Every year, we see toppers score 98% or more. But what’s their secret? They don’t read textbooks. They go beyond the regular. They explore resources that give them the edge. These extra tools help them score higher and feel more prepared.
At Bodhi Bhavans, a CBSE school in Kolkata, we understand that knowing how to excel in board exams goes beyond studying NCERT books.
This blog outlines the tools, tips, and strategies toppers use to excel. The types of reference books that high achievers use.
Why NCERT alone isn’t enough for top scores
- NCERT books cover the basics, but board papers test depth.
- Competitions like NEET and JEE demand a deeper understanding.
- NCERT lacks enough examples, question types, and challenges.
- Advanced topics often require clearer, structured explanations.
The Types of reference books high achievers prefer
Subject-wise advanced books
- Mathematics: R.D. Sharma, R.S. Aggarwal
- Science: Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur, Pradeep’s Guide
- English: Wren & Martin for grammar, BBC Compacta
- Social Science: Oswal books, Together With series
These books offer varied exercises, concepts, and exam-level questions.
Practice & question bank series
- Arihant’s All-in-One
- Educart Sample Paper Series
- Xam Idea
- Oswaal Question Bank
These resources are packed with practice papers for exams, helping to build exam confidence.
Previous year solved papers
- Provide insight into the paper pattern
- Highlight commonly asked questions
- Teach you how to write better answers
Conceptual guides and notes
- Evergreen books for concept clarity
- Handwritten topper notes from coaching institutes
- Flashcards, summaries, and mind maps
These tools support better memory and learning speed.
Explore the best books for competitive exams with expert guidance at Bodhi Bhavans, a trusted CBSE school in Kolkata.
How top scorers supplement NCERT with online resources
- YouTube channels like Physics Wallah, Unacademy
- Apps like Toppr, BYJU’S, Vedantu
- Websites offering free NCERT solutions and sample papers
- Quora and Reddit discussions help with doubt-clearing
These platforms give fast, visual learning that helps better.
At Bodhi Bhavans, we encourage the use of both offline and online study materials for top scorers. Discover how our students balance academics and extracurricular activities at our CBSE school in Kolkata.
The role of mock tests and sample papers
- They simulate the exam environment
- Help reduce fear and improve speed
- Allow better time management
- Show your strong and weak areas
Toppers take at least 10 full-length mock tests before boards.
Study strategies that work beyond NCERT
- Active recall instead of passive reading
- Use the Pomodoro technique for focused study
- Set daily goals and track progress
- Review difficult questions weekly
These habits turn good students into top scorers.
Time management techniques for efficient preparation
- Break long chapters into parts
- Allocate time per subject weekly
- Avoid multitasking during study time
- Include short breaks between sessions
Toppers keep their schedule tight but realistic.
Common mistakes students make when relying only on the NCERT
- Ignoring application-based questions
- Not solving enough practice papers
- Memorising without concept clarity
Avoid these common mistakes by learning the smart way. Join Bodhi Bhavans, the result-driven CBSE school in Kolkata, and access curated resources from day one.
How coaching institutes choose their recommended material
- Based on board exam trends and paper analysis
- Books that match the high score study strategy
- Authors with easy explanations and accurate content
- Includes coaching recommended books with step-wise answers
Tips for integrating multiple resources without confusion
- Stick to one main book and 1–2 support books
- Make separate notes from every source
- Revise topics weekly to link them better
- Highlight only key concepts from each book
Crafting your personalised resource list
No two students are alike. That’s why top scorers make their own plan. They combine NCERT solutions, advanced study resources, practice papers for exams, and online support.
At Bodhi Bhavans, we help students find what works best for them. Our expert faculty and guidance system make exam prep smoother and smarter.
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Want to build your own success path? Enrol at Bodhi Bhavans, CBSE school in Kolkata, and take the first step toward becoming a topper.
People also ask
- Are the NCERT books enough to score 90%?
NCERT books cover the basics well, but achieving 95% requires resources like reference books, mock tests, and advanced practice sets.
- Which is the best book for Science revision?
Pradeep’s Science Guide and Oswaal sample papers are the best.
- When is the right time to start solving sample papers and previous year questions?
Solving sample papers should begin 3–4 months before the exams.
- What’s the best online source for NCERT solutions?
BYJU’S and Toppr offer great explanations with videos.
- How can you manage exam pressure effectively while utilising advanced study resources?
Balanced time allocation, regular breaks, and simplified revision tools
