Best Books for CDS 2024 - Check CDS Exam Best Books here

Best Books for CDS 2024 - Check CDS Exam Best Books here

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Sep 01, 2024 09:34 AM IST | #CDS
Ongoing Event
CDS  Application Date : 28 May' 2025 - 17 Jun' 2025

Candidates attempting the examination can prepare effectively for the exam by studying using the best CDS 2024 books. Candidates must thoroughly cover all the topics from the syllabus from CDS Best Books 2024 in order to qualify for the examination. This curation of exam books covers all three papers of the CDS exam, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English language.

This Story also Contains
  1. Best Books for CDS Exam 2024
  2. CDS Exam Pattern 2024
  3. CDS Syllabus 2024
Best Books for CDS 2024 - Check CDS Exam Best Books here
Best Books for CDS 2024 - Check CDS Exam Best Books here

Candidates attempting the CDS exam must make preparation from these books an important part of their exam preparation strategy. Candidates must refer to the syllabus and exam pattern in addition to the CDS 2024 exam books in order to prepare thoroughly for the exam. Candidates are advised to prepare for their exams by practising answering questions using CDS question papers. Candidates can consult the article below for a list of the best books for the CDS test 2024.

Best Books for CDS Exam 2024

Candidates must make sure to cover all of the topics in the syllabus using the best books for the CDS exam. With the help of the best books for the CDS 2024 exam, candidates can go over the important topics and chapters that will be covered in the CDS exam. Candidates can also revise information pertaining to topics appearing in the previous year's exam questions CDS Books 2024. For a comprehensive list of CDS preparation books that can form an indispensable part of your study plan, please go over the table given below.

Best Books for CDS exam 2024 - English

Books

Authors

Objective General English

S. P. Bakshi

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar & Composition

Wren and Martin’s

Best Books for CDS Exam 2024 - General Knowledge

Books

Authors

Geography & History

NCERT (Std 6th-12th)

Pathfinder for CDS

Arihant Experts

General Knowledge (Latest Edition)

Manohar Pandey (Arihant Publication)

Manorama Yearbook

Malayala Manorama publishers

Daily newspapers

The Hindu, Indian Express, etc.

Quick Links- CDS Selection Process 2024

Best Book for CDS Maths

CDS Maths book

Authors

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

R. S. Aggarwal

Mathematics for CDS Examination

R. S. Aggarwal

Pathfinder for CDS

Arihant Experts

Free download Ebook: Complete guide for UPSC CSE exam preparation

CDS Exam Pattern 2024

The UPSC released the CDS 2 2024 exam pattern in the official notification. The CDS exam 2024 will be conducted across three papers. However, those who will be appearing for the OTA have to attempt only two papers. The exams for both CDS 1 and 2 are conducted in offline mode in CDS Exam centres in cities across the country. Referring to the exam pattern along with the books for the CDS exam 2024 will help candidates prepare more thoroughly and bring them a step closer to successfully clearing the exam.

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 For INA, IMA & IFA

Subject

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Exam duration

Elementary Mathematics

100

100

2 hours

English

120

100

2 hours

General Knowledge

120

100

2 hours

Total

340

300

6 hours

Check here List of Other Government Exams

CDS Exam Pattern For OTA

Subject

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Exam duration

English

120

100

2 hours

General Knowledge

120

100

2 hours

Total

240

200

4 hours

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CDS Syllabus 2024

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS exam syllabus in the official notification. Candidates can refer to the CDS 2024 syllabus to get a better idea of the important topics from which questions will be asked in the UPSC CDS 2024 exam. Along with the CDS 2024 syllabus, applicants can also get some preparation tips from our how to prepare for the exam. For more details about the CDS exam syllabus and a list of topics that will appear in the exam, candidates can go through the table given below.

CDS 2024 Syllabus

Subjects

Topics

Mathematics

Algebra

Trigonometry

Compound and simple interest

Geometry

Time and work

Mensuration

Statistics

Probability

English

Jumbled Sentences

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

Comprehension

Error Spotting

Cloze Test

Sentence Completion

General Knowledge

General Science

Economics

History

Polity

Geography

Art and culture

Books and author


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best book for CDS preparation?

Pathfinder for CDS 2024 from Arihant Publications is considered the best book for CDS preparation.

2. What is the selection process of CDS 2024?

The CDS selection process 2024 consists of a written exam, the SSB interview and a medical examination.

3. What are the details required to download the admit card of CDS 2024?

The details required for candidates to download the UPSC CDS admit card 2024 are the registration number and date of birth.

4. When will CDS 2 2024 be conducted?

As per the CDS exam dates 2024 released by the UPSC, the written CDS 2 exam is conducted today, September 1, 2024 in offline mode.

5. Can I raise objections in CDS answer key 2024?

No, there is no provision for candidates to raise objections in the CDS answer key.

6. Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CDS exam 2024?

Yes, there is a negative marking in the CDS exam 2024. For every wrong answer, one third of a mark will be deducted from the total. 

7. Where can I buy the best books for CDS OTA?

The best book for CDS OTA preparation can be purchased both online and in offline book stores. 

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Aditya,

As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:

  1. Understand CDS Eligibility : The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

    • Educational Requirement :

      • IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
      • INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
      • AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.

    • For PCB Students : Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for IMA and OTA after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.

    • Age Limit : 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).

  2. Steps to Prepare After 12th :

    • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree : Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.

    • Apply for CDS During Final Year : You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.

    • Application Process :

      • Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically December 2024 for CDS I 2025 and May 2025 for CDS II 2025).

      • Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.

  3. CDS Exam Structure :

    • For IMA/OTA : Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).

    • PCB Advantage : Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.

    • Challenge : If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.

    • Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.



I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.

Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



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