Here are Some of the Best Books for UPSC CDS Exam Preparation
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts a Combined Defence Services exam popularly known as the CDS exam twice a year. The exam is held to select eligible candidates to undergo training at prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) to later join the Indian Army, Air force and Navy respectively as Commissioned Officers.
The UPSC CDS exam is a gateway for young graduates who wish to fulfill their dream of serving the nation by joining some of the most dignified defence services in India. However, cracking the CDS exam is not a piece of cake, it demands exhaustive preparation from candidates which is impossible if they lack the best quality books and learning material to study from.
On that note, let’s talk about some of the best books available for UPSC CDS Preparation that will offer you all the right information and learning material to ace the CDS exam in the first attempt.
English Language
Wren & Martin High School English Grammar And Composition
This is one of the most simple and comprehensive books on grammar and the composition of sentences. Unlike many traditional grammar books, the book in its latest edition helps the student to use the language as well as giving detailed information about the language.
It archives this by offering a detailed and clear explanation of various rules in grammar with examples followed by a number of practice exercises. It provides ample guidance and practice in sentence building, correct usage, Reading Comprehension, written composition and other allied areas so as to equip the student with knowledge and skills to master the English Language.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
A highly recommended book by experts for building vocabulary. It not only possesses an extensive collection of both root and new words but also includes numerous exercises to help you use the right words as well as their right pronunciation and spellings.
English is Easy by Chetananand Singh
An excellent book for overall English Language preparation. It comprises three sections: Grammar, Vocabulary and comprehension.
The Grammar section contains in-depth and interesting explanations of key grammar rules. The Vocabulary section contains a large number of words, Idioms and Phrases, not in isolation but in engaging sentences and passages for effective learning. An extensive number of comprehension passages and questions have been provided at the end for students to practice.
Elementary Maths
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination by Dr. R.S. Aggarwal
You won’t need any other book if you refer to this book and practice questions from it daily. This book can be considered as an all-rounder as its content covers the quantitative aptitude/numerical ability syllabus of almost all competitive exams including the CDS exam.
Concepts and formulas have been explained in a detailed manner with examples in a student-friendly language. Each chapter is followed by an exercise loaded with questions of different types and of different difficulty levels with solutions.
General Knowledge
General Knowledge by Manohar Pandey (Arihant Publication)
This book covers the latest national and international current happening but also includes information on topics from History, Geography, Culture, Economy, Polity of India. The facts and information have been present in simple language and are on point.
Reputed English Newspapers
Students must build a habit of reading English newspapers such as THE HINDU, TIME OF INDIA, etc daily. This will not only help you to stay updated with all the current events and news but will also improve your vocabulary and comprehensive reading skill which can be beneficial for you in the English Language section.
