CDS Books: Check Subject-wise Books for CDS Exam Preparation

UPSC CDS Books: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds the CDS exam twice a year for candidates interested in joining one of the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates preparing for the exam should be aware of the books needed for comprehensive CDS preparation.

The CDS exam 2025 for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy is divided into three sections: English Language, Elementary Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Candidates seeking admission to the Officers' Training Academy are required to only take two exams: English Language and General Knowledge. 

Also Read: CDS Exam Pattern 2025

CDS Books 2025

Candidates must plan their CDS preparation based on whether they want to apply to IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA. CDS subject-wise books list assists candidates in covering the topics as per the prescribed official syllabus. It is highly recommended that candidates preparing for the exam read and cover all books relevant to the exam to cover the CDS syllabus 2025 comprehensively. Candidates must practice CDS previous year's question papers after they have completed the syllabus.

CDS Books for Mathematics

Candidates who have applied for IMA, INA, and AFA will take the Elementary Mathematics paper. The paper will assess candidates' knowledge of basic mathematics, including Algebra, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability. To complete their CDS Mathematics syllabus, candidates can refer to the following books:

For a better understanding of different topics outlined in the CDS syllabus, aspirants can also refer to the NCERT Mathematics book for Class 10 grade.

CDS Books for English

For those who have applied for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, an English Language paper will be administered. The English language paper will assess candidates' understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and overall command of the language. To cover their CDS English syllabus, candidates must read the following books:

• SP Bakshi's Objective General English is a good book to start. Candidates who are new to the English language and are unfamiliar with the fundamentals of the language can benefit from this book.
• Candidates can also read Wren & Martin for English Grammar & Comprehension and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis to learn new synonyms and antonyms, as well as one-word substitution.

CDS Books for General Knowledge

The CDS GK paper tests candidates' knowledge of Indian history, politics, geography, basic science, and current events in India and around the world. Candidates can read the books listed below.

• Magazines such as Pratiyogita Darpan, Yojana, and Competition Success Review (CSR)
• General Awareness Book by Manohar Panday
• Manorama Yearbook
• Newspapers

CDS Exam Pattern 2025

Aspiring candidates must read CDS books in accordance with the exam pattern. The CDS exam pattern enables candidates to comprehend the examination's structure. The following is a table of the CDS exam pattern:

CDS Syllabus

To prepare for the CDS exam, having only expert-recommended CDS books is insufficient. Candidates must be familiar with the CDS syllabus because it informs them of which topics should be prioritized. CDS preparation must be tailored to the candidate's strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

CDS books recommended by experts are required for aspirants preparing for the defence exam. The goal of using CDS books recommended by experts while studying for the exam is to cover the vast syllabus with suitable books rather than wasting time on books that are irrelevant to the examination.