that topic are given. Along with this, PYQs of the same type are also given for practice. A Master Exercise is kept at the end of every chapter in which all the Type-wise questions are combined together for practice.
Not only this, all the practice questions given are based on the latest TCS pattern. You can start your preparation for any exam by reading this book.
If you are preparing for more than one exam and want deep concept clarity (not just tricks), then this book is perfect. It also has CAT/GMAT level caselets and reasoning sets.
User Verdict:
If compared to other books, this book is a bit more detailed but equally useful. If you are looking for such a book which will be useful for a long time, then this book is perfect.
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5. Reasoning Book by Piyush Varshney
- Publisher: PV Publications
- Aurhor: Piyush Varshney
- Pages: 712
The Hidden Gem:
Finally we will talk about the Reasoning Book by Piyush Varshney which is most popular nowadays among aspirants in comparison to other books. Without much advertising this book has become popular only by word-of-mouth among aspirants and coaching institutes. It has already got 1000+ positive ratings on online platforms.
Best for Whom:
- SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, etc.
- CAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP
- IBPS, SBI PO/Clerk Mains
- Railway Exams Group D, NTPC etc
- UPSC-CSAT
- State Govt Exams
- NTSE etc.
Key Features:
a) More focus on analytical puzzles & logic
b) Best for topics like Seating Arrangement, Input-Output, Blood Relation.
c) Chapter-wise progression- from basic to advanced level
d) Language is simple and clear without extra theory.
What Makes It Unique:
In every chapter, the topic is explained with detailed explanation, then examples are given with step by step solutions and after that a lot of PYQs are given for practice.
The content presentation of this reasoning book is so amazing that this book is perfect for students from beginner to advanced level. Even if you are self-studying, you will not need to take coaching after reading this book.
More focus has been given on practical approach than theory, due to which it will take you less time to solve any problem.
Maybe that is why aspirants are liking this book more these days.
Recommended For:
If you are not good at reasoning, your marks have stopped at the same level and you want improvement, then definitely try this book. You can reach from beginner to advanced level in less time.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the Top 5 Best Reasoning Books that we have discussued
| Book Title | Best For | Strengh | Difficulty Level |
| How to Crack Test of Reasoning | Beginners (SSC, Railways) | Simple Concepts | Easy to Moderate |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | All Competitv Exams | Video Support, Full Coverage | Moderate |
| Reasoning Guru 2.0 | SSC, Banking, Railways | Coaching-Style | Moderate to Advanced |
| A New Approach to Reasoning | CAT, SSC Tier II, IBPS | In-depth Logical Reasoning | Moderate to Tough |
| Reasoning Book by Piyush Varshney | MBA, SSC, Govt. Exams | Logical & Physical Practice | Moderate to Tough |
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Which One Should You Pick ?
Honestly one book is not enough if you are preparing for multiple exams. That is why I am suggesting you this combo book. You can select it according to your preparation stage.
- Beginners (0–6 months prep): Start with How to Crack Test of Reasoning, then shift to R.S. Aggarwal.
- SSC/Bank Serious Aspirants: Read the book A New Approach with Reasoning Guru 2.0. This will make your verbal reasoning very strong.
- MBA Aspirants (CAT etc.): You can rely on Reasoning Book by Piyush Varshney and Sijwali Book. This is best for logical reasoning and case-based questions.
- All-rounders (If you are preparing for multiple exams): Combination of both R.S. Aggarwal and Piyush Varshney books is perfect.
Smart Tips for Using These Books Effectively:
1. Practice Daily: Fix at least 1 hour every day for reasoning. This is not a subject to be memorized, it is done with logic, so daily practice is necessary.
2. Topics Rotation: Don’t just stick to one topic. Read every topic so that your overall reasoning becomes strong.
3. Appear Mock Test: Whatever you learn from the books, use it in the mock test. Only then will you see real improvement.
4. Track Weak Points: Write down topics that you find difficult in sticky notes or notebooks. Later, focus extra on them.
5. Pair Books with Videos: Nowadays, most books have QR codes through which video solutions are available. Video explanations help in clearing concepts. If you are self-studying, you must make use of this.
Final Thought:
In 2025, don’t make the mistake of considering reasoning as just a section to score marks. It can decide your selection. Be it a SSC Mains puzzle or CAT verbal logic- the right book will increase both your confidence and score.
Choose a book smartly and practice regularly. With this you can make reasoning your strength.
Best of Luck !!!
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