Best books for territorial army exam
Best Books for Territorial Army Exam Preparation – Complete 2025 Guide
If you’re planning to join the Territorial Army of India and are preparing for the written exam, choosing the right study material is crucial. The Territorial Army exam may not be as complex as UPSC or CDS, but it still demands smart preparation, strong fundamentals, and a solid understanding of the syllabus.
This blog will walk you through the best books for Territorial Army exam preparation, recommended by toppers and defence mentors, along with preparation tips, syllabus breakdown, and subject-wise resources.
Overview of Territorial Army Written Exam
The Territorial Army Written Exam is conducted by the Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) and consists of two papers held on the same day.
Paper Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Reasoning & Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Knowledge & English | 100 | 2 Hours |
✅ Total Marks: 200
✅ Type: Objective (MCQs)
✅ Negative Marking: No official confirmation, but avoid guessing
Best Books for Territorial Army Exam – Subject-Wise List
Let’s break it down by each subject and review the top recommended books for thorough preparation.
Best Books for Reasoning (Paper 1)
Logical and analytical reasoning checks your thinking pattern and accuracy under time pressure.
Recommended Books:
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Covers all key concepts Ideal for beginners and intermediate aspirants Includes solved examples and practice setsAnalytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
Great for building conceptual clarity Covers puzzles, blood relations, coding-decoding, etc.
Pro Tip: Practice with a timer. Reasoning is all about speed + accuracy.
Best Books for Elementary Mathematics (Paper 1)
Math questions are based on Class 10 level but require quick problem-solving.
Recommended Books:
Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
A comprehensive guide with 5000+ questions Practice-based learning for every topicFast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
Perfect for shortcut tricks and speed Great for revision & competitive exam practice
Key Topics to Focus:
Number System, Profit & Loss
Time & Work, Time & Distance
Geometry, Trigonometry
Simple & Compound Interest
Ratio & Proportion, Percentages
Best Books for General Knowledge (Paper 2)
GK is dynamic and needs daily updates plus strong static knowledge.
Recommended Books:
Lucent’s General Knowledge
Best for static GK like History, Polity, Geography Well-structured for quick revisionManorama Yearbook (Current Edition)
Covers national & international current affairs Ideal for yearly round-up & defence newsDaily Current Affairs from online portals like:
PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express Defence Adda 247, GK Today, Drishti IAS
Pro Tip: Make your own current affairs notebook from reliable sources.
Best Books for English (Paper 2)
English section tests grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and basic writing.
Recommended Books:
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant Publications)
Grammar rules, vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms Covers cloze test, fill in the blanks, sentence improvementWord Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Best for vocabulary building through root words Structured and easy-to-follow
Important Topics:
Error detection, Sentence rearrangement
Reading comprehension
Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, One-word substitution
All-in-One Books for Territorial Army Exam Preparation
If you’re short on time or want to avoid buying separate books for each subject, these all-in-one guides are perfect for covering the entire Territorial Army exam syllabus in a single book.
1. Territorial Army Officers Recruitment Exam Guide
By: Arihant Publications
Why This Book?
Comprehensive coverage of Paper 1 & 2 (Reasoning, Mathematics, GK, and English)
Includes detailed theory, examples, and solved previous year papers
Structured as per the latest PIB exam format
Ideal for quick revision and full-syllabus prep in one place
Best For:
Aspirants who prefer a traditional preparation book
Self-learners starting from basics
Anyone preparing on a tight schedule
2. Territorial Army Officer Exam (CBT 2025) | Computer Based Test
By: DDE – Defence Direct Education
Published: 31 December 2023 (Paperback)
Why This Book?
Specifically designed for the 2025 Computer-Based Territorial Army Exam
Covers all four subjects – Reasoning, Elementary Mathematics, General Knowledge, and English
Curated by Defence Experts at DDE, known for defence exam prep
Includes practice MCQs, updated as per latest exam trends, and mock tests
Best For:
Aspirants preparing for the latest 2025 CBT format
Candidates looking for a defence-specific approach
Students who want a modern, exam-aligned resource
Pro Tip: Use either of these all-in-one books alongside current affairs prep, daily revision, and mock tests for maximum effectiveness.
Additional Resources for Practice
Territorial Army Exam Practice Sets – Arihant or Upkar Series
Previous Year Question Papers – Available on TA official site or Arihant’s dedicated books
Online Mock Tests – Adda247, Gradeup, Oliveboard
Preparation Tips for Territorial Army Exam
🔁 Revise daily – Don’t skip static GK and maths formulas
⏰ Practice under timed conditions – Simulate real exam
📖 Read newspapers & defence news regularly
✅ Solve previous year papers – Best way to understand trends
💡 Be consistent – 1-2 hours daily is enough with focus
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are NCERT books enough for Territorial Army Maths?
👉 NCERT (Class 6–10) are a great foundation, but R.S. Aggarwal helps you master speed & tricks.
Q2. Which book is best for overall preparation?
👉 Arihant’s “Territorial Army Officers Recruitment Exam” book is a one-stop solution for all subjects.
Q3. Should I study current affairs?
👉 Yes. At least 6–8 months of current affairs before the exam is crucial.
Q4. Is Lucent GK enough for Paper 2?
👉 For static GK, yes. But supplement it with daily current affairs.
Clearing the Territorial Army exam is not about hard syllabus—it’s about smart preparation. With the right books, regular practice, and a disciplined routine, you can crack this exam even while managing your full-time job or profession.
So, grab your books, set a schedule, and march towards your goal of serving the nation as a proud Territorial Army Officer. Jai Hind! 
Also Read 5 Must-Read Books For Defence Aspirants