The CDS examination opens the door to an esteemed career in the Indian Armed Forces. Most of the candidates have a challenge of choosing the right study materials beating stiff competition and large syllabus. The question that comes up most frequently is: Can I Prepare for CDS With NCERT Books Only or Are NCERT Books Enough for CDS?
Recommended Links:
However, NCERT Books are not enough for the CDS Exam and depending solely on NCERT books for CDS may not be sufficient. Here is why:
Limited Scope: The CDS syllabus covers more topics compared to those found in NCERT books. While NCERT textbooks teach concepts in history, geography and science in general terms, CDS goes into depth about certain issues related to defence and current events.
Focus on Defence: The CDS exam highly emphasizes knowledge related to defence. This focus is missing in NCERT books by design. To crack the CDS exam, aspirants must access resources that cover military history, strategic affairs and defence technology.
Exam Pattern: CDS Previous Year Question Papers are one of the best sources for getting an idea about examination patterns and level of difficulty. A look at these papers reveals that questions often probe beyond what has been taught using NCERTs.
Choosing the Best Book for CDS Preparation depends purely on your strengths and weaknesses as an individual. A comprehensive approach should combine the use of specialized defence-oriented materials with reading standard school-level textbooks like NCERTs:
Defence-Specific Resources: Consider acquiring a book specifically meant to prepare for the CDS as well as other publications. These resources will provide detailed information on various aspects such as military history, current defence issues, and strategic thinking, among others.
Mathematics Practice: Any aspirant appearing for this entrance test must thoroughly revise mathematical formulae from a good CDS Maths Book. Although it can support by providing basic ideas but practicing maths from such books with solved examples/ questions is important.
Current Affairs: For example, always follow online platforms dedicated to defence news; newspapers or magazines full of national and international news will be of great use to you. Keep yourself updated about current affairs in India and the world to prepare well for CDS.
Read More: STRATEGISE YOUR SUCCESS FOR CDS EXAM WITH PREVIOUS YEARS' SOLVED PAPERS 2025
However, they can form a strong foundation since NCERT Books are not Enough for CDS Preparation. In other words, these books are known for building core concepts in students. Nevertheless, the best way to pass CDS is by merging your knowledge from NCERTs with the help of specialized defence publications, CDS question papers from previous years, and consistent practice using CDS Maths Books.
This will give you a deeper insight into the subjects whilst also giving you enough practice to crack through the examination. Use NCERTs as a base but look beyond them. In this case, one should look forward to developing an inclusive study plan that assimilates various materials so as to increase their chances of being enrolled in Indian defence services.
