Careers360 Logo
Best Reference Books For Class 12 CBSE Chemistry 2026

Best Reference Books For Class 12 CBSE Chemistry 2026

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 03, 2025 03:19 PM IST | #CBSE Class 12th
Upcoming Event
CBSE Class 12th  Exam Date : 15 Jul' 2025 - 15 Jul' 2025

Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026: Class 12th is one of the most important classes of a student’s life, as the marks of class 12th play an important role in getting admission to any college/university, which ultimately shapes a career. Chemistry is one of the major subjects of the CBSE 12th exams, so it is vital to choose the best reference books for class 12 CBSE Chemistry exam for the next academic session 2026. The chemistry subject also holds great significance in regional boards as well as in various engineering and medical entrance exams like JEE Main, NEET and others. Below we have provided the list of the Best reference books for CBSE Class 12 chemistry 2026 free, which will be helpful for students.

This Story also Contains
  1. Why Use Reference Books?
  2. Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026 Free
  3. How to Choose the Best Reference Book for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026?
  4. Benefits of Using Chemistry Reference Books for CBSE Class 12 2026
  5. CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus
  6. How to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry?
  7. Tips to Score High in Chemistry
Best Reference Books For Class 12 CBSE Chemistry 2026
Best Reference Books For Class 12 CBSE Chemistry 2026

Why Use Reference Books?

Students should first complete the NCERT Class 12 textbook for Chemistry before going for any reference book for Class 12 Chemistry, which will clear the concepts for the student. It also allows students to practice with various kinds of questions asked in the exams. These reference books are also helpful for covering the concepts of the JEE Main syllabus and NEET syllabus.

Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026 Free

NCERT 12 Chemistry books are the ones that are first recommended for CBSE class 12 exam preparation. The board recommends two books for the preparation for chemistry exams; both of them are helpful to clear the basic concepts. Students will find plenty of examples and questions to understand the concepts. Below is the list of books prescribed by CBSE for class 12 chemistry.

Aakash Repeater Courses

Take Aakash iACST and get instant scholarship on coaching programs.

Book name
Author/Publication
Chemistry Part -I, Class-XII
NCERT
Chemistry Part -II, Class-XII
NCERT
50+ Entrance Exams for 10+2 Students Must Not Miss
Download this ebook to learn about 50+ entrance exams for 12th students to get admission to the best colleges for undergraduates.
Download EBook

Best Chemistry Reference Books for Class 12

After completing the NCERT basic books, students can go for the CBSE best reference book for class 12 chemistry. This will help to prepare better for the Class 12 chemistry exam and allow you to practice more questions, which will give the more confidence. By practising more questions, students can become comfortable with most types of questions. Below is the list of some of the best reference books for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026 preparations; check out the list.

CategoryBook NameAuthor/PublisherKey Features
Must-Have (NCERT)Chemistry Part I & Part II (Class 12)NCERTEssential for CBSE/ISC, simple explanations, exam-oriented
Theory & ConceptsModern’s ABC of ChemistryS.P. JauharDetailed explanations, good for boards & competitive exams
Pradeep’s New Course ChemistryPradeep PublicationsWell-structured, great for CBSE & ISC
Inorganic ChemConcise Inorganic ChemistryJ.D. LeeAdvanced reference (JEE/NEET level)
Physical ChemProblems in Physical ChemistryNarendra AwasthiBest for numerical practice
Organic ChemGRB Organic ChemistryO.P. TandonExcellent for reactions & mechanisms
Practice (Board)Together with ChemistryRachna SagarSample papers, extra questions
Xam Idea ChemistryEditorial BoardPrevious year questions, CBSE-focused
Competitive (JEE/NEET)Physical ChemistryP. BahadurGood for JEE numericals
Organic ChemistryMorrison & BoydAdvanced reference for organic chemistry
Solved PapersCBSE Chapter-wise Solved PapersArihantPast year questions with solutions

Best Reference Books for CBSE 12 Chemistry (Recommended by Toppers)

While interacting with previous years' toppers, we found a few highly preferred CBSE chemistry class 12 best reference books. Check them out.

  • CBSE Chapterwise Solutions—Chemistry: A Collection of Fully Solved Questions Asked in Examination by Purnima Sharma

  • Concise Inorganic Chemistry, 5th Edition (Paperback) by J. D. Lee

  • Modern’s ABC of Chemistry (Part 1 & 2) (With CD) by S. P. Jauhar

  • Pradeep’s New Course Chemistry Class-XII (Set Of 2 Volumes) by Pradeep Publications

How to Choose the Best Reference Book for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026?

There are some key points that students need to keep in mind while buying the CBSE best reference book for class 12 chemistry. Below, we have listed some of the common and important things that need to be considered while choosing the CBSE chemistry class 12 best reference books.

  • The language of the book should be simple and easy to understand. This is a key point, as it plays a crucial role in understanding the concepts quickly and should be kept in mind while choosing the CBSE reference book for class 12 chemistry.

  • The best reference book for class 12 chemistry should cover and explain all concepts and topics in detail. This will help to understand topics from basic to advanced.

  • The book should contain an explanation of formulas and numericals to remember and solve easily.

  • An illustration is also an important thing to look at; the best reference books for class 12 CBSE chemistry should have graphs, diagrams, tables, and others.

  • Look for the syllabus; the book should have all topics, concepts, and chapters as per the CBSE class 12 syllabus of chemistry.

Benefits of Using Chemistry Reference Books for CBSE Class 12 2026

One of the main benefits of using reference books for CBSE class 12 chemistry is to learn and practice concepts and questions clearly. This will help in scoring high marks in the examination. Below are some benefits of considering the best reference books for class 12 chemistry.

  • NCERT books offer limited knowledge related to topics, and with this, you cannot solve the entire question paper comfortably. In these CBSE reference books for class 12 chemistry, students can get detailed information in simple language.

  • Students will get a gamut of questions to solve on a particular topic. This will prepare students to tackle various difficulty levels.

  • Students can also take the help of such books to prepare for different entrance exams such as JEE Main, NEET-UG.

  • Students can check different practical applications of formulas and explanations.

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus

After the exam pattern, it’s time to check the CBSE 12 Chemistry syllabus thoroughly, as it helps the aspirants to select the best book for chemistry reference for class 12 CBSE Chemistry. The highlights of the syllabus are given in the table below:

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus

S.No.

Units

Marks

1.

Solutions

7

2.

Electrochemistry

9

3.

Chemical Kinetics

7

4.

d- and f-Block Elements

7

5.

Coordination Compounds

7

6.

Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

6

7.

Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

6

8.

Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids

8

9.

Amines

6

10.

Biomolecules

7

Total

70


The Exam Paper pattern of Chemistry for Board 2025-26 is shown below:

Section
Q. no.
Marks (each question)
Marks (each section)
Choice availability
A
1-16
1
16
No
B
17-21
2
10
Internal choice
C
22-28
3
21
Internal choice
D
29-30
4
8
Internal choice
E
31-33
5
15
Internal choice
Total


70

Also, check:

How to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry?

  • Prepare all topics and concepts from NCERT books and take help from the CBSE Class 12 chemistry best reference book. After that, start practicing questions from the best reference books for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry.
  • Study the exam syllabus and pattern thoroughly to be aware of important topics, types of questions, and weightage. Also, check the CBSE 12th date sheet and calculate the remaining days. Now, make a study schedule and a preparation plan.

  • Solve CBSE 12th question papers to practice with the types of questions asked in the exam. This will help them to deal with real examination questions.

  • Make a proper study timetable and try to stick to it. Remember to include short breaks as well to avoid boredom.

  • Revise all important topics, concepts, and points regularly.

Tips to Score High in Chemistry

Here are some more tips to score better in chemistry. Make sure to follow them.

  • Focus more on high-weightage chapters.
  • As direct questions from NCERT are asked, make sure to follow NCERT and practice as many questions from NCERT as possible.
  • Don't just memorise the concept, but focus on the concept's clarity.
  • Organic chemistry is mainly focused on reactions. Make sure to focus on reactions as much as possible. Direct questions are asked about name reactions.
  • Inorganic chemistry consists of some periodic trends. So you need to memorise them.
  • In physical chemistry, keep revising the formulas and keep practising numericals.

Also Check,

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Class 12 chemistry tough?

The syllabus is a bit long, and students may find some difficulties, but regular study can help a lot. Along with that, follow some best reference books for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026 to prepare effectively for the exam.

2. Which book is best for chemistry class 12?

Students should first refer to the NCERT textbook of 12th class for Chemistry. After that, other reference books can be used for concept clarity which have been mentioned above in the article. 

3. Which is the toughest chapter in Class 12 Chemistry?

All the chapters are designed by board as per student's learning capability. But some students found Organic Chemistry difficult. So pay some extra attention to this to ace the exam.

4. How weightage is divided between Internal and External assessment in Chemistry board exam?

The external exam contributes in 70 marks while remaining 30 contributes in Internal assesment.

5. Is NCERT sufficient for class 12 chemistry?

Yes, NCERT is sufficient for Board exam and competitive exams like JEE Main, NEET and other state engineering ebtrance exams, but also use reference books for more confidence and clarity of the concepts.

6. Which is better, Pradeep or Modern ABC for chemistry?

Both books are good for the board exam and competitive exams, but if you are targeting only the board, then focus on Modern ABC, and if you are targeting the board as well as JEE Main or NEET, then follow Pradeep.

Articles

Upcoming School Exams

Exam Date:01 July,2025 - 17 July,2025

Late Fee Application Date:01 July,2025 - 15 July,2025

Late Fee Application Date:01 July,2025 - 15 July,2025

View All School Exams

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to CBSE Class 12th

Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?

Changing from the CBSE board to the Odisha CHSE in Class 12 is generally difficult and often not ideal due to differences in syllabi and examination structures. Most boards, including Odisha CHSE , do not recommend switching in the final year of schooling. It is crucial to consult both CBSE and Odisha CHSE authorities for specific policies, but making such a change earlier is advisable to prevent academic complications.

Hello there! Thanks for reaching out to us at Careers360.

Ah, you're looking for CBSE quarterly question papers for mathematics, right? Those can be super helpful for exam prep.

Unfortunately, CBSE doesn't officially release quarterly papers - they mainly put out sample papers and previous years' board exam papers. But don't worry, there are still some good options to help you practice!

Have you checked out the CBSE sample papers on their official website? Those are usually pretty close to the actual exam format. You could also look into previous years' board exam papers - they're great for getting a feel for the types of questions that might come up.

If you're after more practice material, some textbook publishers release their own mock papers which can be useful too.

Let me know if you need any other tips for your math prep. Good luck with your studies!

It's understandable to feel disheartened after facing a compartment exam, especially when you've invested significant effort. However, it's important to remember that setbacks are a part of life, and they can be opportunities for growth.

Possible steps:

  1. Re-evaluate Your Study Strategies:

    • Identify Weak Areas: Pinpoint the specific topics or concepts that caused difficulties.
    • Seek Clarification: Reach out to teachers, tutors, or online resources for additional explanations.
    • Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering chemistry.
  2. Consider Professional Help:

    • Tutoring: A tutor can provide personalized guidance and support.
    • Counseling: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your path, counseling can help.
  3. Explore Alternative Options:

    • Retake the Exam: If you're confident in your ability to improve, consider retaking the chemistry compartment exam.
    • Change Course: If you're not interested in pursuing chemistry further, explore other academic options that align with your interests.
  4. Focus on NEET 2025 Preparation:

    • Stay Dedicated: Continue your NEET preparation with renewed determination.
    • Utilize Resources: Make use of study materials, online courses, and mock tests.
  5. Seek Support:

    • Talk to Friends and Family: Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and encouragement.
    • Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can create a supportive learning environment.

Remember: This is a temporary setback. With the right approach and perseverance, you can overcome this challenge and achieve your goals.

I hope this information helps you.







Hi,

Qualifications:
Age: As of the last registration date, you must be between the ages of 16 and 40.
Qualification: You must have graduated from an accredited board or at least passed the tenth grade. Higher qualifications are also accepted, such as a diploma, postgraduate degree, graduation, or 11th or 12th grade.
How to Apply:
Get the Medhavi app by visiting the Google Play Store.
Register: In the app, create an account.
Examine Notification: Examine the comprehensive notification on the scholarship examination.
Sign up to Take the Test: Finish the app's registration process.
Examine: The Medhavi app allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home.
Get Results: In just two days, the results are made public.
Verification of Documents: Provide the required paperwork and bank account information for validation.
Get Scholarship: Following a successful verification process, the scholarship will be given. You need to have at least passed the 10th grade/matriculation scholarship amount will be transferred directly to your bank account.

Scholarship Details:

Type A: For candidates scoring 60% or above in the exam.

Type B: For candidates scoring between 50% and 60%.

Type C: For candidates scoring between 40% and 50%.

Cash Scholarship:

Scholarships can range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 18,000 per month, depending on the marks obtained and the type of scholarship exam (SAKSHAM, SWABHIMAN, SAMADHAN, etc.).

Since you already have a 12th grade qualification with 84%, you meet the qualification criteria and are eligible to apply for the Medhavi Scholarship exam. Make sure to prepare well for the exam to maximize your chances of receiving a higher scholarship.

Hope you find this useful!

hello mahima,

If you have uploaded screenshot of your 12th board result taken from CBSE official website,there won,t be a problem with that.If the screenshot that you have uploaded is clear and legible. It should display your name, roll number, marks obtained, and any other relevant details in a readable forma.ALSO, the screenshot clearly show it is from the official CBSE results portal.

hope this helps.

View All

what is the difference between nucleophilicity and basicity?

5) During a trekking activity of 6km a student Ram will go to Sangam and return back up to 12 noon. He estimates that he can go to the Sangam at 1.5km/h on average, and return at half of that speed. These speeds take into account breaks and rest times. Using Ram's estimated speeds, what is the latest time he can begin his walk so that he can return by 12 noon?

(a) State the reasons for which Hershey and Chase carried out their experiments.
(b) Answer the following questions based on the experiments of Hershey and Chase :
(i) Name the different radioactive isotopes they used, and explain how they used them.
(ii) Why did they need to agitate and spin their culture ?
(iii) Write their observations and the conclusions they arrived at.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

While studying the dependence of potential difference (V) across a resistor on the current (I) passing through it, in order to determine the resistance of the resistor, a student took 5 readings for different values of current and plotted a graph between V and I . He got a straight line graph passing through the origin. What does the straight line signify ? Write the method of determining resistance of the resistor using this graph.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

A student holding a mirror in his hand, directed the reflecting surface of the mirror towards the Sun. He then directed the reflected light on to a sheet of paper held close to the mirror.

(a) What should he do to burn the paper ?

(b) Which type of mirror does he have ?

(c) Will he be able to determine the approximate value of focal length of this mirror from this activity ? Give reason and draw ray diagram to justify your answer in this case. 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

formula of 3rd law of thermodynamics

 

A student while observing an embryo of a pen seed in the laboratory listed various parts of the embryo as given below : 

Testa, tegmen, radicle, Plumule, micropyle, cotyledon

 

On examining the list the teacher remarked that only three parts are correct. Select three correct parts from the above list

a) tests, Radicle, cotyledons    b) Tegmen, Radicle, Microphyle

c) cotyledons, plumule, Testa    d) Radicel, cotyledons, plumule

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Two identical billiard balls strike a rigid wall with the same speed but at different angles, and get reflected without any change in speed, as shown in Fig. 5.6. What is (i) the direction of the force on the wall due to each ball? (ii) the ratio of the magnitudes of impulses imparted to the balls by the wall ?

A police jeep on a petrol duty on national highway was moving with a speed of 54km/hr. in the same direction. It finds a thief rushing up in a car at a rate of 126km/hr in the same direction. Police sub – inspector fired at the car of the thief with his service revolver with a muzzle speed of 100m/s. with what speed will the bullet hit the car of thief? CLASS - XI PHYSICS (Kinematics)

How many of the following points satisfy the inequality 2x-3y≤ -5?

A.  (0, -1)

B. (0, 1)

C. (-4, 0)

D. (4, 0)

Back to top