Mikele Leigertwood's goal from an Ian Harte free-kick nine minutes from time was the only goal of the game at the Madejski Stadium.
But that was enough to take the Royals back to the top flight for the first time since 2008, with the players swamped by joyful Reading fans who swarmed onto the pitch at the final whistle.
With only the top two sides guaranteed promotion, victory gave Championship leaders Reading an unbeatable eight point lead over third-placed West Ham, with only a maximum of six on offer to the Hammers from their final two regular season league games.
Source: AFP
Source: AFP