IIT Madras (organising institute for GATE 2027)
Best Books for GATE XH 2027 — Complete Reading List
Curated by toppers and coaching experts. Subject-wise book recommendations for GATE Humanities & Social Sciences preparation.
Subject-wise Book Recommendations
Reasoning & Comprehension (XH0, compulsory)
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
by R.S. Aggarwal
💡 Most comprehensive reasoning book
Analytical Reasoning
by M.K. Pandey
💡 Logical reasoning deep-dive
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
by Arihant Experts
💡 Exam-pattern aligned
1 Optional Section from: Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology
Objective General English
by S.P. Bakshi
💡 Grammar + vocab + comprehension
Word Power Made Easy
by Norman Lewis
💡 Vocabulary builder
English Grammar in Use
by Raymond Murphy
💡 Grammar reference
Study Plan Using These Books
Phase 1
Months 1–3
Fundamentals
- Start with NCERT / standard textbooks for each subject
- Build conceptual clarity before attempting reference books
- Make chapter-wise notes as you read
- Cover all 2 subjects: Reasoning & Comprehension (XH0, compulsory), 1 Optional Section from: Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology
Phase 2
Months 4–6
Reference Books + Problem Solving
- Switch to advanced reference books listed above
- Solve practice problems from each chapter
- Attempt sectional mock tests to identify weak areas
- Revise Phase 1 notes alongside new material
Phase 3
Month 7 onwards
Previous Papers + Mock Tests
- Solve previous year papers in timed conditions
- Take full-length mock tests on HenceProve
- Focus only on revision — no new topics
- Analyse mistakes and fill knowledge gaps
Toppers' Tips for Effective Reading
Start with NCERT before any reference book — it builds the foundation that all other books rely on.
Make handwritten notes while reading — writing reinforces memory far better than passive reading.
Revise each chapter at least 3 times — spaced repetition is the key to long-term retention.
Solve worked examples before attempting exercises — understand the approach before applying it.
Combine reading with mock tests on HenceProve — practice under exam conditions to build speed and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Combine Books with Mock Tests
Reading without practice isn't enough. Test yourself with GATE XH mock tests on HenceProve after every chapter.