If your child attends a CBSE school, they use NCERT textbooks. But many parents have only a vague understanding of what NCERT is, why these books are prescribed, and how central they are to board exam performance. Here is a clear explanation.
What Is NCERT?
NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) is an autonomous organisation under the Government of India that develops curriculum frameworks, textbooks, and educational materials for school education. NCERT is not a school board — it is the body that creates the content that CBSE schools use.
Why CBSE Prescribes NCERT Books
CBSE board examinations — including the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams — are based on the NCERT syllabus. Questions in CBSE board papers are drawn directly from NCERT content, concepts, and examples. A student who has thoroughly mastered NCERT books has covered the essential content required for CBSE board exams.
NCERT Books Are Available Free Online
All NCERT textbooks are available for free download on the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Parents can access digital versions of any class and subject.
How to Use NCERT Books Effectively
Students should read each chapter carefully, not skip the in-text questions, and solve all exercise questions independently before checking answers. The exercises in NCERT books are carefully designed to test conceptual understanding. For competitive exams (JEE, NEET, NTSE), NCERT mastery is the non-negotiable starting point before any supplementary material is introduced.
NCERT vs Reference Books
Reference books (RD Sharma for Maths, HC Verma for Physics, etc.) are supplementary resources that provide additional practice problems. They should complement NCERT, not replace it. Students who skip NCERT in favour of reference books often struggle in board exams despite strong competitive exam preparation.
Conclusion
NCERT books are the most important resource in a CBSE student's study toolkit. Students who treat them as the primary source — reading carefully, solving all exercises, understanding every concept — build the academic foundation on which all further learning rests.
Learn About Our CBSE Curriculum — Malla Reddy School Medchal
Apply NowFrequently Asked Questions
Are NCERT books enough for CBSE Class 10 board exams?
Yes, for most subjects, thorough mastery of NCERT books is sufficient for Class 10 board exams. Reference books add value for students targeting very high marks but should supplement rather than replace NCERT.
Do CBSE schools use only NCERT books?
CBSE prescribes NCERT as the primary textbook. Schools may supplement with additional workbooks or reference materials, but NCERT content forms the core of the curriculum.
