CDS EXAM 2025 BOOKLIST
Are you gearing up for the CDS 2025 exam? A well-curated booklist can be your secret weapon. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the vast sea of study materials and select the most effective books to maximize your preparation for CDS Exam. By selecting books that align with the exam pattern and question types, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Before you dive deep into your CDS preparation, solving previous year question papers (PYQs) is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your chances of success. By analysing PYQs, you’ll gain valuable insights into the exam’s nuances, enabling you to tailor your preparation effectively.
The CDS exam is conducted in two stages: Written Exam and Interview. The written exam comprises three papers:
| Paper | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 340 | 300 | 6 hours |
BOOKLIST FOR ENGLISH
The English paper in the CDS exam is designed to test your understanding of the English language. It assesses your grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. The recommended books are:
- For Vocabulary: Word power made easy by Norman Lewis + Black Book for vocabulary
- For Grammar: Practical English Usage by Michael Swan for concept building.
- For Question practice: SP Bakshi or Lucent’s English for Question practice.
BOOKLIST FOR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
The General Knowledge paper in the CDS exam is a comprehensive test of your knowledge across a wide range of subjects. From History and Geography to Current affairs and Economics, the syllabus is vast and covers diverse topics. To excel in this paper, it is crucial to follow a structured approach and rely on reliable sources.
The questions are designed to test your understanding of both static and current affairs. While static GK covers historical events, geographical features, and constitutional provisions, current affairs encompass recent national and international developments, including politics, economy, science, and technology.
- For History: Class 6TH, 7TH,8TH & 12TH (All 3 Themes) NCERT BOOKS.
- For Geography: Class 9TH, 10TH,11TH (Both Parts) & 12TH (Both Parts) NCERT BOOKS.
- For Economics: Class 11TH (Indian Economy) & 12TH (Macroeconomics) NCERT BOOKS.
- For Polity: Class 11TH (Indian Constitution at Work) NCERT BOOK & Indian Polity by M. Lakshmikant
- For Science: Class 8TH,9TH & 10TH NCERT BOOKS.
- For Current Affairs: Read Newspaper Regularly + Attend C.A Classes on YouTube + Prati Yogita Darpan or Competition Success Magazine.
Remember, you don’t need to delve into fancy books. Stick to the basics and focus on understanding the core concepts. NCERT textbooks are an excellent resource for building a strong foundation.
Additionally, practicing previous year G.K Question papers (PYQs) from exams like CDS, CAPF, NDA, and Civil Services will help you familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, question types, and level of difficulty.
To assess your preparation and identify areas for improvement, attempt at least 10-15 full-length mock tests. These tests will simulate the actual exam environment and help you manage time effectively. Nimbus Defence Academy provide Free Test Series for CDS Exam to all aspirants. Enquire now at 8558-000-333.
BOOKLIST FOR MATHEMATICS
Mathematics paper in the CDS exam tests your basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Unlike other subjects, Mathematics requires consistent practice. The more you practice, the better you become. Solving numerous problems from textbooks and previous year question papers will help you develop a strong foundation and improve your problem-solving abilities. It’s essential to focus on understanding the concepts and applying them to various problem-solving techniques. You can refer to any of these books –
- Mathematics for CDS by R.S. Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
These books cover the entire syllabus of Mathematics and provide ample practice questions to hone your skills. To further enhance your preparation, make sure to solve at least 10 years of previous year question papers (PYQs) for the CDS exam. This will give you a clear understanding of the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty.
Nimbus defence Academy has prepared its comprehensive material based on the above-mentioned sources only. The CDS STUDY PACKAGE of NIMBUS includes a total of 12 Books (including English, Maths, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science, 4 Ncerts & 1 Coloured Oxford Atlas.)
Remember, consistency is key. Dedicate regular study hours, prioritize topics, and take ample mock tests to assess your progress. With perseverance and the right guidance, you can achieve your goal of joining the prestigious Armed Forces.