The Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam is a highly competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces.
The exam is held twice a year, and it comprises three stages: a written exam, an interview, and a medical examination. The written exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best books for CDS exam preparation in 2023.
The paper is conducted on three subjects:
- English
- General knowledge
- Mathematics
Being one of the competitive exams with a vast and huge syllabus, one needs a proper strategic approach and planning to outshine other candidates.
Moreover, all these books have a specific role to play as they can enhance or degrade your preparatory phase and can create a major impact on your results.
Below is a compilation of all the necessary and most reliable CDS 2022 books recommended by toppers and scholars themselves. Take a look and see what reference suits you the best.
CDS 2023: Best Books for English
Name of the Book | Author/ Publishing House |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
Word Power Made Easy | Normal Lewis |

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The total mark for this paper is 100 with a time duration provided of 160 minutes.
CDS 2023: Best Books for Mathematics
Name of the Book | Author/ Publishing House |
Mathematics for CDS | R.S. Aggarwal |
NCERT Mathematics (XI & XII) | NCERT Committee |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination | R.S. Aggarwal |
Pathfinder for CDS | Arihant Publications |

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For Mathematics, the part can be considered a bit easier in comparison to NDA as it has questions based only on elementary-level topics.
But that doesn’t mean it can be aced easily. You require rigorous hard work and ample practice to grasp the speed required for it.
CDS 2023: Best Books for General Knowledge
The General knowledge section balances the Mathematics section as it is considered tougher than the NDA.
Therefore, if one is willing to crack the competition with flying colors, one must be up to date with all the current Affairs and other important events of recent times.
Name of the Book | Author/ Publishing House |
General Knowledge | Lucent’s Publication |
General Knowledge | Arihant Publications |
Weekly/ Monthly Magazines | Arihant Publications |
Newspapers | Times of India, The Business Times |
General Knowledge by Lucent’s Publication

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Weekly/ Monthly Magazines


Candidates are advised to study the complete syllabus thoroughly and focus on the topics that are most important and frequently asked in the exam. Practicing previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests can also help candidates prepare effectively for the CDS exam 2023.
Practice FREE Mock Test For CDS Exam Preparation 2023:
Listyaan Learning brings one of the best test series to enhance your preparation with various questions helping you score more.
In conclusion, the CDS exam is a tough nut to crack, but with the right resources and preparation, success is achievable. These books mentioned above are some of the best resources available for CDS exam preparation in 2023.
It is crucial to study hard and follow a disciplined study plan to achieve success in the exam. Additionally, it is important to stay updated with the latest news and events happening around the world to improve your performance in the General Knowledge paper.
With dedication, hard work, and the right resources, you can clear the CDS exam and pave your way to a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Best of luck!