Best Engineering Books for Students in 2025
Engineering is one of the most competitive and changing areas of study. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your first year or getting ready for tough tests like GATE; picking the best engineering books is important for understanding ideas, building a strong foundation, and getting good grades.
But how can you pick the proper one when there are so many?
This blog makes it easier to find the greatest books on a variety of topics, like best software engineering books, basic electrical engineering books, books on electronics engineering, and more. It also tells you where to get them in India at good costs.
Best Engineering Books: A General Overview
What Makes a Book the “Best”?
Not all popular books are the best. The best engineering books are those that:
- Are written by well-known professionals or professors with a lot of expertise.
- Make ideas explicit, frequently by using examples from the real world.
- Are changed to match the most recent syllabi or industry standards.
- Have solved problems, practice questions and are recommended by both teachers and top students.
General Must-Have Books for All Engineering Streams
- Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal – ideal for all branches
- Higher Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig—good for advanced learners
- Engineering Mechanics by R.S. Khurmi—one of the best books for engineering mechanics
Stream-Wise Book Recommendations
A. Electrical Engineering
Basic Electrical Engineering Books
- Basic Electrical Engineering by D.P. Kothari & I.J. Nagrath – ideal for first-year students
- Basic Electrical Engineering by V.K. Mehta – known for its easy-to-understand illustrations
Best Electrical Engineering Books for Core Subjects
- Electrical Technology by B.L. Theraja – standard reference for circuits and machines
- Electrical Power Systems by C.L. Wadhwa – covers generation, transmission, and distribution
- Electrical Machines by P.S. Bimbhra – a core reference in electrical engineering curricula
These are among the best electrical engineering books used in Indian universities.
B. Mechanical Engineering
Basic Mechanical Engineering Book
- Basic Mechanical Engineering by R.K. Rajput – widely recommended for first-year engineering
Best Book for Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Mechanics by S.S. Bhavikatti – clear explanations and example problems
- Engineering Mechanics by R.S. Khurmi – classic choice among mechanical aspirants
Strength of Materials Best Book
- Strength of Materials by R.K. Rajput – easy theory + solved examples
- Strength of Materials by S.S. Rattan – concept-rich with practice questions
Best Mechanical Engineering Books (Advanced)
- Theory of Machines by S.S. Rattan
- Thermal Engineering by R.K. Rajput
- Fluid Mechanics by Modi and Seth
These are good books for mechanical engineers preparing for both academics and industry roles.
Best Book for GATE Mechanical
- Mechanical Engineering for GATE by Made Easy Publications
- Mechanical Engineering Objective by R.K. Jain – packed with previous year questions
- Engineering Thermodynamics by P.K. Nag – helpful for both GATE and university exams
People all over the world agree that these are best books for GATE mechanical.
C. Software Engineering
Best Software Engineering Books
- Software Engineering by Ian Sommerville – foundational, trusted for decades
- Clean Code by Robert C. Martin – teaches writing efficient and readable code
- The Pragmatic Programmer by David Thomas – modern principles for real-world developers
- Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann – great for systems design
These are the best software engineering books for students who want to learn how to code, build software, and design systems.
D. Electronics Engineering
Books on Electronics Engineering
- Electronic Devices and Circuits by Boylestad & Nashelsky – a classic for analog electronics
- Digital Logic and Computer Design by M. Morris Mano – essential for digital systems
- Microprocessor Architecture, Programming and Applications by Ramesh S. Gaonkar – core book for microprocessors
These books on electronics engineering give electronics students a lot of theoretical support and real-world examples of how to use what they learn.
Bonus: Books Recommended by Toppers & Professors
Many IIT and NIT toppers recommend:
- B.L. Theraja for electrical fundamentals
- S.S. Rattan for SOM and mechanics
- Ian Sommerville for software fundamentals
- R.K. Jain for GATE-level preparation
How to Choose Between Conceptual and Exam-Oriented Books
- Go with authors like Khurmi, Mehta, and Rattan for clarity and examples
- Use guidebooks like Made Easy for exam-focused practice
Where to Buy These Books at a Discount in India
Getting access to budget engineering textbooks is now easier than ever. Here’s where to start:
A. Online Marketplaces
- Amazon India – Search for bargains on Kindles or secondhand copies
- Flipkart – Flipkart lets you compare prices from different merchants.
- TextShala.com – Specializes in low-cost engineering books, combo packs, and student offers
B. Other Sources
- Join Telegram or WhatsApp student groups for second-hand books
- Check OLX or Quikr for regional deals
- Visit old book markets near colleges or cities like Delhi, Pune, and Chennai
C. Paperback vs. PDF
- PDFs are useful for quick reference and portability
- Paperback books are better for deep reading, note-taking, and long-term use
Choose based on your study habits and the subject complexity.
Conclusion
If you’re a first-year student or a senior, buying the best engineering books can change the way you think, how well you do, and your future. These carefully chosen suggestions cover every stream and stage, from basic mechanical engineering books to more advanced software development titles.
One book at a time, build your own engineering library. Don’t forget to look at TextShala.com for affordable engineering textbooks, student discounts, and curated bundles.
FAQs
1. What are the best engineering books every student should own?
Engineering Mechanics by R.S. Khurmi, Basic Electrical Engineering by V.K. Mehta, and Strength of Materials by R.K. Rajput are few books that you should have. People say a lot of good things about them, and they’re easy to follow.
2. Which book is best for GATE mechanical engineering preparation?
Mechanical Engineering by R.K. Jain, Made Easy Publications, and Engineering Mechanics by S.S. Bhavikatti are some of the best options.
3. What are the best basic electrical engineering books for beginners?
D.P. Kothari and V.K. Mehta’s book Basic Electrical Engineering is great for first-year students because it is clear and has diagrams.
4. Which is the best software engineering book for students?
Begin with Ian Sommerville’s Software Engineering then add Robert C. Martin’s Clean Code for real-world skills.
5. Where can I buy cheap engineering books online in India?
You may find cheap textbooks on Amazon, Flipkart, and TextShala.com. You can also look for used books on OLX and in student organizations.
