Top 5 Must-Read Books to Boost Your CA Foundation Exam Preparation

The very first stepping stone in your Chartered Accountancy journey is the CA Foundation exam. Regulated and conducted by the ICAI CA Foundation authority, it evaluates a student’s fundamental knowledge of accounting, laws, mathematics, reasoning, and economics. For aspirants, choosing the right books is as critical as studying itself. With ICAI providing official study modules, students often wonder if additional reference books are needed. The truth is, a carefully chosen set of reference books can make learning simpler, faster, and more exam-oriented.

In this article, we’ll highlight the top 5 must-read books for CA Foundation exam preparation in 2025, while also explaining how integrating these books into your CA Foundation course will give you an extra edge.

Why the Right Books Matter

Every year, thousands of students appear for the CA Foundation, but only those with the right mix of material and practice achieve success in their first attempt. A good CA Foundation book offers:

• Detailed explanations of tricky concepts.
• Numerous solved illustrations and practice questions.
• Short notes, charts, or mnemonics to aid revision.
• Guidance aligned with ICAI’s exam style.

Thus, the right combination of books ensures conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy—essential for scoring high.

Top 5 Must-Read Books for CA Foundation

1. T.S. Grewal’s Principles and Practice of Accounting

This is a classic among commerce students. Known for its simplicity and problem-oriented approach, it helps aspirants strengthen their Accounting basics. Considered a must-have alongside ICAI’s official module, it ensures you don’t struggle with foundational topics.

2. Munish Bhandari’s Business Laws for CA Foundation

One of the most popular choices for Paper 2, this book presents laws in a crisp and concise manner. With flowcharts and bullet-point summaries, it makes retaining legal concepts easy. It’s recommended by many top faculty and CA rankers.

3. Dr. Tulsian’s Business Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and statistics can be intimidating, but Dr. Tulsian’s book makes it easier with stepwise solutions, formula sheets, and multiple practice problems. For logical reasoning sections, he provides shortcuts and memory-saving tricks.

4. S.K. Agarwal’s Business Economics

Business Economics often determines overall success since many underestimate its scoring potential. S.K. Agarwal’s book simplifies concepts with real-life examples and provides exhaustive MCQ practice aligned with ICAI papers.

5. Padhuka’s CA Foundation All-in-One Reference

For students who want one integrated guide, Padhuka’s reference books cover exam-targeted practice papers, MCQs, summaries, and solved examples for all subjects. It’s compiled in alignment with ICAI’s exam style and is excellent for revision.

How to Use These Books with ICAI Material

While ICAI study modules are mandatory since examiners create papers based on them, the above books act as companions, offering clarity where ICAI modules feel dense. A good strategy includes:

• Reading ICAI modules as the “base material.”
• Using 1 reference book per subject for simplified understanding.
• Solving ICAI Revision Test Papers (RTPs) along with problems in reference books.

This blended method ensures you minimize confusion, maximize speed, and align with exam expectations.

Coaching Guidance on Book Selection

Institutes like Unique Academy for Commerce recommend these books because their faculty know which references are most effective for each subject. Their structured CA Foundation course integrates ICAI notes, reference book inputs, and practice problems, saving time otherwise wasted on experimenting.

Why Pune is Popular for CA Foundation Preparation

Academic hubs such as Ca Foundation Classes in Pune are widely recognized for producing top CA rank scorers. A big reason is how these classes guide students toward the best books, structured study methods, and revision plans. Pune’s faculty-led book recommendations ensure students focus on exactly what matters, helping them get rank-ready.

Role of Online Learning and Digital Books

With the rise of technology, CA Foundation Online Classes also provide digital versions of ICAI modules and recommended references. Online learners benefit from e-books, recorded concept explanations, and mock test access—perfect for students who can’t buy all physical books or need easy portability.

Mistakes Students Make with Books

1. Referring to too many guides for the same subject.
2. Purchasing outdated editions without ICAI updates.
3. Avoiding ICAI modules entirely in favor of references.
4. Not utilizing practice sets included in books.

By sticking to ICAI modules plus the top 5 books mentioned, aspirants eliminate unnecessary confusion.

Final Thoughts

To clear CA Foundation in the first attempt, you don’t need dozens of resources. You need focused guidance, high-quality references, and consistent practice. The top 5 books listed above, combined with ICAI’s official study materials, form the perfect toolkit for success.

For structured learning and book guidance, Unique Academy’s CA Foundation coaching is ideal. Their expert-led CA Foundation classes blend ICAI modules with these must-read books, making preparation streamlined, targeted, and exam-ready.