Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam

Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 Exam

Upcoming Event

CBSE Class 10th Exam Date:01 Jan' 26 - 14 Feb' 26

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

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 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: Is NCERT sufficient for Class 10?
A:

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

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 ?

Hi! If you’re looking for the Class 11 English half yearly question paper for 2025-26 (CBSE board), you’ll find the right resource once you check the link provided from Careers360. Solving previous or sample papers is a smart way to prepare, as it helps you understand the question types, marking scheme, and important topics. This practice will boost your confidence and help you manage your time well in the actual exam.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-class-11-half-yearly-sample-papers-2025-26

Hi dear candidate,

Could you please specify us the board of education for which you need the half yearly question papers of class X so that we can help you further.

Below are few links which may help you and it has all the subjects with English as well:

CBSE Class 10 Half Yearly Exam Question Paper 2025-26 with Answer Key & Analysis

ICSE Class 10 Half Yearly Sample Papers 2025-26 PDF (All Subjects)

BEST REGARDS

Hi dear candidate,

Can you please specify the board of education or state for which you need to know the exam pattern and syllabus so that we can guide you accordingly.

Since, most of the boards uses NCERT as base syllabus, you can refer to the link below:

NCERT Syllabus for Class 10 – All Subjects PDF Download 2025-26

Exam pattern:

CBSE 10th New Exam Pattern 2026- Marking Scheme, Subject-Wise Exam Pattern

BEST REGARDS

The CBSE Class 10th Board Exams for the 2026 session will follow the revised curriculum, emphasizing competency-based questions.

  • Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

  • Exam Period: The main theory exams are typically held between February and April 2026.

  • Grading: Based on marks in five main subjects plus internal assessment marks (often 20 marks per subject) provided by the school.

  • Passing Criteria: You must achieve at least 33% overall in each subject (theory + practical/internal assessment combined) to be declared pass.

Key Preparation Strategy

The most crucial element of your preparation is understanding the exam structure:

  • Syllabus: Strictly adhere to the rationalized syllabus released by CBSE for the 2025-26 academic year.

  • Practice: Your primary resource should be the latest sample papers and previous year question papers. These accurately reflect the format and types of competency questions being asked.

For the most comprehensive and official announcements, including the detailed time table and access to crucial practice materials, always check the official board updates, as tracked by Careers360: https://school.careers360.com/exams/cbse-class-10th .

HELLO,

If you want admission to 9th grade under the CBSE board in Andhra Pradesh , visit nearby CBSE affiliated schools during the admission period that is generally from January  to April or you can check the official websites of the schools in which you are interested for admission if they are accepting the admissions now .

After deciding the school and getting information about admission deadline from the school you can fill out the admission form with documents submission like your previous report card , transfer certificate and birth certificate , they make take entrance test or interview to confirm your admission

To know more visit :- https://school.careers360.com/schools/cbse-schools-in-andhra-pradesh

Hope this Helps!