Every CBSE student uses NCERT school textbooks, but parents often wonder if extra books or guides are needed. NCERT School textbooks are official CBSE books that cover all topics in simple language, and experts say these books alone can help students score well {vedantu.com}. Still, some students like to use additional practice books or solution guides. Let’s compare how NCERT materials and other textbooks differ, so you can make the best choice for your child.
What Are NCERT School Textbooks and Solutions?
NCERT Textbooks: These are the main school textbooks used in CBSE classes. They explain concepts clearly and include practice questions at the end of each chapter. They follow the CBSE curriculum closely, covering all the required topics. Because they are written in plain language {vedantu.com}, most students find them easy to understand.
NCERT Solutions: These are additional books or online guides with answers to all the exercise questions in NCERT textbooks. They show step-by-step solutions and tips for solving problems. NCERT solutions are helpful for checking work and understanding problem-solving methods, but they should not be used as a shortcut to avoid actual learning.
Why NCERT School Textbooks Are Important
- Aligned with Curriculum: NCERT school textbooks are created by experts and are fully aligned with the CBSE syllabus. In fact, about 95% of the content in CBSE exams comes from NCERT.
- Concept Clarity: NCERT explanations focus on building strong fundamentals. The language is easy and concepts are clear, so students learn step-by-step.
- Exam Preparation: Since CBSE exams are based on NCERT content, studying these books well can secure good marks. Solving NCERT exercises ensures students practice all question types they might see in tests.
- Trustworthy Content: NCERT is a government body, so the school textbooks are accurate and high-quality. Parents can trust that the material is correct and useful.
Other School Textbooks and Guides
Schools sometimes provide textbooks by different publishers, or students use extra guides for practice. These books often have:
- More Examples: They may show the same concept with additional examples and practice problems.
- Practice Papers: Extra sample questions or mock tests can help with revision.
- Colorful Content: Some books are very colorful and engaging, which can make study more interesting.
However, these other books may not always match exactly with the CBSE syllabus. They can cover extra topics or go into more depth, which is good for learning, but might not be needed for exams. For Classes 6–10, it’s usually best to first finish all NCERT chapters. Once your child understands those, supplementary books can be used for extra practice or to explore challenging problems.
Using NCERT Solutions Wisely
NCERT solution guides can be helpful if used correctly:
- Encourage your child to try problems first without looking at answers. This builds confidence.
- Use solutions to check work and see detailed steps if a problem was tough.
- Discuss any new tricks or formulas shown in the solution with your child, but remind them to write answers on their own for practice.
Solutions should be a learning tool, not a homework shortcut.
Tips for Parents
- Start with NCERT: Make sure your child carefully reads the NCERT chapters and tries all exercises.
- Review Together: Ask questions about what they learned. For example, have them explain a concept to you. This shows if they understood it.
- Use Extra Books Thoughtfully: If your child has extra textbooks or guides, use them to find more practice questions or different explanations if needed.
- Don’t Overwhelm: Avoid giving too many books at once. Stick mainly to NCERT and maybe one good practice book per subject.
- Practice Papers: Use sample papers or past CBSE papers after finishing NCERT to test their knowledge.
Conclusion: NCERT textbooks are the foundation for CBSE studies. Experts say focusing on NCERT and its solutions can cover most of what’s needed for board exams. However, other books can add extra practice and fun examples. Encourage your child to learn concepts from NCERT first, then use additional resources for more practice. With this balanced approach, your child can study effectively and confidently!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is NCERT enough to prepare for exams?
A: Yes! NCERT books cover almost all topics for CBSE exams and are designed by experts. Many students score well just by studying NCERT thoroughly.
- Q: What are NCERT Solutions?
A: NCERT Solutions are books or online guides that show the answers and steps for each exercise question in the NCERT textbook. They help your child check their work and understand how to solve problems.
- Q: Should I buy other reference books?
A: You can, but it’s optional. Other books can offer extra practice problems and examples. However, make sure your child finishes the NCERT syllabus first. Use extra books only if more practice is needed or if a topic needs a simpler explanation.
- Q: How can I help my child use NCERT books well?
A: Encourage them to read each chapter carefully, solve all the exercises, and ask questions about anything confusing. You can quiz them or discuss the concepts to reinforce learning.
- Q: What if my child finds an NCERT topic difficult?
A: Try explaining it with everyday examples or find an online video explanation. Sometimes using one extra workbook or asking a teacher/tutor for help can make the concept clearer.