Choosing the best reference books for CBSE Class 10 plays a major role in an individual's exam preparation. While NCERT textbooks are the lifeline of any standard board exam, if you really want to have a better understanding, practice questions, and include solved examples to add to your conceptual clarity assessments, well, refer to these reference books. The CBSE 10th board exam 2026 will be conducted in two phases - first in mid-February and again in May. Students would benefit best from a well-planned resource for cramming their studies over both attempts. In the following article, reference books for some of the popular subjects of Class 10, like Maths, Science, Social Science, and English, have been compiled according to the interest of students in their latest versions of the CBSE Class 10 syllabus. Aiming for 90 or above or just seeking to build strong fundamentals, these books are highly recommended by teachers and toppers alike. Now, let's discover what these must-have guides are for smart preparation!
In order to help students prepare well for the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026, a subject-wise list of the best reference books for Class 10 has been given in the table below. These reference books have been based on expert opinions, toppers' recommendations, and their suitability for the newly updated CBSE curriculum.
Mathematics is an easy subject in the CBSE Class 10 board exams. With proper reference books, students can understand concepts, formulas, and application-based problems better. Recommended below is a list of the Best Reference Books For CBSE Class 10 Mathematics comprehensive preparation:
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| RD Sharma | Dhanpat Rai Publications |
| RS Aggarwal | Bharti Bhawan |
| Xam Idea Mathematics | VK Global Publications |
| Together With Mathematics | Rachna Sagar |
The Syllabus of Class 10 Science contains Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, all demanding conceptual understanding and abundant practice. The right reference books are very helpful in breaking down the theories and providing ready exam questions for better performance. Below, the table of Best Reference Books For CBSE Class 10 Science are given.
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur | S. Chand Publications |
| Together With Science | Rachna Sagar |
| Xam Idea Science | VK Global Publications |
| All-in-One Science | Arihant Publications |
A social science subject includes history, geography, political science, and economics. A good reference book tends to simplify key events and concepts, as well as maps, and gives sufficient practice for writing high-scoring answers.
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| Together With Social Science | Rachna Sagar |
| All-in-One Social Science | Arihant Publications |
| Arihant Social Science Series | Arihant Experts |
| Xam Idea Social Science | VK Global Publications |
CBSE 10th English is an examination in reading, writing, grammar, and literature. The Best Reference Books For CBSE Class 10 English have a proficient study on chapter summaries as well as grammar practice and sample papers to excel in the three sections.
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| BBC Compacta English | BBC Publications |
| Together With English | Rachna Sagar |
| Xam Idea English | VK Global Publications |
| All in One English | Arihant Publications |
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| Sumita Arora Computer Applications | Dhanpat Rai Publications |
| Together With Computer Applications | Rachna Sagar |
| All-in-One Computer Applications | Arihant Publications |
| Saraswati Computer Applications | Saraswati Publications |
In conjunction with NCERT textbooks, reference books greatly help in preparing for the Class 10 board exams. NCERTs lay down the concept, while the reference books offer more practice, explanation, and types of questions, including multiple choice to case-based, to assertion-reasoning. The reference books clarify concepts by presenting the same topic from various angles, thus helping the students learn about the more difficult topics. Most of the reference books correspond to the latest CBSE syllabus and exam pattern, often containing previous years' questions, sample papers, and HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions.
They provide timed practice to help students gain speed and accuracy. Quick revision tools like summaries, formula charts, and concept maps make these reference books most appropriate for last-minute preparation. Overall, they complement NCERTs and help in a substantial way to score better in board exams.
Also, check:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, NCERT has the best books to score better in the Class 10 board exams.
RD Sharma is one of the best books for Class 10 maths preparation. Students should complete the NCERT book first and then start with any other reference books.
The CBSE board follows the NCERT books for their curriculum and board exams, these are also helpful in competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.
On Question asked by student community
Class 10 CBSE 2026
Chennai Sahodaya
common examination papers are currently available. Students can directly download theseCBSE 10th Sahodayaquestion papers from the given link below. They can practice these question papers using timmer.
Direct Link: Class 10 CBSE Sahodaya Question Paper
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key on the website of Careers360. Careers360 also provide student with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time in preparation.
https://school.careers360.com/articles/cbse-sahodaya-class-10-pre-board-question-paper-2025-26
Thank you.
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key for the subjects on the careers360 website that will help you analyse in-depth performance.
https://school.careers360.com/articles/chennai-sahodaya-question-paper-2025-26
Thank you
Hello
You will be able to download the CBSE Class 10th Sample Paper 2025-26 from our official website, careers360, by using the link which is given below.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-10th-maths-sample-papers-2025-26
Thank you.
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key that will help you analyse your in-depth performance. Careers360 provides students with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time correctly in preparation
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-pre-board-sample-paper-2025-26
Thank you
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