[Strategy] HPAS/HAS : Prelims Paper 1 - General Studies and HPAS Mains

HPAS : Prelims Paper 1 - General Studies Syllabus :

Since HPPSC has changed the pattern of HPAS from year 2017, the Importance of General Studies have increased to a great extent, New HPAS Mains Pattern Consists of three General Studies (GS)
Papers.  

We know that NCERT/NIOS/ISCE/IGNOU books are very important but we also need Some reference books. So this whole post is about which books are highly useful and recommended for HPAS Prelims and Mains Preparations.


Also Read :

• Recommended Books for HPPSC NT/CDPO-TWO Prelims Exam
• Recommended Books for HPPSC NT/CDPO-TWO Mains Exam
• Recommended Books for Himchal General Studies/ Himachal GK
• Recommended Books for IBPS PO/SO/CLK/RRB, RBI, LIC AO/ADO etc 
• Recommended Books for SBI PO/CLK 
• Recommended Books for SSC - CGL
• Recommended Books for Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Allied Services/Posts Exam, 2015 : Excise & Taxation Inspector, Food Inspector, Election Kanungo and Extension Officer in Industries
• Read All Posts/ Topics here : Himachal GK

HPAS : General Studies Syllabus

1.      History, Geography, Political, Art & Culture & Social Economic Development of Himachal Pradesh.   

2.      History of India & Indian National Movement.

3.      India & World Geography.

4.      Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights issues etc.

5.      Economic & Social development - Sustainable Development & Poverty , Inclusion , Demographic , Social Sector Development etc.

6.      General Issue on Environmental Ecology , Biodiversity & Climate change. 

7.      Current Events of National and international Importance.

Pattern of HPAS Prelims :

Paper 1 : General Studies 

Time : 2 Hours | Max Marks : 200 | Questions: 100

Topics = Discussing important Topics	Questions
Ancient History + Medieval History + Culture + Modern History In Ancient History : Prehistoric India, Historic India, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic India, Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Period, Gupta Period etc In Medieval History : The Classical Age, Pala Empire, Rashtrakuta Empire, Islam in India, Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Guru Nanak, Mughals, Arrival of Europeans etc Culture : Visual Arts (Paintings, Architecture, Sculpture), Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama etc), Religions (Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism,        Islam, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism), Society etc. In Modern History : 1st War of Independence, Formation of Indian National Congress, Moderates and Extremists, Muslim League, Gandhian Phase, Non-Co-operation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, Cripps Mission, Cabinet Mission, Mount Batten Plan, Partition of India Indian Constitution etc. Modern History dominates in this section with 8-10 Questions, although Number of questions vary each year.	10-20
Indian Polity + International Relations Constitution, History, Features , Preamble of the Constitution, Union &Territory, Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties , President, Vice-president, Prime Minister, Parliament, Supreme Court, Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature, High Court, Subordinate Courts, Federal System, Centre-State Relations, Inter-State Relations, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Governments, Emergency Provisions, Special Status of J& K, Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission, CAG of India, AG&SG of India,        Subjects of Union, State and Concurrent Lists, Precedence Oaths, Definitions under the Constitution, Constitutional Amendments etc International Relations questions are asked from Current events. Polity dominates this section with 10-12 questions in which 2-3 current events	10-12
Geography Geography can be divided into three – Physical Geography, Economic Geography and Social Geography. The major sub-topics under Physical Indian Geography are Physio-graphic divisions, Drainage, Climate, Vegetation, Natural Resources etc. Topics related to environment like Wild-life, Soil, Flora etc should be given stress too. Economic and Social Geography related aspects of Indian Geography should the studied in parallel to Physical Geography.	10-15
Economic & Social Development   Indian Economy topics like issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment, Government Budgeting, cropping patterns, Public Distribution System, Technology missions, Food processing, Land reforms, Liberalization, Infrastructure and Investment models. Social welfare Schemes etc	12-18
Science + Tech  Physics : 4-5 Questions are asked on various theories Chemistry : 4-5 Questions are asked mainly on metal, non metals, and Organic Chemistry or products Biology : 4-5 Questions are asked related to DNA, body parts, Diseases etc,  Computer : 1-2 Questions Current Discoveries or Noble Prize related  Space and Defense related Current  This Section is one of the Important, although number of questions may vary each year	12-20
Environment + Biodiversity Ecology related aspects : Ecosystem, Keystone species, Niche, Food chain, Food web etc. Biodiversity related aspects : Heavy areas like flora and fauna, endangered species, wild life parks, sanctuaries, bio-diversity hot-spots, biosphere reserves, IUCN, summits etc. Climate change/Environment degradation related aspects : Global warming, ozone hole depletion, acid rain etc. Also note down important points, when you hear news related to conventions or protocols like Ramsar Convention, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol etc. Current questions are also asked in this section	10-12
Himachal General Knowledge History of Himachal Pradesh Geography of Himachal  Administrative & Political History of Himachal Pardesh Art, Culture, Customs & Manners of Himachal Environment & Biodiversity of Himachal Social and Economic Development of Himachal Pradesh Current Affairs of Himachal Pradesh This is one of the most scoring and important section	20-25
Current Events [National + International] In this section Current events of National and International are asked. Some Polity, Economic, Social, Geographic, and Environmental current events are asked and  their related theories too. So this is very important to read newspaper daily and keep relating current affairs with static part.	05-10
Misc ( Awards, Organizations, etc)	04-05
Total Questions  [Total number of questions vary each Year in all the sections]	100

Paper 2 : General Aptitude Test

Time : 2 Hours | Max Marks : 200 | Questions: 100

Topics	Questions
Logical Reasoning (Weak-Strong Argument, Analogy, Odd man, Coding, Calander, Direction test, Blood test, Sitting Arrangement, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency etc )	30-35
Mathematical Ability ( Data Interpretation, Numbers, Series, Data Sufficiency, Divisibility, Percentage, Time-Work, Mode, Median etc )	30-35
Behavioral Psychology + Interpersonal Skills + Decision Making & Problem Solving	20-25
English (Comprehension, blanks)	15
Total Questions	100

Also Read :  

• How To Prepare Paper 2 : Aptitue Test/CSAT
• How to Prepare for Optional : Optional Papers Studyplan & Books 

Books Recommended for HPAS: General Studies : Paper - 1 Prelims and HPAS Mains 


Himachal Pradesh General Studies/ Himachal GK : I have alreday written a post about How to prepare for Himachal GK and which book to consult for HImachal GK. 

• "The Wonderland Himachal " - by Jag Mohan Bhalokhra  is the Best book till Date, Hindi version of this book is Available.
  
  Available @ Amazon :
  
  The Wonderland Himachal  by Jag Mohan Bhalokhra - English Edition 
  Alloukik HimachalPradesh The Wonderland by Jag Mohan Bhalokhra - Hindi Edition
• "Himachal Pradesh : History, Culture and Economy" - by Mian Govardhan Singh is also Good Book, but not sufficient. 
• No book at alone can cover all the syllabus so you have to go through 3-4 books but make sure you buy and read authentic books for Himachal GK.
• You can also read Himachal GK here on this website under the Himachal GK tab at the top of the Menu bar, Already lots of articles are published and will keep adding more and more but these will be not enough at all so you have to buy some good books. 
• for Detailed information read here Himachal Pradesh General Studies/ GK

General Studies Prelims & Mains :

I have already discussed the Pattern and important Topics of General Studies and now going to Write about the important Study Material section wise for both English and Hindi Medium Students. I have Gone through various resources and the have come to this conclusion that this combination of Books is very Good for HPAS Prelims as well as New HPAS Mains Pattern too. 

Studyplan and Books for HPAS Prelims General Studies Paper - 1 : 

For English Medium People :

GS Prelims Syllabus and Topics	Books/Study material
Ancient History	·         A History of Ancient and Early Medieval / Here  (Choose 1 of these) ·         India's Ancient Past New / Here (its also Called Old NCERT) (Must have book) ·         The Wonder That Was India  (Ancient History)/ Here  ·         NCERT New
Medieval History	·         History Of Medieval India / Here (its also Called Old NCERT) ·        NCERT New
Modern History	·         From Plassey to Partition : A History of Modern India  / Here  OR ·         History of Modern India - Bipin Chandra /Here (it is also Called Old NCERT) OR  ·         History of Modern India - Spectrum / Here (Very Brief one) (Must have book)
Culture	·         Indian Art & Culture - Nitin Singhania / Here  OR (Must have book) ·         Facets of Indian Culture – Spectrum / Here ·         NCERT 11th & 12th ·         NIOS/IGNOU Study material on Indian Culture and Heritage
Indian Freedom Struggle	·         India's Struggle for Independence - Bipin Chandra / Here (Must have book)
Geography	·         Certificate Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong. / Here ( Physical Geography) Important Book ·         India: A Comprehensive Geography - D.R.Khullar / Here / Geography of India – Majid Husain / Here /  (Indian Geography) (Choose one) (Must have book) ·         World Geogarphy - Majid Hussain / Here  (World Geography) ·         The Orient BlackSwan School Atlas / Here / Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press / Here (Choose one Atlas) (Must have book) ·         NCERT class 6th to 10th  social science/ or ICSE Board Books 7th to 10th ·         NCERT Geography class 11th, 12th ( Very Important and Needed) ·         NOS Study material on Geography [ if Available]
Indian Polity	·         Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth / Here (Must have book) ·         Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu / Here ·         NCERT/NIOS of Class 6th-10th Social Science ·         NCERT/NIOS of Class 11th-12th Political Science
Economic & Social Development	·         Indian Economy - Ramesh Singh / Here (Must have book) ·         The Indian Economy - Sanjiv Verma / Here ·         Economic Survey  (Economy) Very Important ·         Yojna & Kurukshetra ·         NIOS/IGNOU Study material for Economy [If available] ·         NCERT 10th 11th, 12th Economics ·
Environment & Biodiversity	·         Environment - Shankar IAS / Here (Choose any 1 of these) (Must have book) ·         Environment for Civil Services -  D R Khullar , J A C S Rao / Here ·         Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure - Rajagopalan / Here ·         Ecology And Environment - P.D Sharma / Here (Environment) Excellent Book ·         Environment & Ecology - Biodiversity, Climate Change and Disaster Management - Majid Hussain /Here (Environment) ·         Tata MacGrawHill General Studies Manual : English / Hindi (Must have book) ·         IGNOU/NIOS Books Related Environment (if Available) ·         Internet
General Science	·         Science and Technology for UPSC by Tata Macgraw Hill / Here  ·         Tata MacGrawHill General Studies Manual : English / Hindi (Must have book) ·         Developments in Science And Technology - Spectrum ·         Science & Technology - Ashok Singh /   Here  ·         NCERT/NIOS of Class 9th, 10th, 12th Science ·         For Latest technology related News read Magazines/Newspaper, Internet
Current Affairs	·         India Yearbook 2016 / Here (English) / Bharat 2016 / Here (Current Affairs) ·         Newspapers : The Hindu, The Indian Express, Frontline
Misc.	·         Tata MacGrawHill General Studies Manual : English / Hindi

For Hindi Medium People :

GS Prelims Syllabus and Topics	Books/Study material
Pracheen Bharat (Ancient History)	·         Pracheen Bharat Ka Itihas evam Sanskriti - P. L. Gulam / Here  Excellent Book  ·         Prarmbhaik Bharat Ka Parichay - Ram Sharan Sharma / Here ·         Pracheen Bharat Ka Itihas - Shailendra Senger / Here ·         Pracheen Bharat Ka Itihas - V.D. Mahajan / Here ·         NCERT class 6 to 10 Social Science ·         NCERT class 11, 12 on History ·         NIOS/IGNOU Study material on Indian Culture and Heritage.
MadhyaKalin Bharat (Medieval History)	·          Madhyakaleen Bharat - Rajniti, Samaj Aur Sanskriti by Satish Chandra / Here (its also called Old NCERT)  ·         NCERT New
Aadhunik Bharat (Modern history)	·          Palassi Se Vibhajan Tak : Adhunik Bharat Ka Itihas / Here ·          Aadhunik Bharat ka itihas - Bipin Chandra / Here (Also called Old NCERT) (Must have book) ·        NCERT New
Bhartiya Rashtriya Andolan (Indian   Freedom struggle)	·          Bharat ka rastiya andolan- Bipin Chander / Here (Must have book)
Bhartiya Sanskriti (Indian Culture)	·         Bhartiya Kala evan Sanskriti ·         Bhartiya Sanskriti Spectrum / Here ·         Bharatiya Kala,Sanskriti Evam Virasat: Civil Sewa Pariksha Hetu (Must have book) ·         NCERT New /Old ·         IGNOU and NIOS Notes ·         Internet
Bhugol (Geography)	·         Bhugol by D.R. Khullar / Here  Excellent Book  ·         Bhautik Bhugol by Majid Husain / Here ·         Bharat ka Bhugol by Majid Hussain / Here  ·         Tata MacGraw Hill Samanya Adhayan (Hindi) / Here ·         The Orient BlackSwan School Atlas / Here / Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press / Here (Choose one Atlas) (Must have book) ·         NCERT class 6th to 10th  social science/ or ICSE Board Books 7th to 10th ·         NCERT Geography class 11th, 12th ( Very Important and Needed) ·         NOS Study material on Geography [ if Available]
Rajvyavastha (Polity)	·         Bharat Ki Rajvyavastha by M. Laxmikanth / Here (Must have book) ·         Bharat Ka Samvidhan by D D Basu / Here ·         NCERT/NIOS of Class 6th-10th 11th 12th Social Science
Arthavayavsta (Economy)	·         Bhartiya Arthavayavsta by Ramesh Singh / Here (Must have book) ·         NCERT Class 10th, 11th, 12th ·         NIOS/IGNOU Study material for Economy [If available]
Paryavaran Evam Paristhitiki (Environment & Biodiversity )	·         Paryavaran Evam Paristhitiki: Civil Sewa Pariksha Hetu Majid Hussain / Here  ·         Paryavaran Adhyayan[Textbook of Environmental Studies in HINDI]
Vigyan Evan Takneek (Science & Tech)	·         VIgyan Evam Prodiyogiki Ka VIkas by Sheelwant Singh / Here ·       Tata MacGraw Hill Samanya Adhayan (Hindi) / Here  this will Cover Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences and Computer part. ·         NCERT/NIOS of Class 9th, 10th Science, 12th Biology ·         For Latest technology related News read Magazines/Newspaper [The Hindu Sunday Edition]
Current Affairs	·         India Yearbook 2016 / Here (English) / Bharat 2016 / Here (Current Affairs) ·         Newspapers : The Hindu, The Indian Express, Frontline , Jansatta.
Anay Vishay (Misc. Topics)	·         Tata MacGraw Hill Samanya Adhayan (Hindi) / Here (Must have book)

---

Studyplan and Books for New HPAS Mains Pattern :


Note : Most of the books will be helpful for both Prelims and Mains So I have compiled the booklist very carefully and only useful and authentic sources are mentioned. 

HPAS General Studies Paper – I

GS Paper – I (Topics)	Books/Study material
Indian Culture	·          Indian Art & Culture - Nitin Singhania / Here  OR ·         Facets of Indian Culture – Spectrum / Here ·         NCERT 11th & 12th
Modern History	·        From Plassey to Partition : A History of Modern India  / Here  OR ·         History of Modern India - Bipin Chandra / Here (it is also Called Old NCERT) OR ·          History of Modern India - Spectrum / Here (Very Brief one)
Indian Freedom Struggle	·         India's Struggle for Independence - Bipin Chandra / Here
World History	·         World History - Arjun Dev (Old NCERT) / Here OR ·         World History – Norman Lowe / Here OR ·         World History – Norman Lowe / Here (Brief Edition)
Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Political History of Himachal Pradesh	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         History, Economy & Culture of Himachal – Mian Govardhan Singh
Disaster Management	·         IGNOU Notes, Internet, Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet
Geography of India	·         India: A Comprehensive Geography - D.R.Khullar / Here ·         NCERT Geography class 11th, 12th  ·         Geography of India – Majid Husain / Here  ·         The Orient BlackSwan School Atlas / Here / Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press / Here (Choose one Atlas) ·         NCERT class 6th to 10th  social science/ or ICSE Board Books 7th to 10th
Geography of Himachal Pradesh, Human Aspects, Growth and Industrialization etc	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         History, Economy & Culture of Himachal – Mian Govardhan Singh ·         Perspectives on a Growth-Oriented Hill Economy: Himachal Pradesh - L. R. Sharma / Here  AND ·         Himachal Pradesh Development Report: Published Under Arrangement with Planning Commission (State Development Report Series) by Planning Commission
Indian Society, Women Empowerment, Child Rights, RTE, Rights of differently-abled persons etc	·         Social Problems In India – Ram Ahuja / Here ·         NCERT 11th & 12th Sociology, ·         Internet, Current ·         IGNOU
Ethics, Integrity and Gandhian Thoughts	·         Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude - M Karthikeyan / Here OR ·         Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude – S. Rao & Roy chowdhury / Here OR ·         Lexicon For Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude / Here (Choose any 2 of these) ·         IGNOU Notes
Society and Culture of Himachal Pradesh, Tribes of Himachal, Customs and manners of Himachal etc	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         Society and Culture in Himachal Pradesh -  Laxman S Thakur ·         History, Economy & Culture of Himachal – Mian Govardhan Singh

HPAS General Studies Paper – II

GS Paper – II (Topics)	Books/Study material
Indian Constitution, Parliament  and  state  legislatures, Union  and  states etc	·         Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth / Here OR ·        Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu / Here
Features of the Representation of People's Act	·         Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth / Here OR ·        Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu / Here
Polity of Himachal Pradesh : Reorganization and politics of statehood, pressure groups, Structure, organization  and  functioning  of  Statutory,  Regulatory  and  various bodies etc	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         History, Economy & Culture of Himachal – Mian Govardhan Singh
Institutional framework, Policies and Interventions,	·          Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth / Here OR ·         Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu / Here ·         Internet
Governance, Good governance, Citizen Charters, effective public service delivery, transparency, accountability ect	·        Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth / Here OR ·        Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu / Here ·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, ·         Internet
Local self government in urban and rural areas	·         Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth / Here ·         Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu / Here ·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, ·         Internet
(NGOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Civil Society in Governance	·         Internet
Bodies  constituted,  Policies, Programmes  &  Schemes  for  welfare  of  SC, ST, Women, Minorities, Backward classes, Differently abled persons, and children	·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, ·          Internet
Issues:  livelihood,  poverty,  hunger, disease  and  social inclusiveness.	·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, ·          Internet
Governance in Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Guarantee Act 2011, Right  to  Information  Act  2005, Administrative reforms, Implementation of 73rd & 74th Constitutional amendments in HP,  Programmes  and  policies	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         History, Economy & Culture of Himachal – Mian Govardhan Singh ·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, ·         Internet
International Relations and Diplomacy	·         Challenge and Strategy: Rethinking India's Foreign Policy - Rajeev Sikri / Here ·         Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century - Shashi Tharoor / Here ·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet
Cyber crime and drug menace in Himachal,  Socioeconomic Policies by HP Govt for SC, ST,  Protection and promotion of agrarian society, Tribal welfare administration	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         Current, Newspapers, Internet

HPAS General Studies Paper – III

GS Paper – III (Topics)	Books/Study material
Indian Economy	·         NCERT 11th & 12th Economics ·         Indian Economy - Ramesh Singh / Here  Or ·         The Indian Economy - Sanjiv Verma  / Here
Economic Planning in India, Five Year Plans, Fiscal Policy, Sustainable development and Inclusive growth, Measurement  of  economic  development	·         NCERT 11th & 12th Economics ·         Indian Economy - Ramesh Singh / Here ·         The Indian Economy - Sanjiv Verma  / Here
Latest/Current  Development Schemes/Initiatives/Institutional  Changes	·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet
International  Financial  & Economic  Organizations	·         NCERT 11th & 12th Economics ·         Indian Economy - Ramesh Singh / Here ·         The Indian Economy - Sanjiv Verma  / Here ·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet
Economy of Himachal Pradesh: Demographic profile & Human resource, Sectoral distribution of GSDP,	·       The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra AND ·         Perspectives on a Growth-Oriented Hill Economy: Himachal Pradesh - L. R. Sharma / Here AND ·         Himachal Pradesh Development Report: Published Under Arrangement with Planning  Commission (State Development Report Series) by Planning Commission
Diversification  in  Agriculture  and allied  activities in HP,  Land  tenure  and size  of  land holdings.	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra AND ·         Environment, Agriculture And Community In Himachal Pradesh - Richa AND ·        Perspectives on a Growth-Oriented Hill Economy: Himachal Pradesh - L. R. Sharma / Here
Industrialization in the state, Skilled/Unskilled labour, Cottage and Small Scale Industries, Tax base, Pros and Cons of Special Category status in HP	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra AND ·        Perspectives on a Growth-Oriented Hill Economy: Himachal Pradesh - L. R. Sharma / Here AND ·         Environment, Agriculture And Community In Himachal Pradesh - Richa
Revenue generation with special reference to hydro potential, tourism, flora and fauna in HP	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra AND ·         Perspectives on a Growth-Oriented Hill Economy: Himachal Pradesh - L. R. Sharma / Here AND ·         Infrastructure and Economic Development in Himachal Pradesh – AK Tiwari / Here
Appraisal  of  education,  Health, Physical  and  Financial  Infrastructure Development in HP	·       The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         Infrastructure and Economic Development in Himachal Pradesh – AK Tiwari / Here
Science & Technology : natural resources, development and communications, missions and programmes of Department of Space and ISRO, Historical evolution of Indian Space programme, Remote Sensing and Communication satellites etc	·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet ·         Developments in Science And Technology - Spectrum ·         Science & Technology - Ashok Singh /   Here
Developments in energy sectors : Hydro power, non conventional sources of energy and nuclear energy including policies, programmes and research base in the country, Concepts of non conventional, renewable, clean and environment friendly energy sources. Role of energy in   sustainable development.	·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet
Science & Technology in HP : emerging technologies and initiatives, policy, research, vision, scope and applications for developing horticulture, medicinal and aromatic plants resources of the state, IT policy of HP and its role in governance,  HIMSWAN, state plans of e-governance, concept of Lok Mitra Kendra and AGISAC etc	·        The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra ·         Current, Newspaper – Giriraj, ·         Official Websites etc
State Biodiversity strategy and Action Plan. Endangered and threatened species of Himachal Pradesh. Factors responsible for Bio diversity decline in Himachal Pradesh, Relevance and role of Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications and Traditional wisdom and knowledge in sustainable development of the state	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra AND ·         Folk Traditions and Ecology in Himachal Pradesh - Usha Bande / Here AND ·         Environment, Agriculture And Community In Himachal Pradesh - Richa
Environment & Biodiversity : Issues ,concerns, policies, programmes, conventions, treaties and missions aimed at environment protection, and dealing with the problem of climate change,	·          Environment - Shankar IAS / Here (chose any one) ·         Environment for Civil Services -  D R Khullar , J A C S Rao / Here ·         Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure - Rajagopalan / Here ·         Ecology And Environment - P.D Sharma / Here ·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet
Environment Reports, Environment protection and pollution control Act and rules, Environment Impact Assessment, National  Action plans on Climate Change, Himalayan ecology ,biosphere reserve, Science and economics of climate change, Social and ethical issues in use of Biotechnology	·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet
Agriculture : Latest developments in science and technology for harnessing agriculture, horticulture, medicinal and herbal resources in the country, National mission for sustainable agriculture, mission for integrated development of horticulture, Concept of organic farming, seed certification, rain water harvesting , techniques of irrigation and soil conservations and soil health cards etc	·         Current Affairs, Newspaper, Internet ·          India: A Comprehensive Geography - D.R.Khullar / Here ·         NCERT 11th & 12th
Tourism policy, potential and initiative in Himachal Pradesh, Types  of  tourism:  religious,  adventure, heritage,  Important  tourist  destinations, Social, Economic and Cultural implications of Tourism	·        The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra AND ·         Potential of Tourism: A study of Himachal Pradesh - Pankaj Bhalla AND ·         Tourism in Himachal Pradesh - Jreat Manoj
Concept  of  Eco -Tourism  and  green  tourism  and  their  role  in  sustainable development, Environmental  concerns  of tourism  industry,  both  positive  and  negative  effects including climate change with reference to Himachal Pradesh	·         The Wonderland Himachal – Jagmohan Balokhra AND ·         Folk Traditions and Ecology in Himachal Pradesh - Usha Bande / Here AND ·         Environment, Agriculture And Community In Himachal Pradesh - Richa

Some Useful Stuff :

General Studies Manuals : (Choose one of them)

1. English / Hindi Tata MacGraw Hill General Studies Manual  (Must have book)
2. General Studies Manual Paper - I  Publisher: Arihant
3. The Pearson General Studies Paper I Publisher: Pearson
4. General Studies (Paper 1) 35th Edition Publisher: Unique
5. Spectrum's Handbook for General Studies 24th Edition

General studies manual is very important because it covers almost whole syllabus for the Prelims and will be useful in mains in Most of the parts with New Changed pattern, in fact GS is going to be the Game Changer from now on in the HPAS Mains. This book also having Last years of Question papers as well as the breakdown of questions. Apart from this it will cover History, Geography, Polity, Economic & Social Development, Environment & Biodiversity, Science and GK. So this is Must have book for all CSE or State PSC, Not only this book is useful for only CSE students but it is very important for Every Competition Exam where General Knowledge/General Studies is asked in the Exam and its One time investment. So Without any Doubt Go for this Book.
Although I will recommend Tata Macgrawhill manual then I rate Arihant's GS Manual 2nd best but There are GS manuals from other Publishers too if you want to have a look then click on the links below in the end of this post.

Online Facilities :

• Download Free NCERT BOOKS
• Download Free NIOS study material 
• Download Yojna & Kurukshetra Free
• Read Yojna and Kurukshetra
• Read THE HINDU

So this concludes the Whole post of Books recommended, if you have any queries or confusions do comment below.

Also read :

How to Prepare Paper 2: Aptitue Test/CSAT

How to Prepare for Optional : Optional Papers Studyplan & Books