Class 10 is an important year in every student’s life. The CBSE Board exam builds the base for your Class 11 and 12 and for future competitive exams. That is why choosing the right reference books is important for you.
NCERT textbooks are the important books that you need to study first. But many of you may need extra practice and explanations. This is where reference books can help you. It makes hard topics easier and increases your confidence before exams.
Let’s explore the best reference books for the Class 10 CBSE board subject-wise.
Why Reference Books Are Important for Class 10
NCERT books explain concepts, but sometimes students need:
- More practice questions
- Step-by-step solutions
- Clear examples
- Board-level and higher-level problems
Good reference books help you:
- Understand topics better
- Improve speed
- Prepare confidently
Remember to use reference books along with NCERT texts, you should not replace them.
Best Reference Books for Class 10 Mathematics
For mathematics, the best reference books you can use are:
RD Sharma Class 10 Solutions
One of the most popular maths books you can use is the RD Sharma class 10 solutions. It is known for detailed explanations and it has a variety of questions you can practice.
Why choose RD Sharma?
- Very clear solutions
- Covers all types of questions
- Helps in building problem-solving skills
- Good for board exams and other classes
This book is best if you want a deep understanding of maths and enough practice before exams.
RS Agrawal Book & Solutions
Another trusted maths book is the RS Agrawal book & solutions. It is slightly easier than RD Sharma and gives you balanced practice.
Why choose RS Agrawal?
- Simple language and easy explanations
- Good mix of theory and questions
- Helpful for daily practice
- Suitable for average and other students
Many teachers suggest using RS Agrawal along with NCERT. It helps you score well in CBSE maths exams.
Best Reference Books for Class 10 Science
Science in Class 10 includes:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Choosing the right books makes learning easier and less stressful.
For science, the best reference books you can use are:
Lakhmir Singh Books & Solutions
For your overall science preparation, Lakhmir Singh books & solutions are the best books you can choose. They are very popular among Class 10 students.
Why choose Lakhmir Singh books?
- Very simple language
- Detailed theory with examples
- Many practice questions after each chapter
- Easy to understand diagrams
If you find science difficult and need clear explanations, these books are very helpful for you.
HC Verma Book & Solutions (Physics)
For Physics, you can refer to the HC Verma book & solutions. It focuses more on concepts and helps you understand them easily.
Why choose HC Verma?
- Explains physics concepts in a clear way
- Helps you understand how formulas work
- Improves logical thinking
- Useful for both your board exams and future studies
Subject-Wise Book Selection Tips
Selecting too many books can overwhelm you. So, focusing on the right ones makes learning easier and more effective.
For Mathematics
- Start with NCERT
- Use RS Agrawal for practice
- Use RD Sharma for extra questions if needed
For Science
- Study NCERT thoroughly
- Use Lakhmir Singh for clear theory
- Use HC Verma to learn physics topics clearly
Always remember that NCERT questions are the important areas you need to focus more on. So practice them thoroughly before moving to reference books.
How to Use Reference Books the Right Way
Reference books help only when you use them correctly. Here is how you can use them:
- Read the NCERT chapter first
- Understand the basics
- Use reference books to practice more questions
- Do not try to solve everything at once
- Revise regularly
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid
- Ignoring NCERT
- Using too many books
- Memorising solutions without understanding
- Studying without revision
Avoiding these can help you get better results in your exam.
Aakash Expert Insight
At Aakash, we have seen that students who follow NCERT properly and use good reference books perform better in board exams. Your goal is not to solve more books but to understand concepts clearly.
Summarising
Having the right reference books can make a big difference in your preparation. RD Sharma, RS Agrawal, HC Verma and Lakhmir Singh are trusted names because they explain concepts clearly. They offer you good practice that you can use to score better marks.
Choose the right approach and use the right books. You can do well in your Class 10 CBSE Board 2026 exam.
FAQs: Reference Books for Class 10 CBSE Board 2026
Are reference books important for the Class 10 board exam?
They are not compulsory, but they can help you. You should always study the NCERT first. From reference books, you can get extra practice and easy explanations.
Which is better, RD Sharma or RS Agrawal?
Both of these books are better for your studies.
RS Agrawal book & solutions are easier and you can use them for regular practice
RD Sharma class 10 solutions have more questions and are useful for you to get a deeper understanding
Is HC Verma suitable for Class 10 CBSE students?
Yes. HC Verma book & solutions are good for understanding Physics concepts. You should first read the NCERT and then use the reference for extra clarity.
Are Lakhmir Singh books enough for Class 10 Science?
No, they are not enough. Lakhmir Singh books & solutions explain topics in a very simple manner and they are easy to understand. It helps you to have a good understanding of concepts. But you should still revise the NCERT properly before your exams.
How many reference books should a Class 10 student use?
One or two reference books per subject are enough. Using too many books can confuse you and you may waste time.
