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Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam

Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 14, 2025 12:22 PM IST | #CBSE Class 10th
Ongoing Event
CBSE Class 10th  Exam Date : 10 Jul' 2025 - 15 Jul' 2025

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!

Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam
Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam

Best Reference Books for Class 10 Board Exams: Subject-wise

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.

Background wave

Best Reference Book for CBSE Class 10 Mathematics

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 AggarwalBharti Bhawan
Xam Idea Mathematics

VK Global Publications

Together With MathematicsRachna Sagar
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Best Reference Book for CBSE Class 10 Science

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 TitleAuthor/Publisher
Lakhmir Singh & Manjit KaurS. Chand Publications
Together With ScienceRachna Sagar
Xam Idea ScienceVK Global Publications
All-in-One Science

Arihant Publications

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Best Reference Book for CBSE Class 10 Social Science

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 TitleAuthor/Publisher
Together With Social ScienceRachna Sagar
All-in-One Social ScienceArihant Publications
Arihant Social Science SeriesArihant Experts
Xam Idea Social Science

VK Global Publications

Best Reference Book for CBSE Class 10 English

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 TitleAuthor/Publisher
BBC Compacta EnglishBBC Publications
Together With EnglishRachna Sagar
Xam Idea EnglishVK Global Publications
All in One English

Arihant Publications

Best Reference Book for CBSE Class 10 Computer Science

Computer Science (known as Computer Applications) includes the introduction to the foundations of Python programming, data handling, and cyber safety in Class 10. Best Reference Books For CBSE Class 10 Computer Science should give simple explanations with coding examples and practice exercises that align with the CBSE.
Book TitleAuthor/Publisher
Sumita Arora Computer ApplicationsDhanpat Rai Publications
Together With Computer ApplicationsRachna Sagar
All-in-One Computer ApplicationsArihant Publications
Saraswati Computer Applications

Saraswati Publications

Why Should You Use Reference Books for Class 10 CBSE Exams?

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which books are recommended for CBSE exams?

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.

2. Is RD Sharma enough for Class 10?

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.

3. Is NCERT sufficient for Class 10?

Yes, NCERT has the best books to score better in the Class 10 board exams.

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Questions related to CBSE Class 10th

Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?

Hello

Since you are a domicile of Karnataka and have studied under the Karnataka State Board for 11th and 12th , you are eligible for Karnataka State Quota for admission to various colleges in the state.

1. KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test): You must appear for the KCET exam, which is required for admission to undergraduate professional courses like engineering, medical, and other streams. Your exam score and rank will determine your eligibility for counseling.

2. Minority Income under 5 Lakh : If you are from a minority community and your family's income is below 5 lakh, you may be eligible for fee concessions or other benefits depending on the specific institution. Some colleges offer reservations or other advantages for students in this category.

3. Counseling and Seat Allocation:

After the KCET exam, you will need to participate in online counseling.

You need to select your preferred colleges and courses.

Seat allocation will be based on your rank , the availability of seats in your chosen colleges and your preferences.

4. Required Documents :

Domicile Certificate (proof that you are a resident of Karnataka).

Income Certificate (for minority category benefits).

Marksheets (11th and 12th from the Karnataka State Board).

KCET Admit Card and Scorecard.

This process will allow you to secure a seat based on your KCET performance and your category .

check link for more details

https://medicine.careers360.com/neet-college-predictor

Hope this helps you .

Hello Aspirant,  Hope your doing great,  your question was incomplete and regarding  what exam your asking.

Yes, scoring above 80% in ICSE Class 10 exams typically meets the requirements to get into the Commerce stream in Class 11th under the CBSE board . Admission criteria can vary between schools, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the intended CBSE school. Generally, a good academic record with a score above 80% in ICSE 10th result is considered strong for such transitions.

hello Zaid,

Yes, you can apply for 12th grade as a private candidate .You will need to follow the registration process and fulfill the eligibility criteria set by CBSE for private candidates.If you haven't given the 11th grade exam ,you would be able to appear for the 12th exam directly without having passed 11th grade. you will need to give certain tests in the school you are getting addmission to prove your eligibilty.

best of luck!

According to cbse norms candidates who have completed class 10th, class 11th, have a gap year or have failed class 12th can appear for admission in 12th class.for admission in cbse board you need to clear your 11th class first and you must have studied from CBSE board or any other recognized and equivalent board/school.

You are not eligible for cbse board but you can still do 12th from nios which allow candidates to take admission in 12th class as a private student without completing 11th.

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