Competitive Exam Preparation

Relying on just NCERT textbooks for the CBSE Class 10 exam can leave gaps in understanding and limit practice opportunities. Even though NCERT textbooks form the foundation for Class 10 preparation, relying only on them may leave gaps in weak areas or advanced problem-solving.  Supplementing with reference materials strengthens concepts, provides varied practice, and builds confidence across Science, Mathematics, English, Social Science, and Hindi. In this guide, we explore how students can choose the best reference materials, optimize their study strategy, and strengthen weak areas to maximize CBSE Class 10 performance. By focusing on concept clarity, practice, and exam-oriented preparation, students can approach the board exams with clarity and confidence. Top Reference Books for CBSE Class 10 For students preparing for the CBSE Class 10 exam, essential reference books include R.D. Sharma or R.S. Aggarwal for Mathematics, Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur for Science, Xam Idea or Arihant’s All in One for Social Science, and Wren & Martin or BBC Compacta for English. Pairing these with NCERT textbooks and NCERT Exemplar helps build a solid foundation. These reference books offer clear explanations, extra practice exercises, and board-style questions that simplify challenging concepts and reinforce learning. Selecting the right book for each subject allows students to target weak areas, practice efficiently, and approach the board exams with confidence. Mathematics Science Social Science English Hindi Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Reference Books Conclusion While NCERT textbooks form the foundation for CBSE Class 10 preparation, reference books play a crucial role in clarifying concepts, providing extra practice, and preparing students for application-based and board-style questions. Selecting subject-specific, syllabus-aligned books ensures focused learning, strengthens weak areas, and builds confidence. By using reference books strategically alongside NCERT, managing time effectively, and avoiding common mistakes, students can maximize their preparation and approach the board exams with clarity, skill, and assurance. People Ask Questions Where can I find CBSE Class 10 books to download? You can download the official NCERT Class 10 textbooks in PDF format from the NCERT website. They are available in English, Hindi, and Urdu, and you can choose to download either the full book or individual chapters for free. Which is the best reference book for Class 10 Maths? For Class 10 Maths, R.D. Sharma and R.S. Aggarwal are excellent choices. They provide step-by-step explanations, a variety of practice questions, and solved examples to help strengthen your understanding and problem-solving skills. Which book is considered the best for Class 10 Physics? For Physics, Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur are widely recommended. The book explains concepts clearly, includes diagrams and examples, and offers practice questions that align with CBSE exam patterns. How can I score above 90% in the Class 10 exam? Scoring above 90% requires consistent revision, solving sample papers, and regular practice of NCERT and reference book questions. Managing time well during preparation and practicing exam-style questions also helps improve accuracy. Is studying only NCERT enough to score well in Class 10 board exams? Yes, NCERT covers the entire CBSE syllabus and is sufficient for scoring well. However, reference books are useful to clarify concepts, practice additional questions, and prepare for higher-order problems. Which CBSE guidebook is best for Class 10 students? For a strong foundation, NCERT textbooks should be your priority. To supplement learning, reference books like R.D. Sharma (Maths), Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur (Science), Xam Idea/Arihant All-in-One (Social Science), and Wren & Martin (English) help in practice, revision, and deeper concept clarity.

The Class 10 Science exam under the CBSE curriculum helps students build a clear foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The syllabus includes key topics such as electricity, chemical reactions, life processes, and environmental management. Students need proper guidance and a focused preparation strategy to cover the syllabus on time and perform well in the final board exam. The CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus is extensive and requires consistent effort. Finishing the entire syllabus by December allows students to revise, solve previous year papers, and practice NCERT-based sample questions. While some students find Science straightforward, others face difficulty with formula-based or diagram-related chapters. A structured study plan helps both types of learners strengthen their understanding and improve accuracy. This article provides practical CBSE Class 10 Science preparation tips that include concept-based learning, time management, and proven revision techniques to help students gain confidence and score high marks in the examination. How to Score High Marks in CBSE Class 10 Science? Science is one of the most challenging subjects for Class 10 students. The CBSE Science exam tests Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, covering topics like Newton’s Laws, Electricity, Carbon Compounds, and Human Biology. Scoring well requires consistent practice, smart revision, and effective time management. Since the syllabus is extensive, students should finish it by December to allow enough time for solving previous years’ papers and mock tests. To make preparation more effective, here are some practical CBSE Class 10 Science tips designed for all students. Know the Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme Understanding the CBSE Science exam structure is essential. The theory paper carries 80 marks and consists of five sections: Section Question Type Marks per Question Total Questions Word Limit A MCQs, Very Short, Assertion-Reasoning 1 20 1 word or 1 sentence B Short Answer I 2 6 30–50 words C Short Answer II 3 7 50–80 words D Long Answer 5 3 80–120 words Familiarity with the marking scheme, duration, and question types helps students prioritize topics, manage time, and strategize answers. High-weightage chapters include Electricity, Chemical Reactions, Life Processes, and Carbon Compounds. Get Familiar with the Syllabus Students must thoroughly study the NCERT Class 10 Science textbook, as most questions are based on it. Reading each chapter carefully, solving exercise questions, and referring to NCERT solutions ensures conceptual clarity. Physics chapters focus on formulas, numerical problems, and diagrams. Chemistry emphasizes reaction mechanisms, properties of compounds, and chemical equations. Biology requires memorization of terms, functions, and diagram practice. A clear understanding of concepts helps students answer application-based questions and solve complex numerical problems efficiently. Create a Study Schedule A structured timetable ensures complete syllabus coverage. Students should: A systematic plan reduces stress, improves retention, and ensures revision of all topics before the exam. Make Short Notes Short notes save time and provide quick revision. Students should summarize: Concise notes are easy to revise in the last few days and improve recall during exams. Subject-Wise Preparation Tips Physics Master all key formulas and derivations; keep them handy for quick revision. Prioritize high-weightage topics like Newton’s Laws of Motion, Work and Energy, and Electricity. Solve numerical problems on lenses, mirrors, series and parallel resistances daily. Practice drawing and labeling diagrams: electric circuits, AC and DC generators, magnetic field lines, human eye structure, and image formation by lenses. Attempt at least 50–100 questions per day to strengthen conceptual clarity and improve problem-solving speed. Chemistry Focus on Carbon Compounds: memorize functional groups, nomenclature, and chemical reactions. Study Acids, Bases, and Salts thoroughly; know their properties, formulas, uses, and common reactions. Review the modern periodic table: memorize electronic configurations and key elements in groups 1, 2, 17, and 18. Make concise notes of reactions involving conversion compounds for fast revision. Solve previous years’ questions to understand the type of theoretical and application-based problems frequently asked. Biology Memorize complex terms and their definitions, e.g., Mendel’s experiments, traits of inheritance, and human life processes. Practice diagrams: respiratory system, human brain, reflex arcs, male and female reproductive organs, and parts of a flower. Understand the reproduction process in plants and humans, including pollination and fertilization mechanisms. Create flashcards for important terminologies and functions for quick last-minute revision. Revise diagrams and concepts repeatedly for better accuracy in labeling and theoretical answers. Practice with Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests Solving previous year papers helps students: Mock tests simulate exam conditions and build confidence. Students should attempt at least the last 5–6 years’ CBSE papers for better preparation. Strengthen Weak Areas Identifying difficult topics early is essential. Students struggling with Electricity, Chemical Reactions, or Carbon Compounds should: Active practice strengthens understanding and improves performance in application-based questions. Exam Day Tips Read the paper carefully before starting. Attempt questions you know first. Manage time according to marks distribution. Draw diagrams neatly wherever required. Review answers in the last 10 minutes. Maintain calm and composed during the exam. General Preparation Advice Conclusion Scoring high marks in CBSE Class 10 Science requires conceptual clarity, disciplined practice, and effective revision. Students who focus on NCERT textbooks, practice previous year papers, solve mock tests, and strengthen weak areas gain speed, accuracy, and confidence. Structured planning, short notes, subject-wise focus, and revision strategies ensure students excel in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, achieving excellent results in the Class 10 board examination.

Many students struggle with slow calculations, whether solving multiplication, division, or squaring problems. Exams like SSC, JEE, IMO, CAT, Banking Exams, and CBSE board tests demand accuracy under time pressure. Long sums, algebra, or higher-level equations often cause stress, reduce confidence, and increase errors, making even basic arithmetic feel overwhelming. Vedic Maths provides a powerful solution to these challenges. Originating from India, the term Veda means “knowledge,” and Vedic Maths is a system of techniques that allows learners to solve complex problems quickly and mentally.  The foundation of these methods lies in Vedic Maths Tricks, which include 16 Sutras and 13 Sub-Sutras. By applying these formulas, learners can perform calculations accurately and save time. In this blog, we will explore 10 essential Vedic Maths tricks, with step-by-step examples for faster problem-solving, higher accuracy, and improved mental agility.  What is Vedic Mathematics? Vedic Mathematics is an ancient system of calculation from India that uses specific formulas, called Sutras, to solve arithmetic, algebra, and higher-level problems quickly and mentally. It simplifies complex operations, reduces calculation time, and improves accuracy, making it useful for students, competitive exams, and daily problem-solving. Who Developed Vedic Maths? Vedic Mathematics was developed by Indian mathematician Jagadguru Shri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji between 1911 and 1918. Revered as the father of Vedic Mathematics, he systematically compiled ancient mathematical techniques into a practical system of Sutras. These formulas simplify arithmetic, algebra, and higher-level calculations, enabling faster and more accurate problem-solving. Today, Vedic Maths is recognized worldwide for its effectiveness in exams, competitive tests, and mental calculations. 10 Best Vedic Maths Tricks for Addition, Multiplication, Subtraction & Division 1. Squaring a Number Ending with 5 To square a number ending with 5, multiply the digits on the left by one more than themselves and then append 25. Example: (75)² Try: 35², 85², 95², 65² 2. Multiplying Any Number by 5 Divide the number by 2. If the result is a whole number, add 0 at the end. If it is a decimal, add 5 instead. Example: 324 × 5 Try: 217 × 5, 489 × 5, 568 × 5 3. Subtracting from 1000, 10000, etc. Subtract all digits from 9, except the last digit, which you subtract from 10. Example: 10000 – 5623 Try: 1000 – 387, 10000 – 4095, 1000 – 726 4. Multiplying 2-Digit Numbers from 11 to 19 Add the unit digit of the smaller number to the larger number, multiply by 10, then add the product of the unit digits. Example: 14 × 17 Try: 12 × 16, 13 × 15, 18 × 19 5. Dividing a Large Number by 5 Multiply the number by 2, then shift the decimal point one place to the left. Example: 246 ÷ 5 Try: 132 ÷ 5, 478 ÷ 5, 985 ÷ 5 6. Multiplying Any 2-Digit Number by 11 Add the two digits of the number and place the sum between them. Example: 36 × 11 Try: 47 × 11, 52 × 11, 18 × 11 7. Multiplying by 12 Quickly Double the number and add it to ten times itself. Example: 134 × 12 Try: 76 × 12, 243 × 12, 58 × 12 8. Multiplying Two 3-Digit Numbers Close to 100 Add the deviation of one number to the other, multiply by the base, and then add the product of deviations. Example: 103 × 107 (base 100) Try: 102 × 108, 105 × 109, 101 × 106 9. Converting Kilograms to Pounds Quickly Multiply kilograms by 2, divide by 10, then add the result to the doubled value. Example: Convert 95 kg to pounds Try: 112 kg, 68 kg, 85 kg 10. Finding the Square of Any Number Using Base Choose a nearby base, calculate the difference, multiply the sum of the number and difference by the base, then add the square of the difference. Example: 97² (base 100) Try: 98², 102², 105², 93² Advantages of Practicing Vedic Mathematics for Children

The countdown to exams can be overwhelming, and the pressure spikes when you realize there’s only one day left to revise. Suddenly, every chapter, formula, and key concept seems like too much to handle. Many students procrastinate or leave preparation until the final hours, leaving them stressed and unsure how to cover everything efficiently. The good news is that even with just 24 hours, you can revise smartly, focus on high-impact topics, and strengthen weak areas. With a structured approach, active recall techniques, and careful time management, one day can still make a significant difference in your performance. In this guide, we share practical strategies and actionable tips to help you make the most of your last-day preparation and approach the exam with confidence. TL; DR Prioritize high-impact topics, focus on summaries, key formulas, and lecture notes, and avoid trying to cover the entire syllabus in one day. Use active learning techniques like teaching concepts aloud, visual aids, flashcards, and timed practice questions or mock tests to reinforce understanding and recall. Manage time and stress effectively with a structured schedule, distraction-free study space, short breaks, and adequate rest to maximize productivity in the final 24 hours. How To Revise Effectively in One Day Before Exam? The day before an exam can trigger anxiety, stress, and pressure for students. Many struggle with the thought of revising an entire syllabus within 24 hours. Despite this, the last day can be crucial for consolidating knowledge, revising high-priority topics, and fine-tuning exam strategies. A day before an exam, focus on light revision, organizing materials, and prioritizing your physical and mental well-being over intense last-minute cramming. By following a structured plan, staying organized, and using active study methods, even a single day can significantly impact exam performance. 1. You Can’t Afford To Lose Early Day Benefits Start your day early in the morning to maximize productive hours. Research from the University of California, Berkeley, 2018, shows that cognitive performance peaks in the early morning hours when the brain is fully rested. Benefits of waking early: Tip: Avoid starting the day with social media or idle browsing. Begin with focused study sessions. 2. Sit With All Your Study Aids Before Starting Gather all your study materials before beginning: Organizing your study aids on a single flat surface ensures you won’t waste time searching mid-session. Time management is critical when only a day is left. 3. Give Social Media A Day Rest Digital distractions can derail your preparation. Studies indicate that students using social media before exams have reduced attention spans and lower retention (Source: Journal of Applied Cognitive Studies, 2020). Tips to minimize distractions: 4. List Down All the Important Topics One day is insufficient to cover the full syllabus. Identify high-yield topics based on: Example: High-Priority Topic Table Subject High-Impact Chapters Suggested Time Allocation Mathematics Calculus, Probability 2 hours Physics Mechanics, Electricity 1.5 hours Chemistry Organic Reactions, Periodic Table 1 hour English Essay & Comprehension 45 minutes 5. Find a Quiet Study Spot A distraction-free environment is essential. Choose a well-lit place where you can study undisturbed. Libraries, study halls, or a quiet room at home work best. Additional tips: 6. Go Through the Chapter Summaries & Lecture Notes Instead of reading full textbooks, focus on chapter summaries, key formulas, and lecture notes. This method helps you: Tip: Highlight crucial terms, definitions, and formulas in your notes. 7. Make Use of Charts, Flashcards & Graphs Visual tools improve memory retention and concept clarity. Use: Example: For a history exam, use a timeline chart of major events to revise efficiently. Visual representation accelerates recall during the exam. 8. Explain to Someone Else Teaching concepts reinforces your learning. Explaining topics to a friend or even aloud to yourself: Tip: Focus on high-yield topics while teaching to save time. 9. Take Mock Tests Practicing previous year papers or mock tests enhances: Example: Time-Boxed Mock Test Table Subject Mock Test Duration Review Time Math 1 hour 30 mins Physics 45 mins 15 mins Chemistry 30 mins 15 mins 10. Don’t Panic Stress can reduce retention and focus. Stay calm, maintain positive thinking, and follow your study schedule. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness during breaks to alleviate anxiety. Time-Boxed Schedule for One Day Time Activity 6:30–8:30 AM High-priority formulas and notes 8:30–9:00 AM Breakfast & refresh 9:00–11:00 AM Difficult topics with visual aids 11:00–11:15 AM Short break 11:15–1:00 PM Practice questions 1:00–2:00 PM Lunch & rest 2:00–4:00 PM Active recall & revision 4:00–4:15 PM Quick break 4:15–6:00 PM Flashcards, charts, diagrams 6:00–7:00 PM Summarize notes 7:00–9:00 PM Light review & mental rehearsal Conclusion When preparing the day before an exam, concentrate on high-priority topics identified from lecture notes, summaries, and past exam papers. Structure your revision using short, focused study blocks with regular breaks to maintain concentration.  Avoid starting new topics; instead, strengthen what you already know using techniques like active recall, solving practice questions, or explaining concepts to someone else. Ensure you manage stress with relaxation methods and get adequate sleep so your mind is refreshed and ready for the exam. Following this approach transforms the final 24 hours into a productive, confidence-building revision session.

Math has always been a challenge for Class 9 students. Chapters like Algebra, Geometry, and Probability can feel tricky, and irregular practice often lowers exam scores. Success in Maths comes from understanding concepts deeply and applying them consistently. Even small daily study sessions build focus and self-discipline, helping you overcome procrastination. Remember, there is no shortcut to perfect scores—hard work, dedication, and steady effort are essential to excel. In this blog, you will discover practical tips and strategies to aim for 100 marks in Class 9 Maths. TL; DR Master the syllabus and fundamentals by focusing on NCERT concepts, revising earlier grade basics, and prioritizing high-weightage chapters to strengthen problem-solving skills. Practice consistently with past papers, sample questions, and timed mock tests, reviewing mistakes carefully and dedicating extra effort to weaker areas. Follow a structured study plan, use supplementary resources, and revise regularly to retain formulas, build confidence, and manage time efficiently during exams. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly Many students start studying without a clear understanding of the syllabus, which can lead to wasted effort on low-weightage topics. Chapters like Algebra, Geometry, and Coordinate Geometry often carry more marks, while Statistics or Probability may carry less. Ignoring this distribution can reduce your overall score. The solution is to review the official CBSE or State Board syllabus carefully. Break down each chapter into subtopics and note the weightage of each. Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme to plan your study time efficiently. Organize Your Study Materials Disorganization can waste precious study time. Students often scramble for books, notes, or stationery, leading to interruptions and distraction during preparation. The approach is to create a clean and comfortable study space. Gather all necessary textbooks, notebooks, stationery, and reference materials before starting. Keep digital resources, like online tutorials or PDFs, organized for quick access. Master the Basics Skipping foundational concepts from earlier grades can make advanced topics difficult. Many Class 9 topics rely on understanding Grade 8 concepts, so weak basics can hinder problem-solving. To address this, review fundamental topics such as fractions, ratios, percentages, linear equations, and basic geometry before moving to advanced chapters. Practice examples that reinforce these concepts. Study NCERT Thoroughly Relying solely on reference books often confuses students and skips the core fundamentals. Missing foundational understanding can lead to mistakes on even basic questions. The approach is to thoroughly study NCERT textbooks first. Practice examples and exercises from each chapter before moving to supplementary resources. Mastering NCERT ensures a strong foundation, reduces errors, and prepares students for a wide range of questions in exams. Create a Structured Study Plan Many students struggle because their preparation is unplanned, resulting in last-minute cramming and uneven coverage. Spending too much time on one chapter while neglecting others reduces efficiency. The solution is to design a daily and weekly study plan. Allocate specific hours for theory, problem-solving, and revision, and include short breaks to maintain focus. A structured plan builds consistency, improves speed, and reduces exam anxiety. Students can cover all topics efficiently and gain confidence. Understand Problem-Solving Techniques Many students struggle when they encounter unfamiliar or tricky questions. Without proper techniques, they may waste time or make errors. To overcome this, learn different approaches for solving problems. Break complex problems into smaller steps and apply systematic methods. For example, in Algebra, identify patterns before solving equations; in Geometry, visualize figures before applying theorems. Solve Past Papers and Sample Papers Many students are unprepared for the exam pattern, which affects time management and performance. Not practicing actual questions can lead to slow attempts during exams. To tackle this, solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers under timed conditions. Analyze mistakes and focus on weak areas for additional practice. This strategy familiarizes students with exam patterns, improves speed, and boosts confidence. It also teaches effective time management for the exam day. Analyze Mistakes and Focus on Weak Areas Repeating errors reduces marks and confidence. Many students ignore mistakes and continue practicing without correcting them. To overcome this, carefully review errors in exercises, mock tests, and past papers. Identify weak chapters and dedicate extra time to practice them until proficiency is achieved. This method ensures balanced preparation, strengthens problem areas, and increases overall exam performance. Analyze Mistakes and Focus on Weak Areas Repeating errors reduces marks and confidence. Many students ignore mistakes and continue practicing without correcting them. To overcome this, carefully review errors in exercises, mock tests, and past papers. Identify weak chapters and dedicate extra time to practice them until proficiency is achieved. This method ensures balanced preparation, strengthens problem areas, and increases overall exam performance. Utilize Supplementary Resources Relying solely on the textbook may limit exposure to different problem types. Students may struggle if they encounter unfamiliar questions in exams. The approach is to use supplementary materials like reference books, online tutorials, and practice tests. Video lessons and interactive exercises offer alternative explanations and problem-solving techniques. Mock Tests & Time Management Many students perform poorly despite knowing concepts because they cannot manage time effectively. Spending too long on a single question may leave others unanswered. To address this, simulate exam conditions using mock tests. Time yourself for each section, and practice pacing to allocate adequate time for all questions. Analyze results and identify topics needing improvement. Mock tests improve time management, exam readiness, and confidence. Students learn to handle pressure and complete exams efficiently. Revision Strategy Without proper revision, even well-prepared students forget key formulas and theorems. Last-minute revision without a plan may cause confusion. The solution is to create a systematic revision plan. Review notes, formulas, important methods, and practice problems regularly. Focus on weak areas and repeat key concepts multiple times before the exam. Consistent revision ensures retention, reinforces understanding, and boosts confidence. Students enter the exam fully prepared and ready to score top marks.