If you’re a student preparing for coding interviews or placements, choosing the right Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) book can make a huge difference. A well-structured book simplifies complex concepts, strengthens problem-solving skills, and prepares you for real-world coding challenges.

To save you time and confusion, we’ve shortlisted five affordable DSA books under ₹1000 that are beginner-friendly and widely recommended by software engineers.

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1. Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy – Narasimha Karumanchi

Why this book?

This book is perfect for freshers who want to build a strong foundation in DSA. It explains concepts in a simple way and includes hundreds of coding problems commonly asked in interviews.

Key Highlights:

• Beginner-friendly explanations
• Covers stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and dynamic programming
• Coding problems with solutions

🔗 Buy from Amazon

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2. Grokking Algorithms – Aditya Bhargava

Why this book?

If you’re a visual learner, this book is a game-changer. It breaks down complex algorithms using diagrams, real-world examples, and step-by-step explanations.

Key Highlights:

• Best for absolute beginners
• Covers sorting, searching, recursion, graphs, and dynamic programming
• Simple, engaging writing style with illustrations

🔗 Check price on Amazon

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3. Cracking the Coding Interview – Gayle Laakmann McDowell

Why this book?

If you’re aiming for FAANG-level interviews, this book is a must-read. It includes 189 programming questions, covering DSA, system design, and problem-solving strategies.

Key Highlights:

• Interview-specific preparation
• Coding problems with step-by-step solutions
• Covers behavior and HR interview questions

🔗 Check price on Amazon

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4. Introduction to Algorithms (Eastern Economy Edition) – Thomas H. Cormen

Why this book?

Known as the “CLRS” book, this comprehensive text offers in-depth coverage of algorithms, suitable for both beginners and advanced learners.

Key Highlights:

• Detailed explanations with mathematical rigor
• Covers a broad range of algorithms and data structures
• Exercises at the end of each chapter to test understanding

🔗 Check price on Amazon

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5. Data Structures and Algorithms in Python

Why this book?

Data Structures & Algorithms in Python (Indian Adaptation) is a well-structured book that provides a deep understanding of DSA concepts with clear explanations and practical Python implementations. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate learners looking to strengthen their problem-solving skills.

Key Highlights:

• Covers fundamental to advanced DSA concepts
• Python-based examples for better clarity
• Suitable for competitive programming and interviews

🔗 Check price on Amazon

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Which DSA Book Should You Choose?

• For absolute beginners → Grokking Algorithms
• For strong theoretical concepts → Algorithms by Sedgewick
• For placement preparation → Cracking the Coding Interview
• For coding practice → Elements of Programming Interviews
• For a structured learning approach → DSA Made Easy

These books are budget-friendly, available in India, and highly recommended by software engineers and coding experts.

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