A question that is asked by millions of students every year before their CBSE board exams is whether they should study only NCERT or they should study other books also? If you have asked this question, you are in the right place. This guide will provide you with a simple answer. We will discuss the CBSE class 12 books, when to use NCERT exemplar class 12, how CBSE class 12 previous years question papers help and whether a class 12 reference book or class 12 question bank is actually necessary?

What Are CBSE Class 12 Books?

CBSE class 12 books are the books published by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training). These are the books which CBSE has recommended to be read by all the students. They provide all chapters of the Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, English, Accountancy and other subjects. 

NCERT books are written in very simple language. They break down each topic in a step-by-step manner. Most of the questions asked in CBSE question papers are designed by the CBSE board according to these books. Hence, it is suggested by most of the teachers and toppers to read NCERT first.

Why NCERT Is the Base for CBSE Exams

The CBSE board exam question paper is directly created from the NCERT syllabus. The studies and experiences of students for many years indicate that approximately 70 to 80 percent of questions asked in the board exams are directly from NCERT textbooks. This implies if you read your CBSE Class 12 books correctly and understand each and every concept, you can get a good score. 

However, the thing is that 90% requires more than just reading. It requires practice, editing and knowledge of the exam pattern. This is where other resources come into play.

Subject-wise Analysis – Is NCERT Enough?

Below is a simple table that indicates whether NCERT is sufficient for each subject or not:

As you can observe from the table, NCERT is the most important resource for all subjects. Extra books are required for certain subjects, and for the highest marks, only.

When Should You Use NCERT Exemplar Class 12?

NCERT Exemplar Class 12 is a special book published by NCERT. It has higher level questions which are one step up from the regular NCERT textbook. These questions are a little more difficult and require a deeper thought to the subject. 

When you have already read your regular NCERT book, and are looking for more difficult problems, you should use NCERT Exemplar Class 12. It is particularly suitable for subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. A lot of questions from NCERT Exemplar are also asked in the board exams. Thus, it is an extremely clever book to use after the completion of the primary CBSE class 12 books. 

Avoid starting with NCERT Exemplar. Read the regular textbook first, grasp the concepts, and then use Exemplar for additional practice.

The Role of CBSE Class 12 Previous Years Question Papers

When asked about what helped them the most, almost all the CBSE topper will say "Solving previous years question papers. CBSE class 12 previous years question papers are the actual question papers of previous years' board exams. 

These papers can assist you in many significant ways. You get to know the types of questions that are asked. You are told how long each section is. You know what subjects are more frequently requested. You also get acquainted with the exam format, which helps to ease the stress on the exam day. 

CBSE class 12 previous year question papers should be solved at least 2-3 months prior to the board exam. Attempt to answer them under timed conditions, as in a real test. Review and correct answers and understand errors.

How to Use a Class 12 Question Bank Smartly

Class 12 question bank is a set of important questions that are organized chapter-wise. It typically contains short answer, long answer and multiple choice questions for every chapter. A good question bank contains all the kinds of questions which may occur in the CBSE board exam. 

The most effective use of class 12 question bank is during revision time. After studying a chapter in your NCERT book, open the question bank and solve all the questions in the chapter. This will help you to assess your understanding. It also provides you with information on what areas you need to focus on to improve. 

Class 12 question bank is not a substitute for NCERT. It is like a practice tool, which makes you better prepared for NCERTs.

Do You Really Need a Class 12 Reference Book?

A lot of students feel compelled to purchase a class 12 reference book as they see their friends using one or their coaching teacher recommending it. But let's be honest – most of the students who want to get 90% on their exams will find NCERT books, NCERT exemplar, a question bank and previous years papers to be more than sufficient. 

If you want to score more than 95% and need more practice than NCERT, then you should refer to a reference book. It is also useful for those who are taking competitive exams such as JEE or NEET along with the board exams. 

A class 12 reference book is not a must for the average student whose target is 90% in CBSE boards.

Month-by-Month Study Plan to Score 90%+

This is a simple study plan that has the correct resources and the correct sequence:

Here is how to divide your academic year smartly:

If you follow this plan diligently and use the appropriate books at the appropriate time, you can actually achieve 90% or higher in your CBSE Class 12 board exams.

Final Thoughts

In the quest to answer the big question, yes, NCERT is sufficient to get 90% in CBSE Class 12 but only if used correctly. Read your CBSE class 12 books carefully. Use NCERT Exemplar Class 12 for difficult questions. Revise using a class 12 question bank. Solve the previous year's question papers of CBSE class 12th regularly. If necessary, use a class 12 reference book for additional practice in specific subjects. 

Smart study always wins over hard study. Emphasize comprehension, not memorization. All the best for your CBSE Class 12 exams!

Other Recommended Books | Study Materials (All Subjects)

FAQ – Is NCERT Enough for Class 12?

Q1. Is NCERT enough to score 90% in CBSE Class 12?

Yes, in most subjects, if you read the NCERTs well and solve the question papers from previous years and a question bank, you can get 90%. In some subjects such as Maths, you can get more marks by using NCERT Exemplar Class 12.

Q2. Which CBSE Class 12 books should I focus on the most?

Always refer to the NCERT books first. They form the foundation for all the CBSE exams. After solving NCERT, solve NCERT Exemplar and then CBSE Class 12 Previous Years Question Papers.

Q3. When should I start solving CBSE Class 12 previous years question papers?

Do the previous years papers at least 2-3 months before the board exams. This will allow you to recognize your weak points and make improvements prior to the actual test.

Q4. Is NCERT Exemplar Class 12 very difficult?

The questions given in NCERT Exemplar Class 12 are a little tougher than the NCERT book. However, if you have grasped the concepts of your NCERT chapters well, you will be able to solve most of the questions in the Exemplar with a little effort. It's difficult but very beneficial.

Q5. Should I buy a class 12 reference book or not?

In CBSE boards, if you are aiming for 90% then you don't require a reference book. It will be sufficient to have a good class 12 question bank and CBSE class 12 previous years question papers. Purchase a reference book if you are aiming for 95%+ or preparing for JEE/NEET simultaneously.