CBSE Class 12 Reference Books - Best Reference Books for CBSE 12th Subjects

Samia Miraj

Updated On: May 20, 2025 02:59 PM Published On: January 24, 2024 11:21 AM

CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF can be downloaded online for effective preparation. Make sure to refer to the latest NCERT to prepare for the exams. 
CBSE Class 12 Reference Books
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CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF helps in the effective preparation for the board exams. A few changes have been made by CBSE in the curriculum for class 12th from this year, so you must only download the latest reference books. Some content is also rationalized from NCERT, so make sure to buy the latest editions of the NCERTs. Some popular publishing houses release various side books on major subjects every year. You can buy popular reference books from Arihant, MTG, VK, etc, to study for the subject efficiently after completing your NCERTs.

Make sure to refer to the latest CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2024-25 to prepare well for the exams. Check out more information about the CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF here:

Also Check: CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025

How To Download CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF?

You can visit the official website of NCERT to download the latest CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF. Follow the simple procedure to download the latest editions of NCERT reference books from the official website:

  • Step 1: You will first have to visit the official website of NCERT at ncert.nic.in
  • Step 2: The home page will open on your screen, where you have to scroll down and click on the option called “Textbook.”
  • Step 3: On the new page, click on “eBooks.”
  • Step 4: A lot of active tabs will appear; click on “PDF (I-XII)”
  • Step 5: Here, you can easily download the latest NCERT reference book by selecting your class, subject, and book title.

CBSE Class 12 Reference Books - Subject Wise

Students who will be taking the board exams this year can refer to the following study materials for the different subjects to create a good atmosphere for themself and get a high score in the board exams. Make sure to buy the latest editions of the reference books mentioned here to use them to their full potential:

Best Reference Book for Class 12 Maths CBSE Board

Check the list of some of the Best Reference books for Class 12 Maths CBSE Board:

Books

Publishers/Authors

Mathematics for Class XII

RD Sharma

CBSE Examination Mathematics: 15 Sample Question Papers

Prem Kumar

CBSE Chapter-wise Solutions – Mathematics

Hemant Malhotra

Problems Plus In IIT Mathematics

A Das Gupta

NCERT Exemplar Problems

NCERT

Senior Secondary School Math 12

R. S. Aggarwal

I.I.T. Mathematics

M.L. Khanna

CBSE U Like Class 12 Mathematics Sample Papers with solutions

Best Book Publishing House

Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Math Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Book for Class 12 Physics CBSE Board

Key topics in Physics for Class 12, such as electrostatics, communication systems, nuclei and atoms, optics, and magnetism, hold significant importance. These topics have been thoroughly addressed by the authors, who have skillfully presented the syllabus in a manner tailored to the learning level of Class 12 students. To gain detailed insights into the recommended books, students can refer to the table provided.

Books

Authors

Fundamentals of Physics

Halliday, Resnick, and Walker

Concepts of Physics

HC Verma

Objective Physics

D.C. Pandey

CBSE Chapter-wise Solutions – Physics (Class 12)

S. K. Singh

CBSE Chapter-wise Solutions – Physics (Class -12) Previous Year’s Questions

Singh S

CBSE Sample Question Papers – Physics

Panel of Experts (Excellent for CBSE Class 12 sample papers for practice)

New Simplified Physics

A Reference Book for Class 12 (Set of 2 Volumes) by Dhanpat Rai

Check CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Book for Class 12 Biology CBSE Board

The Biology syllabus covers important topics like human welfare, reproduction, biotechnology, genetics, and ecology. A strong grasp of these concepts is essential for excelling in the subject, and the recommended authors have done an excellent job of explaining them. Students can refer to the table to find details about the textbooks, available for both offline purchase and online download.

Books

Publishers/Authors

CBSE Biology Chapterwise Solved Papers Class 12th

Arihant Expert

S. Chand’s Biology for Class XII

P.S. Verma, B.P. Pandey

Check CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Book for Class 12 Chemistry CBSE Board

Chemistry is a core subject for science students, requiring books that simplify technical terms or provide helpful explanations in everyday language. Features like key points or margin notes enhance understanding. The recommended authors have incorporated these effectively, making their books highly useful. Students can check the table for details about these authors and their notable works.

Books

Publishers/Authors

Pradeep’s New Course Chemistry for class XII (Vol I and II)

S.C. Kheterpal, S.N. Dhawan, P.N. Kapil

Concise Inorganic Chemistry

J. D. Lee

Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations

R.C. Mukherjee

Check CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2025

CBSE Class 12 Reference Books For Accountancy

To prepare for Accountancy, students can refer to the following reference material:

Books

Publishers/Authors

Analysis of Financial Statements

T.S. Grewal

Analysis of Financial Statements Class XII

Shelly Goel, Rajesh Goel, D K Goel

Accountancy for Class 12

Sandeep Garg

Check CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Syllabus 2025

CBSE Class 12 Reference Books Business Studies

Business studies mainly focus on theory. Students can refer to the following reference books to prepare for the subject:

Books

Publishers/Authors

Business Studies for Class 12 Paperback

Subhash Dey

ABD’s Bull’s Eye Business Studies Case Studies-Case Studies-Class 12

Neeru Sethi

Check CBSE Class 12 Business Study Syllabus 2025

CBSE Class 12 Reference Books: Economics

The economics textbook by S.K. Agarwal was once the preferred choice for NCERT, but recent changes have introduced the authors listed below. In recent years, CBSE has revamped the curriculum to make textbooks more than just material to memorize. The focus now is on making them interactive and engaging, fostering a deeper interest in professional subjects like economics.

Books

Publishers/Authors

Indian Economic Development & Introductory For Macro Economics For Class 12 by Sandeep Garg

Dhanpat Rai

Arihant NCERT Solutions Economics for Class 12th

Arihant

Introductory Macroeconomics and Indian Economic Development CBSE Class 12 Book (Set Of 2 Books)

VK Publications

Check CBSE Class 12 Economics Syllabus 2025

CBSE Class 12 Reference Books 2025: Computer Science

Check the following reference books to prepare for the Computer Science subject from the table given below:

Books

Publishers/Authors

Comprehensive CBSE Computer Science with C++

Laxmi Publications

Check CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Books for Class 12 CBSE Psychology

For the Psychology subject, students can refer to the following Best reference books for class 12 CBSE Humanities accordingly:

Books

Publishers/Authors

Tushar Psychology Explained CBSE for Class 12

Rajeev Soni

Introduction to Psychology

Clifford T. Morgan-7th Edition

Check CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Book for Political Science Class 12

You can refer to some of the latest reference books as published by popular publishing houses from the table given below to prepare for Political Science:

Books

Publishing Houses

MBD CBSE Super Refresher 12th Political Science

MBD

Together With CBSE Class 12 Political Science Solved Question Bank & Practice Papers (Chapterwise & Topicwise)

Rachna Sagar Private Limited

Arihant All in One Political Science Class 12 for CBSE Exams 2025-26

Arihant

Xam idea Political Science Class 12 Book

VK Publications

U-LIKE Class 12 Political Science CBSE Chapterwise Question Bank 2024-25

U-LIKE

Check CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Book for Geography Class 12

You can refer to some popular Best Reference Books for Geography Class 12 from the table given below and use them to efficiently prepare for your board exams:

Books

Author

Arihant All in One Geography Class 12 for CBSE Exams 2025-26

Arihant

U-LIKE Class 12 Geography CBSE Chapterwise Question Bank 2024-25

U-LIKE

Arihant i-Succeed 15 Sample Question Papers Geography Class 12th | For CBSE Exams 2025

Arihant

Arihant CBSE Chapterwise Solved Papers 2024-2011 Geography Class 12th

Arihant

Oswal - Gurukul Geography Most Likely Question Bank: CBSE Class 12 for 2025 Exam

Oswal

Full Marks Geography Complete Study Material Class 12: Based on New NCERT Textbook Geography

Full Marks

Check CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Book for History Class 12

If you are preparing for the Humanities stream, you can refer to some of the popular side books for History from the table given below:

Book Name

Authors

Arihant All in One History Class 12 for CBSE Exams 2026

Arihant

Xam idea History Book Class 12 | CBSE Board | Chapterwise Question Bank

VK Publications

U-LIKE Class 12 History CBSE Chapterwise Question Bank 2024-25

U-LIKE

Arihant I Succeed 15 Sample Question Papers for History Class 12th

Arihant

CBSE Chapterwise Solved Papers 2024-2011 History Class 12th

Arihant

Oswal History Of Fine Arts Textbook for CBSE Class 11 & 12 : By Saroj Bhargava, Dr. Hemlata Agarwal

Oswal Publishers

Oswal - Gurukul History Most Likely Question Bank : CBSE Class 12 for 2024 Exam

Oswal Publishers

Check CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025

Best Reference Book for Sociology Class 12

Students who are preparing for the sociology subject can check the details related to the reference books from the table given below and use these books to prepare themselves:

Books

Publishers/Authors

CBSE All In One Sociology Class 12 Edition

Reena Kar Rajpriya Verma

CBSE QB Class 12 Sociology (2025)

Oswaal Editorial Board

Check CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2025

How to Choose the Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 12

When selecting reference books for CBSE Class 12, students should consider the following factors to ensure effective preparation:

  • Syllabus 2025 Coverage: Ensure the books cover all the topics outlined in the CBSE syllabus.
  • Clarity and Simplicity: Opt for books that are either written in simple language or provide comprehensive explanations for better understanding.
  • Latest Edition: Always choose the latest edition of the books to access updated information and content.
  • Reputable Authors and Publishers: Refer to books authored by well-known experts or published by reputable publishers to ensure quality and accuracy.

Why Refer to CBSE Board Books for Class 12?

If you refer to the CBSE Board Books for Class 12 then you will reap a thousand benefits. Check some of the benefits of referring to the CBSE 12th Best Books 2025 from the pointers given below.

  • These reference books as well as NCERTs will provide in-depth knowledge in easy language to the students. Students can use CBSE Board Books for Class 12 to understand the concept of a particular topic.
  • Reference books will include questions that are important and might be included in the board exams. Students can practice the questions accordingly.
  • Students can also buy sample papers from their nearest Bookstores to start the revision for the board exams. They can buy solved sample papers as well as previous year's question papers.
  • When students are not able to understand a particular subject or they are quite weak in that particular subject then they can refer to the side books. Try to buy subject-specific side books to get extensive knowledge.
  • Try to buy the latest sample papers and books to get the best information. Always go for the latest edition because the syllabus might be a little different from last year and getting the latest book will help you a lot in preparation.

CBSE Board Books for Class 12 will definitely help the students kick-start their preparations for the board exams. Make sure that you are only moving on to the side books after you have completed your NCERT as prescribed by CBSE

FAQs

Are there any changes in the NCERT for CBSE class 12?

According to the Ministry of Education, new NCERTs will be published for classes 9 to 12th from the 2026 and 2027 sessions. 

Does CBSE give questions from NCERT books?

Yes, the Central Board of Secondary Education often gives questions in the board exams directly from the NCERTs, which is why it recommends the NCERTs to be the topmost priority of the students when preparing for the board exams. 

What's the difference between CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF and NCERT?

NCERTs are official textbooks that are released by the Central Board of Secondary Education based on the latest curriculum however, CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF are released by popular publishing houses based on the curriculum. The side books often explain concepts in a much more detailed manner. 

Which Class 12 Reference Books PDF does CBSE recommend?

The Central Board of Secondary Education usually recommends that students first complete the NCERT and then move on to the side books; however, they also release sample papers and previous years’ question papers along with question banks on the official CBSE Academics website for revision. 

Where to get CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF?

You can download the CBSE Class 12 Reference Books PDF by visiting the official website of NCERT at ncert.nic.in. The textbook download option will be available on the official home page. You can also download the list of rationalized content according to the new edition of the NCERT for 2025. 

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