Best Reference Books for Class 12th CBSE

This article lists the Best Reference Books for Class 12 CBSE. It tells which book to read first, book choices by subject, how to use them with NCERT, and a simple study plan. It uses clear steps so students can pick the right book and score well.

Best Reference Books for Class 12th CBSE help students learn more than NCERT. This short guide shows the best books for each subject, simple steps to use them, and quick tips to score better in board exams. Read on to pick one clear book per subject and follow an easy study plan.

How to use this list of Best Reference Books for Class 12

1. Read NCERT first. NCERT has the main ideas. Boards use NCERT for many questions.
2. Use one reference book per subject for extra questions. Do not buy many books. 
3. Solve previous year papers. This helps with time and style of board questions. 
4. Make small notes and a short formula list. Look at it before tests.
5. Buy the latest edition so the book matches the syllabus. 

How this list of Best Reference Books for Class 12 was made

The list follows NCERT as the base. Then it compares top education websites and trusted guides. The goal is to give clear picks for each subject. See trusted sources like VSI Jaipur, Jagranjosh and Oswal for book picks. 

Subject-Wise: Best Reference Books for Class 12th CBSE

Below are simple picks. Each list shows one main extra book and a second option if a student needs more practice.

Physics

• NCERT Physics (Part 1 & 2) — read first. Use for all board theory and many questions.
• H. C. Verma — Concepts of Physics (Vol. 1 & 2) — best for clear ideas and step-by-step solutions. Good for numerical practice.
• Pradeep’s Fundamental Physics (Class 12) — short theory and solved examples. Use if stuck with basics.

How to use these – Read NCERT for each chapter. Then try H.C. Verma or Pradeep for sums and more examples. Do only those sums that match the chapter. This saves time.

Chemistry

• NCERT Chemistry (Part 1 & 2) — must read. Use for theory and diagrams.
• O. P. Tandon (Physical, Organic & Inorganic) — good for many practice questions and clear steps.
• Pradeep’s Chemistry for Class XII — balanced theory and practice. Good for board style questions.

How to use these – Memorize NCERT facts. Use O.P. Tandon for hard sums and reactions. Practice a few solved sums every day.

Mathematics

• NCERT Mathematics (Class 12) — read and solve examples.
• R. D. Sharma — Mathematics for Class 12 — best for chapter-wise practice and clear methods.
• R. S. Aggarwal — extra practice problems if needed. Use only when more practice is needed.

How to use these – Finish NCERT examples first. Then solve RD Sharma questions. Do past board problems too.

Biology

• NCERT Biology (Class 12) — main book for diagrams and long answers.
• Trueman’s Biology / Pradeep’s Biology — use for extra practice and long answers.

How to use these – Learn NCERT diagrams well. Copy neat diagrams. Use Trueman or Pradeep for extra MCQs and practice.

Accountancy (Commerce)

• NCERT Accountancy Books (Company Accounts & Analysis of Financial Statements / Not-for-Profit & Partnership Accounts) — start here.
• T. S. Grewal — Accountancy — for stepwise problems and answers.
• D. K. Goel — Accountancy — alternate book with clear solved examples.

How to use these – Do all solved examples from NCERT. Then try Grewal or Goel for more practice. Practice journal, ledger and final accounts.

Business Studies

• NCERT Business Studies (Part 1 & 2) — read theory and case studies.
• Poonam Gandhi or S. Chand question banks — for more board-style questions.

How to use these – Learn definitions and terms from NCERT. Use sample papers for long answers and case study practice.

Economics

• NCERT Macroeconomics & Microeconomics — main text for theory and graphs.
• Sandeep Garg (if suggested) or M.L. Jhingan (select parts) — for more solved questions and practice.

How to use these – Practice graphs and numericals from NCERT first. Use reference books for more practice.

English Core

• NCERT Flamingo & Vistas — read chapters and poems. This is the board book.
• Wren & Martin (grammar) — for grammar practice.
• Oswaal / Sample Guides — for model answers and practice.

How to use these – Read NCERT chapters. Write practice answers. Use grammar book for writing errors.

Computer Science / Informatics Practices

• NCERT or CBSE sample material — follow NCERT concepts or CBSE sample guides.
• Sumita Arora (for Computer Science) — popular book for programming and theory.

How to use these – Code small programs. Practice past year questions in coding and theory.

Books for Board Practice & Previous Year Papers

Good practice books are Oswaal sample papers, MTG 100% series, and Arihant All-in-One. These books give many timed papers. Solve 5–10 full papers before boards. These are counted among the Best Reference Books for Class 12 when it comes to exam preparation. 

Choosing Books Based on Study Goals 

• Only want high board marks — NCERT + one reference book per subject + 6–8 sample papers.
• Want boards + big tests (NEET/JEE/CUET) — add higher level books (H.C. Verma, Problems Plus, objective books) for tougher practice. 
• Weak in a subject — pick a simple concept book (Pradeep or MTG simple series). Practice step by step.

Practical Study Schedule

1. Weeks 1–8: Finish NCERT theory and examples chapter by chapter.
2. Weeks 9–14: Use the reference book to do chapter problems. Do the tough ones slowly.
3. Weeks 15–20: Do one full sample paper per week. Check time and marks.
4. Final 2 weeks: Quick revision, formula list, and 2 timed papers. Keep notes small.

Why this works: NCERT gives ideas. Best Reference Books for Class 12 give practice. Sample papers make speed and exam sense. 

How Many Best Reference Books for Class 12 Should a Student Buy?

One good book per subject is enough. Buying too many books wastes money and time. Use sample papers and past papers for extra practice. 

Quick Book Picks

Tips for Parents and Teachers

• Make sure the child finishes NCERT first.
• Do not push many books at once. One reference book + NCERT + papers is enough.
• Check the book edition and match the CBSE syllabus.

Final Tips for Choosing Best Reference Books for Class 12

1. NCERT is the main book. Read it twice.
2. Use one good reference book per subject.
3. Do past year papers and sample tests.
4. Buy latest editions only. Check the cover for the year and subject list.
5. Make small notes and revise formulas daily.

Conclusion

This guide gave a clear list of the Best Reference Books for Class 12th CBSE. It used NCERT as the base and added trusted reference picks for each subject. The plan is simple: NCERT first, one good reference next, then practice papers. Students who follow this plan can learn well and face the board with calm.