Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Mathematics 2026

Scoring good marks in CBSE Class 10 Mathematics are very crucial in increasing your overall percentage and in laying the foundation for future competitive exams such as JEE, NDA, etc. CBSE has recommended the NCERT textbook as the primary source, but reference books will aid in gaining a better understanding of concepts, improving problem-solving ability, and practising a multitude of questions. With the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026 being conducted in two phases, it is now an open secret that students will have to depend on the best study materials to be successful. This article presents the best reference books for Class 10 Maths in combination with the NCERT syllabus, which are very useful for preparation and in building confidence to deal with all types of questions.

This Story also Contains

1. Which Reference Book is Best for Maths Class 10th
2. How to Use a Reference Book for Class 10 Maths
3. Are NCERT Books Sufficient for CBSE Exams Class 10?
4. How to Prepare for CBSE Board Class 10 Maths Paper?

Which Reference Book is Best for Maths Class 10th

The best reference book for CBSE Class 10 Mathematics depends on the preparation level and needs of the student (for example, clear concepts, practice, or revision). Here are the best reference books for Class 10 Maths according to expert recommendations and the choices of toppers:

How to Use a Reference Book for Class 10 Maths

Reference books are a key resource if they are put to good use. They are supposed to supplement your NCERT textbook, not replace it. The following is a practical approach that manipulates the way in which you can make the most of a Maths reference book:

Solution and Strategies Step by Step

• Start from the NCERT First
• Read all the chapters from the NCERT textbook.
• Complete all the examples and exercises.
• Ensure conceptual clarity.

Use the Reference Book for Extra Practice

• Once you finish a chapter in NCERT, reference the same chapter in your reference book (for e.g., RD Sharma or RS Aggarwal).
• Work on extra sets of questions: objective-type, short-type, long-type, and HOTS.
• Some focus should be given to variations and application-based problems.
• Mark Important Questions
• Highlight the tricky or frequently asked board-type questions.
• Revisit them before the exam.

Use Solved Examples as a Learning Path

• Reference books tend to have stepwise worked examples with discussions.
• Use them to clarify on difficult methods or short-cuts.

Attempt Chapter-Wise Tests or Mock Papers

• Books like Xam Idea or All-in-One come with practice papers and DBSE-style tests.
• Attempt to solve them under time constraints.

Clear Doubts

• If a reference book presents a method different from the one in NCERT, cross-check it with your teacher or with NCERT to get it clarified.
• Don't just remember it; rather, understand the logic behind it.

Are NCERT Books Sufficient for CBSE Exams Class 10?

Yes, NCERT is sufficient to score good marks in the CBSE Class 10 board examinations if it is utilised in the correct way. The books published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) are strictly designed under the CBSE curriculum. In fact, the maximum number of questions in the board exams would either be directly from NCERT or based on the same concepts; hence, it is the most reliable source for exam preparation.

Students should read each chapter of the NCERTs thoroughly, understand the theory behind every concept, and solve all the examples and exercise questions of the NCERT without skipping even one. Extra attention should be paid to in-text questions, blue-box information, definitions, diagrams, and summaries, as they come directly or in twisted forms in exams. Solving NCERT Exemplar problems is also advised for subjects like Science and Maths, as it gives confidence to think high level and solve application-based problems.

While NCERT is enough for board exams, students' preparations for competitive exams like NTSE, Olympiads, and JEE/NEET in higher classes may require the use of some reference books for additional practice and exposure to tough problems. In fact, NCERT itself, learned end-to-end, is more than sufficient for a student to land pursuing from 90 marks and above in CBSE.

How to Prepare for CBSE Board Class 10 Maths Paper?

Mathematics requires practice, and your attitude towards it can dramatically change depending on your practice. Coaching institutes analyse students who attend their centres and compile preparation tricks, which are helpful for students. Thus, there are a few preparation tips and strategies they suggest to all the students. Here are a few CBSE Class 10 Maths preparation tips:

Starting with NCERT - Your Main Resource

It should be your first priority to open the NCERT textbook. Lots of students have seen that the questions in the board exam come from totally similar sorts of questions present in the NCERT exercises and examples. Thus, better to take time to thoroughly solve each exercise question provided in the textbook before going to any reference books.

Strengthen your fundamental knowledge

Before moving ahead into complex or advanced problems, have your basic concepts cleared. A better foundation is needed to comprehend higher topics not only in 10th grade but also in grade 11 and 12, and will matter when preparing for competitive exams later on.

Construct Handy Flashcards for Theorems & Formulas

Class 10 Mathematics has many theorems, derivations, formulas, etc.-for instance, the Pythagorean theorem or trigonometric identities. Instead of flipping to your textbook again and again, create flashcards or summary notes. These will be handy quick-reference tools and reinforce your memory when it comes to easy revision.

Aim at solving the Problem with Accuracy

CBSE does not follow the "right answer wins the day" concept, unlike competitive examinations. In questions with 2 to 4 marks, it takes cognisance of your methodology. So, pen down some clear and logical steps, even if the final answer is not accurate. On that, practice how you present your rough work neatly by drawing margins-to keep your answer sheet tidy but also show a disciplined approach.

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