f you’re preparing for your Class 12 CBSE Math exam, one question keeps popping up:
Is NCERT enough?

Ask any teacher, topper, or coaching institute and you’ll hear a range of answers—from “absolutely yes” to “not even close.” The truth lies somewhere in the middle—and depends on what your goals are.

In this article, we’ll break down where NCERT shines, where it falls short, and what other resources you should use (and when) to truly excel in Class 12 Math—whether for board exams or competitive tests.

The Strengths of NCERT

Let’s be clear: NCERT is your foundation. Period.
Here’s why every serious Class 12 Math student must know their NCERT inside out:

CBSE Board Exam = NCERT First

The CBSE strictly follows the NCERT syllabus and often lifts questions directly from the textbook. If you don’t know NCERT well, you’re already missing easy marks.

Clarity of Concepts

NCERT is excellent at building fundamentals. The language is simple, and each topic flows logically from the previous one.

Standardized Problem Types

From solved examples to exercises, NCERT exposes students to the standard types of board questions. You’ll see these patterns repeat in sample papers and board exams.

Where NCERT Falls Short

While it’s necessary, NCERT alone may not be sufficient—especially if you fall into any of these categories:

• You’re aiming for 95%+ in boards
• You’re targeting JEE Main/Advanced, CUET, NDA, or any entrance exam
• You want to master application-based or HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills) questions

Limited Variety of Problems

Each chapter offers a handful of problems. For a concept like integration or probability, that’s just not enough practice.

Not Enough Application-Based Questions

CBSE is moving towards competency-based evaluation. NCERT touches on these, but often doesn’t go deep enough into real-life or multi-step problems.

Lack of Competitive Exam Focus

If you’re preparing for JEE, you’ll quickly see that NCERT doesn’t cover the depth or difficulty required for high-level problem-solving.

What to Add—and When

Here’s a smart progression that shows what to use after you’ve mastered NCERT:

How to Balance Board & Competitive Exam Prep

Many students preparing for JEE or CUET struggle to balance board-level questions with entrance-level difficulty. Here’s how to approach it:

Board First, Depth Later

Start with NCERT to ensure you’ve nailed the core concepts. Then use competitive-level material to stretch your problem-solving ability.

Set Weekly Goals

Dedicate 70% of your study time to NCERT + Exemplar in the first few months. As exams approach, shift 30-40% of your time to solving sample papers and mock tests.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of NCERT

• Don’t skip solved examples: Many board questions are directly inspired by them.
• Revise each chapter multiple times: Concepts like Calculus, Probability, and Matrices require layered understanding.
• Write your own formula sheet after each chapter—it’s a revision goldmine.
• Mark difficult problems and revisit them weekly.

Final Word: NCERT is Your Basecamp, Not Your Summit

Think of NCERT like your basecamp on a mountain. It’s where you start, it’s where your footing must be solid, and it gives you the essentials to survive the exam. But if your aim is to reach the peak—whether that’s a 95+ score or cracking JEE—you’ll need more tools for the climb.

At ConnectEd, we help students build a strong NCERT foundation, then gradually level up with targeted practice, mock tests, and expert feedback. Whether you’re aiming for boards, JEE, or CUET—we’ve got the roadmap for you.