Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam

Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam

Vishal kumarUpdated on 14 Jul 2025, 12:22 PM IST

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
refrance book for class 10

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.

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

CBSE Class 10th Syllabus 2025-26
Students can access the subject-wise CBSE Class 10 syllabus for the 2025–26 academic session.
Check Now

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.

Also, check:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is NCERT sufficient for Class 10?
A:

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

Q: Is RD Sharma enough for Class 10?
A:

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.

Q: Which books are recommended for CBSE exams?
A:

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.

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Questions related to CBSE Class 10th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?

Hello,

Yes, you can give the CBSE board exam in 2027.

If your date of birth is 25.05.2013, then in 2027 you will be around 14 years old, which is the right age for Class 10 as per CBSE rules. So, there is no problem.

Hope it helps !

Hello! If you selected “None” while creating your APAAR ID and forgot to mention CBSE as your institution, it may cause issues later when linking your academic records or applying for exams and scholarships that require school details. It’s important that your APAAR ID correctly reflects your institution to avoid verification problems. You should log in to the portal and update your profile to select CBSE as your school. If the system doesn’t allow editing, contact your school’s administration or the APAAR support team immediately so they can correct it for you.

Hello Aspirant,

Here's how you can find it:

  • School ID Card: Your registration number is often printed on your school ID card.

  • Admit Card (Hall Ticket): If you've received your board exam admit card, the registration number will be prominently displayed on it. This is the most reliable place to find it for board exams.

  • School Records/Office: The easiest and most reliable way is to contact your school office or your class teacher. They have access to all your official records and can provide you with your registration number.

  • Previous Mark Sheets/Certificates: If you have any previous official documents from your school or board (like a Class 9 report card that might have a student ID or registration number that carries over), you can check those.

Your school is the best place to get this information.

Hello,

It appears you are asking if you can fill out a form after passing your 10th grade examination in the 2024-2025 academic session.

The answer depends on what form you are referring to. Some forms might be for courses or examinations where passing 10th grade is a prerequisite or an eligibility criteria, such as applying for further education or specific entrance exams. Other forms might be related to other purposes, like applying for a job, which may also have age and educational requirements.

For example, if you are looking to apply for JEE Main 2025 (a competitive exam in India), having passed class 12 or appearing for it in 2025 are mentioned as eligibility criteria.

Let me know if you need imformation about any exam eligibility criteria.

good wishes for your future!!

Hello Aspirant,

"Real papers" for CBSE board exams are the previous year's question papers . You can find these, along with sample papers and their marking schemes , on the official CBSE Academic website (cbseacademic.nic.in).

For notes , refer to NCERT textbooks as they are the primary source for CBSE exams. Many educational websites also provide chapter-wise revision notes and study material that align with the NCERT syllabus. Focus on practicing previous papers and understanding concepts thoroughly.