CDS preparation covers three subjects. The level is broadly Class 10+2, but GK demands 12-month current affairs coverage. The following books are curated based on syllabus alignment and question patterns from previous CDS papers.
English
| Book | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary (essential) |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Vocabulary building – Synonyms, Antonyms |
| Wren & Martin High School Grammar | Wren & Martin | Grammar rules reference |
General Knowledge
| Book / Resource | Author / Publisher | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications | Static GK – History, Geography, Polity, Science |
| NCERT History Class 8–12 | NCERT | Indian History & Freedom Movement depth |
| NCERT Geography Class 9–12 | NCERT | Physical and Indian Geography |
| Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth | Constitution & Polity (selected chapters) |
| Manorama Yearbook | Manorama | Annual current affairs, records, awards, sports |
Elementary Mathematics (IMA / INA / AFA only)
| Book | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics |
| Mathematics Textbooks Class 9 & 10 | NCERT | Conceptual foundation for all CDS Math topics |
SSB Interview Preparation
- How to Crack the SSB Interview – Major General P.K. Mehta (Retd.)
- Physical fitness: Build to 5-km run under 25 minutes, 15 pull-ups, 30 push-ups as a daily routine
- Current affairs and newspaper habit for WAT and GD performance