CDS Books | For 2026 Exam | Free PDF Download

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Air Force, and Navy. It selects candidates for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).

Candidates aspiring to crack the CDS exam should begin their preparations from the very beginning. They must read the syllabus, create a structured study plan, focus on core subjects, and practice mock tests.

Candidates must choose books specifically designed for CDS preparation to ensure they cover relevant topics comprehensively. Opt for books that provide clear explanations, practice questions, and previous years' papers to enhance understanding and exam readiness.

Best CDS Books 2026 for preparation:

Oswaal CDS Books 2026 are top-rated resources for your preparation, offered at an affordable price to ensure easy access. Crafted with a focus on all exam aspects—like multiple-choice and objective-type questions—these books are perfect for tackling various exams, including UPSC CDS, IAS CDS, and NDA CDS, providing comprehensive and targeted practice. Here are some tips you can follow to prepare well for your CDS Exam:

Fix a study plan for yourself and follow it sincerely

A good study plan is a mix of self-study, online resources, and face-to-face interaction with teachers. It should be realistic and achievable. Think about your strengths and weaknesses in learning, what kind of resources you like to use (online or offline), and how much time it takes to learn new things with them (and the time they take up).

Identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them consistently. For example, if your weak point is verbal ability then focus more on reading comprehension than grammar or vocabulary mastery. Practice and consistency will help you in the long run. 

Don’t think that if you are good at Math, you don’t need to practice it. In the realm of CDS, Math is not just a theoretical subject; it’s a crucial component that demands ongoing practice. While understanding formulas and concepts is essential, it’s the consistent application and problem-solving that truly solidify your skills.

 The CDS exam requires you to tackle complex problems under time constraints, so regular practice is key to mastering both basic and advanced topics. Even the most adept candidates must continually hone their abilities to ensure they can handle any question that comes their way with confidence and precision. 

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Focus on General Knowledge:

For your GK preparation, read Indian and world history, geography, current affairs, and static GK topics. Don’t forget to give 30 minutes of your day to the newspaper. Read history books and geography books to learn about the history and culture.

Read current affairs magazines and newspapers, but also go for static GK topics such as current events, science, technology, sports, etc., as these will help you prepare for the exam better.

Practice is a prerequisite:

After completing the syllabus of all three subjects i.e., English, GK, and Maths. You need to start practising papers from previous years to gauge your understanding and readiness. This crucial step will not only help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and question patterns but also highlight areas where you might need additional focus.  You can also download sample question papers from the Oswaal Books at www.oswaalbooks.com.

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Revision is Paramount:

Always revise what you have studied and try to implement the tips and tricks that you learn in your daily preparation for each topic. It is recommended that students should always practice as many sample question papers as possible. Students should also follow a good study plan and practice as many sample question papers as possible.

Review the latest syllabus, including exam patterns, question numbers, and difficulty level of questions in your preparation book or online resource (website). This will help you to revise what you have studied so far and implement tips and tricks that can help improve your score on the paper exams.

Conclusion

Oswaal CDS Books includes solved papers from previous years and mock test papers to help you score well on the CDS Exam. In the above points, we have shared the top strategies to help you ace the CDS exam. To everyone gearing up for this challenge, we wish you immense success! While a touch of luck always plays a role, remember that your dedication and our tips are your secret weapons. With the right preparation and a positive mindset, you can tackle the exam with confidence and ease. Keep pushing forward, and make your aspirations a reality!