Books and authors have always been an important topic for competitive exams, including AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test). Knowing key literary works, their authors, and recent publications is essential for the General Knowledge section of the exam. This article provides a comprehensive overview of notable books and authors that are relevant for AFCAT 1 2025, covering various genres, contemporary releases, and critically acclaimed works.
AFCAT 1 2025 Books and Authors
Key Books and Authors (2023-2024)
1. “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” – Shehan Karunatilaka
- Genre: Fiction
- Author: Shehan Karunatilaka
- Publication Year: 2022
- Significance: Winner of the Booker Prize 2022, this novel is a gripping story set in Sri Lanka, blending satire and mystery. It explores the afterlife of a war photographer during the civil war, making it a critically acclaimed literary work.
2. “The Light We Carry” – Michelle Obama
- Genre: Memoir
- Author: Michelle Obama
- Publication Year: 2022
- Significance: Following her bestselling memoir Becoming, Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry offers reflections on resilience and hope. It’s an inspiring read for those looking to understand challenges and personal growth.
3. “India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn” – Ashwin Fernandes
- Genre: Non-fiction
- Author: Ashwin Fernandes
- Publication Year: 2023
- Significance: This book highlights India’s growing prominence in the global knowledge economy. It examines how India’s educational and technological advances contribute to its role as a global leader, providing valuable insights into contemporary India.
4. “The World: A Family History of Humanity” – Simon Sebag Montefiore
- Genre: History
- Author: Simon Sebag Montefiore
- Publication Year: 2023
- Significance: This comprehensive historical narrative explores the history of humanity through the lens of families. It covers key moments and figures that shaped the world, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and aspirants of competitive exams.
5. “The Vaccine Book: From Hesitancy to Confidence” – Dr. Heidi Larson
- Genre: Public Health
- Author: Dr. Heidi Larson
- Publication Year: 2023
- Significance: This timely book explores the global issue of vaccine hesitancy and the public perception of vaccines. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout, understanding public health is more relevant than ever for aspirants.
Indian Authors and Notable Works
1. “Indomitable: A Working Woman’s Notes on Work, Life and Leadership” – Arundhati Bhattacharya
- Genre: Memoir
- Author: Arundhati Bhattacharya
- Publication Year: 2022
- Significance: Arundhati Bhattacharya, the first woman to lead the State Bank of India, shares her insights on leadership and managing work-life balance in this powerful memoir.
2. “Nehru: The Debates that Defined India” – Tripurdaman Singh & Adeel Hussain
- Genre: Political History
- Authors: Tripurdaman Singh and Adeel Hussain
- Publication Year: 2021
- Significance: This book sheds light on Jawaharlal Nehru’s political debates with key figures of his time and how they shaped modern India. A great resource for those preparing for defense and civil service exams, where knowledge of Indian political history is crucial.
3. “The Third Pillar” – Raghuram Rajan
- Genre: Economics
- Author: Raghuram Rajan
- Publication Year: 2022
- Significance: Written by former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, The Third Pillar delves into how markets, government, and communities are essential for balanced development. It provides a deep understanding of economic concepts, crucial for AFCAT aspirants.
4. “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World” – S. Jaishankar
- Genre: Geopolitics
- Author: Dr. S. Jaishankar
- Publication Year: 2020
- Significance: Written by India’s External Affairs Minister, this book discusses India’s evolving role in global politics. It’s a highly relevant read for AFCAT aspirants, providing insight into India’s foreign policy and strategic vision.
Books on Indian Armed Forces and Defence
1. “The Brave: Param Vir Chakra Stories” – Rachna Bisht Rawat
- Genre: Military History
- Author: Rachna Bisht Rawat
- Publication Year: 2014
- Significance: This book is a tribute to the bravery of the Indian soldiers who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. Each chapter tells the story of an extraordinary act of courage, making it an inspiring read for defense aspirants.
2. “India’s Wars: A Military History, 1947-1971” – Arjun Subramaniam
- Genre: Military History
- Author: Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam
- Publication Year: 2016
- Significance: This detailed military history provides a comprehensive account of India’s wars from independence up to the Bangladesh Liberation War. It is a key resource for understanding India’s military evolution and strategic victories.
3. “Kargil: From Surprise to Victory” – Gen. V.P. Malik
- Genre: Military Memoir
- Author: General V.P. Malik
- Publication Year: 2006
- Significance: Written by the Chief of the Indian Army during the Kargil War, this book provides an insider’s perspective on the operations and challenges faced during the conflict. It is an essential read for those interested in India’s military history.
4. “Flying in High Winds” – Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal
- Genre: Memoir
- Author: Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal
- Publication Year: 2019 (Reprint)
- Significance: This autobiography of former Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal offers insights into the Indian Air Force’s development during critical phases in India’s history, making it relevant for aspirants of the Indian Air Force.
Recent Literary Awards (2023)
1. Booker Prize 2023 – Shehan Karunatilaka for The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida.
2. JCB Prize for Literature 2023 – Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree.
3. Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 – Samrat Ashok by Anant Atmaram Kanekar.
4. Pulitzer Prize 2023 – Joshua Cohen for The Netanyahus.
Conclusion
AFCAT aspirants should focus on staying updated with recent books and authors, especially those contributing to Indian literature, history, military studies, and public policy. Knowing the latest literary works, award-winning authors, and relevant books on defense topics will not only help in acing the General Knowledge section but also provide a broader understanding of the world and India’s position within it.
By regularly reviewing this list and expanding your reading habits, you will enhance your preparation for the AFCAT 1 2025 exam.
