Best Reference Books for CBSE Board Exams
Preparing for CBSE board exams requires not only dedication and hard work but also the right set of study materials. While NCERT books form the foundation, reference books help students gain in-depth knowledge, solve a variety of questions, and practice effectively. In this article, we will explore the best reference books for CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams across various subjects.
Importance of Reference Books
- Detailed Explanations: Reference books provide comprehensive explanations of concepts, helping students grasp difficult topics easily.
- Variety of Questions: They include additional solved and unsolved questions, sample papers, and previous years’ question papers.
- Exam-Oriented Preparation: These books help in understanding the question patterns and marking schemes followed by CBSE.
- Concept Clarity: Helps in clearing doubts and strengthening conceptual knowledge beyond NCERT books.
Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10
1. Mathematics
- R.D. Sharma – Mathematics for Class 10
- Best for conceptual clarity and step-by-step problem-solving.
- Includes detailed solutions and a variety of problems.
- R.S. Aggarwal – Mathematics for Class 10
- Covers all CBSE topics and offers ample practice questions.
- Good for board exam preparation and competitive exams.
2. Science
- Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur – Science for Class 10
- Simple and student-friendly language.
- Includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and long-answer questions.
- Dinesh Science Book for Class 10
- Offers a deep understanding of concepts.
- Best for competitive exam aspirants.
3. English
- BBC Compacta – English for Class 10
- Covers grammar, comprehension, and writing skills.
- Includes practice papers and sample essays.
- Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar & Composition
- Essential for grammar and vocabulary enhancement.
- Great for improving writing skills.
4. Social Science
- Together with Social Science for Class 10
- Follows CBSE syllabus and provides easy explanations.
- Includes practice papers, previous years’ questions, and NCERT-based exercises.
- Xam Idea – Social Science for Class 10
- Provides chapter-wise summaries and important questions.
- Includes CBSE sample papers and model test papers.
5. Hindi
- All in One – Hindi for Class 10 (Arihant Publications)
- Offers chapter-wise summaries and important questions.
- Includes grammar and writing section practice.
- Golden Guide – Hindi Class 10
- Covers important questions and explanations from NCERT books.
- Useful for exam revision.
Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 12
1. Mathematics
- R.D. Sharma – Mathematics for Class 12
- Covers all CBSE topics with stepwise solutions.
- Good for board exam and JEE preparation.
- NCERT Exemplar – Mathematics
- Provides higher-order thinking questions.
- Includes tricky and conceptual problems for advanced learning.
2. Physics
- H.C. Verma – Concepts of Physics (Vol. 1 & 2)
- Best for conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving.
- Useful for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
- Pradeep’s Fundamental Physics for Class 12
- Comprehensive theory with solved and unsolved questions.
- Follows CBSE exam pattern.
3. Chemistry
- O.P. Tandon – Physical, Organic & Inorganic Chemistry
- Detailed theory and numerous practice questions.
- Good for CBSE as well as entrance exam preparation.
- Pradeep’s New Course Chemistry for Class 12
- Covers the CBSE syllabus in an easy-to-understand format.
- Includes solved and unsolved numerical problems.
4. Biology
- Trueman’s Elementary Biology for Class 12
- Best for understanding complex biological concepts.
- Contains well-labeled diagrams and extra notes.
- Dinesh Objective Biology
- Ideal for both board and NEET preparation.
- Includes MCQs and case-study-based questions.
5. English
- BBC Compacta – English for Class 12
- Covers writing, grammar, and literature sections.
- Provides sample papers and CBSE-based question patterns.
- Xam Idea – English for Class 12
- Includes chapter summaries and practice exercises.
- Follows the latest CBSE marking scheme.
6. Economics
- Sandeep Garg – Economics for Class 12
- Provides easy explanations of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
- Includes CBSE previous years’ questions and model test papers.
- TR Jain & VK Ohri – Economics for Class 12
- Best for understanding economic theories and practical applications.
- Contains case study-based questions.
7. Accountancy
- T.S. Grewal – Accountancy for Class 12
- The most recommended book for CBSE board exams.
- Contains numerical problems with stepwise solutions.
- D.K. Goel – Accountancy for Class 12
- Best for students who need easy explanations.
- Includes ample practice questions.
8. Business Studies
- Poonam Gandhi – Business Studies for Class 12
- Includes case studies, MCQs, and past board questions.
- Follows the CBSE syllabus.
- Subhash Dey – Business Studies for Class 12
- Concept-based learning approach.
- Useful for last-minute revision.
How to Choose the Right Reference Book?
- Check the CBSE Syllabus: Ensure the book aligns with the latest CBSE syllabus and exam pattern.
- Look for Solved & Unsolved Questions: Books with detailed solutions and additional exercises are beneficial.
- Prefer Books with Sample Papers: Mock tests and sample question papers help in exam preparation.
- Consult Teachers & Seniors: Take recommendations from subject experts before purchasing reference books.
- Use NCERT as the Base: Always complete NCERT books before referring to additional resources.
Conclusion
Selecting the right reference books plays a crucial role in effective CBSE board exam preparation. While NCERT books form the foundation, the recommended reference books help students master difficult concepts, practice a variety of questions, and score high in exams. Choose books wisely based on your subject needs and start your preparation early to achieve success in CBSE board exams.