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Looking for the best books for CFTRI Technician 2026? You are in the right place. CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru has opened 28 Technician (1) vacancies across 13 ITI trades (Advertisement No. Rec.02/2026), and the online window closes on 18 November 2026. That leaves less than four weeks to apply, so smart book selection matters more than reading everything.
The written exam has three papers: Mental Ability, General Awareness + English, and a trade-specific paper. This guide maps the right book to each paper, then gives a post-wise list for Fitter, Electronics Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Welder and every other trade in the notification.
CFTRI Technician Exam Pattern 2026
Before buying a single book, know what the exam tests. As per the official notification, shortlisted candidates first take a Trade Test (qualifying), then a competitive written exam.
- Total: 150 questions, 2 hours 30 minutes, OMR or computer-based MCQs.
- Standard of the exam: SSC + ITI / XII standard. Questions are in English and Hindi (except the English language section).
- Paper I is qualifying only. Papers II and III are evaluated only if you clear the Paper I cut-off.
- The final merit list is prepared on Paper II + Paper III marks only (300 marks).
- In a tie, higher marks in the trade paper is the first tie-breaker.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mental Ability Test | 50 | 100 (2 per Q) | 1 hour | None |
| Paper II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 (3 per Q) | 30 min (shared with English) | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Paper II | English Language | 25 | 75 (3 per Q) | 1 mark per wrong answer | |
| Paper III | Concerned (Trade) Subject | 50 | 150 (3 per Q) | 1 hour | 1 mark per wrong answer |
Half of your merit marks (150 of 300) come from the trade paper. Do not spend all your time on reasoning books. Your NIMI/trade book is your most valuable purchase.
How to Choose Books for CSIR CFTRI Exam 2026
1: Between the period of 1858-1947, how many Viceroys ruled over India?
Because the standard is SSC + ITI, you do not need graduate-level books. Pick books that are:
- Objective-based: the exam is MCQ-only, so books with solved MCQs beat theory-heavy textbooks.
- Aligned to ITI trade syllabus: the trade paper follows your qualification, so NIMI (the official ITI publisher) is the safest base.
- Latest edition: especially for General Awareness. Old editions carry outdated facts.
- Few but repeated: one book per subject, read 3 times, beats five books read once.
Note: CSIR-CFTRI had not published a detailed trade-wise syllabus in the notification. The trade-wise list below is based on the standard ITI curriculum for each trade. Keep checking https://www.cftri.res.in for any syllabus update.
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Join NowBest Books for Paper I: Mental Ability Test – CSIR CFTRI 2026
The notification says the Mental Ability Test covers general intelligence, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, problem solving and situational judgement. It carries 100 marks and has no negative marking, so attempt every question.
| Book | Author / Publisher | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand) | Complete reasoning coverage, series, coding-decoding, analogies |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand) | Arithmetic basics: percentage, ratio, time-work, profit-loss |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma (Arihant) | Fast practice of arithmetic MCQs |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey (BSC Publishing) | Puzzles, seating arrangement, logical reasoning |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M. Tyra (BSC Publishing) | Calculation shortcuts to save exam time |
| NCERT Mathematics, Class 6–10 | NCERT (free PDF) | Fixing weak fundamentals first |
Start with NCERT Class 8–10 maths if arithmetic feels weak. Then take one book each for reasoning and arithmetic. Since Paper I is qualifying, your target is a safe pass, not a topper’s score: finish the basics of every topic rather than mastering one.
Best Books for Paper II: General Awareness = CSIR CFTRI 2026
General Awareness has 25 questions (75 marks) and negative marking applies. Cover static GK, general science and current affairs.
| Book / Resource | Author / Publisher | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent Publication | Static GK: history, geography, polity, economy, basic science |
| NCERT Science, Class 6–10 | NCERT (free) | Physics, chemistry and biology basics: most “general science” questions come from here |
| NCERT Social Science, Class 6–10 | NCERT (free) | Geography, civics, history fundamentals |
| Manorama Yearbook (latest edition) | Malayala Manorama | Annual facts, awards, who’s who |
| Monthly current affairs | Entri App / reputed daily | Last 6–8 months of events before the exam |
CSIR-specific awareness (a smart bonus): The question setters are CSIR scientists and staff, so expect some questions on science and technology institutions. Read about CSIR (its role under the Ministry of Science & Technology), CFTRI’s focus on food science and technology, and recent Indian science achievements. A one-page revision note is enough.
Best Books for Paper II: English Language – CSIR CFTRI 2026
The English section has 25 questions and is typically grammar and vocabulary at SSC / 10th-12th level.
| Book | Author / Publisher | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin (S. Chand) | Grammar fundamentals: tenses, articles, prepositions, error spotting |
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) | Objective English practice with solved MCQs |
| Objective General English | R.S. Aggarwal & Vikas Aggarwal (S. Chand) | Practice sets, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Building vocabulary long-term (use only if you have time) |
One grammar book plus one objective practice book is enough. Focus on error spotting, fill-in-the-blanks, one-word substitution, idioms and basic comprehension.
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Join NowBest Books for Paper III: Trade-Wise List (TE01–TE13) – CSIR CFTRI 2026
This is the paper that decides your rank. The notification lists 13 trades, each with its own post code and vacancy count. Find your trade below.
Base resource for every trade: NIMI (National Instructional Media Institute) Trade Theory books for your ITI trade (1st and 2nd year). These are the official ITI textbooks, and you can read them free on Bharat Skills (bharatskills.gov.in).
| Post Code | Trade | Vacancies | Recommended Books (besides NIMI Trade Theory) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE01 | Fitter | 6 | Workshop Technology (Vol I & II), Hajra Choudhury (Media Promoters): measuring tools, fits and tolerances, fitting operations |
| TE02 | Electronics Mechanic | 7 | Principles of Electronics, V.K. Mehta (S. Chand): diodes, transistors, amplifiers, digital basics |
| TE03 | Instrument Mechanic | 1 | Electronic Instrumentation, H.S. Kalsi (McGraw Hill): sensors, transducers, measurement |
| TE04 | Laboratory Assistant (Chemical Plant) | 2 | NCERT Chemistry Class 9–12 (free): lab apparatus, reagents, safety, basic chemical operations |
| TE05 | COPA (Computer Operator & Programming Assistant) | 2 | Computer Fundamentals, Pradeep K. Sinha (BPB): hardware, OS, MS Office, networking, programming basics |
| TE06 | ICT System Maintenance | 1 | NIMI ICTSM books + Computer Fundamentals, P.K. Sinha: PC assembly, troubleshooting, networking |
| TE07 | Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician | 2 | A Course in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, S.C. Arora & Domkundwar (Dhanpat Rai): refrigeration cycle, refrigerants, compressors |
| TE08 | Electrician | 2 | A Textbook of Electrical Technology Vol I, B.L. Theraja (S. Chand): circuits, machines, wiring, safety |
| TE09 | Carpenter | 1 | NIMI Carpenter Trade Theory: tools, joints, timber, workshop safety |
| TE10 | Plumber | 1 | NIMI Plumber Trade Theory: pipes, fittings, sanitary systems, tools |
| TE11 | Sheet Metal Worker | 1 | NIMI Sheet Metal Worker Trade Theory + Workshop Technology, Hajra Choudhury: layout, cutting, joining |
| TE12 | Turner | 1 | Workshop Technology (Vol II), Hajra Choudhury: lathe operations, tools, tolerances |
| TE13 | Welder | 1 | A Textbook of Welding Technology, O.P. Khanna (Dhanpat Rai): arc/gas welding, electrodes, defects, safety |
Vacancy counts are as given in the notification and are provisional. Check the official PDF for category-wise breakup (UR, EWS, SC, ST, OBC, ESM, PwBD).
Best Books for CFTRI Technician 2026: Free Study Resources and NIMI PDFs
- Bharat Skills (DGT): free NIMI ITI e-books for most trades.
- NCERT e-textbooks: free PDFs for Class 6–12 Science, Maths and Social Science.
- Official CFTRI site: syllabus updates, cut-off marks and admit card notices will be posted only on https://www.cftri.res.in.
- Entri App: current affairs capsules and mock tests for technician and ITI-level government exams.
Avoid unofficial “leaked paper” PDFs: the notification warns of action against unfair means.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the trade paper. It is 150 of the 300 merit marks.
- Buying too many books. One book per subject is enough at this level.
- Skipping NIMI because it looks basic. The questions often come straight from ITI fundamentals.
- Reading old GK editions. Always use the latest edition.
- Forgetting the paperwork. An unsigned or late hard copy, or a missing document, leads to summary rejection, however well you score. Use the Apply Online guide.
- Skipping mock tests. The negative marking in Papers II and III needs practice.
