Which is the More Important Book for 12th Class Physics: NCERT or HC Verma?
Choosing the right books for your 12th class physics can significantly impact your understanding and performance. Two of the most popular books are NCERT and HC Verma. Both books have their unique strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on your goals—whether you are preparing for your board exams or competitive exams like JEE.
Reading Order and Contextual Understanding
Many students suggest starting with HC Verma to build a strong conceptual foundation. The reasoning behind this is that NCERT can be challenging to understand without some preparatory grounding. Once you have a good grasp of the concepts, NCERT becomes much easier to follow and can be used to solidify your understanding.
It is essential to approach both books methodically. Start with conceptual development using HC Verma, and then move on to NCERT for detailed explanations and theory. This combination not only helps in building a solid foundation but also ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the topics.
Purpose of Each Book
For your board exams, NCERT is considered compulsory. It covers all the necessary topics comprehensively and provides detailed theory, illustrations, and exercises. Reading NCERT questions line by line and understanding the answers given at the end of each chapter will be beneficial for your board exams.
For competitive exams such as the JEE, HC Verma is highly recommended. HC Verma offers a wide range of problems, including solved examples and numericals, which are essential for mastering the subject. It is a great source for building problem-solving skills, which is crucial for the JEE.
Time and Goal Factors
The timing of your preparation and your final goals play a significant role in deciding which books to use. If you are in the above 12th grade and are planning for the JEE in the future, it is recommended to start with HC Verma and gradually move to NCERT for in-depth theory and practice.
However, if your priority is to excel in your board exams, focus solely on NCERT and ensure that you thoroughly complete every chapter. Additionally, Cengage Publications can be used alongside NCERT for more practice and advanced problem-solving.
For those with limited time and preparing for the boards, the primary focus should be on NCERT. You can use HC Verma for supplementary learning and to enhance your understanding of complex topics.
Customized Study Plan
The best approach often involves a combination of both books. Start with HC Verma to build your conceptual understanding. After completing HC Verma, use NCERT for detailed theory, practice questions, and board exam preparation. For a deeper understanding and more advanced numericals, other books like Resnik and Halliday, as well as I.E. Irodov, can be used to prepare for JEE or other advanced exams.
In summary, while NCERT is essential for board exams, HC Verma is invaluable for competitive exams like JEE. By strategically using both books, you can effectively prepare for both your board exams and competitive exams, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of physics.