NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT – What to Study & What to Skip in 2026
- Divya Shinde
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Are you preparing for BITSAT 2026 and confused about whether to follow NCERT textbooks or go for reference books? Choosing the right study material is one of the biggest strategic decisions you’ll make. In this blog, we break down everything you must know about NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT, what to study, what to skip, and how to plan a smart preparation strategy.
Introduction: NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT 2026
BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test) is one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in India. While syllabus overlaps with JEE Main, BITSAT has its own format — faster pace, more questions, and strong focus on application‑based concepts.
One of the most common debates among students is:
Should I stick with NCERT books, or do I need reference books too?
This question becomes even more important in 2026, as competition increases and exam patterns become more dynamic.
Understanding the BITSAT Pattern (2026 Update)
Before comparing books, it’s important to know how BITSAT is structured:
Total Questions: 150
Sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology (for B.Pharm) & English Proficiency + Logical Reasoning
Duration: 3 hours
Mode: Online Objective Type
Scoring: +3 for correct | -1 for wrong | +Extra for bonus questions after 150
The presence of English and Reasoning makes BITSAT different from JEE, and question difficulty tends to be moderately high with twists that test concept application.
Why NCERT Books Are Important for BITSAT
Most toppers agree: NCERT is the foundation.
Here’s why:
1. Clear Conceptual Base
NCERT books explain basics in plain language — perfect for Physics, Chemistry & Maths fundamentals. For 2026, where concepts are unchanged but question framing is evolving, this clarity gives an edge.
2. High‑Yield Content for Chemistry
In particular, NCERT Chemistry (Class 11 & 12) covers almost 60–70% of BITSAT’s concept base. Organic reactions, periodic trends, and inorganic tables in NCERT are directly relevant.
3. Accuracy & Authenticity
Considering so many reference books distort or complicate topics, NCERT keeps it straightforward.
4. Useful for English & Reasoning
BITSAT’s English Proficiency and Reasoning are not covered in NCERT, but NCERT Class XI–XII English textbooks help with reading comprehension — a frequent scoring area.
What NCERT Covers Well, and What It Doesn’t
Subject | NCERT Strength | Gap for BITSAT |
Physics | Basic concepts | Application‑based tricky problems |
Chemistry | Very strong | Minor gap in advanced problem practice |
Mathematics | Fundamentals strong | Pattern‑based questions need more practice |
English & Reasoning | Comprehension practice | Logical puzzles need external books |
Are Reference Books Necessary for BITSAT in 2026?
The short answer? Yes — but smartly.
Reference books are essential only after you finish NCERT thoroughly. They help in:
1. Advanced Problem Practice
Reference books give a large problem set with varying difficulty — crucial for BITSAT’s high speed + accuracy requirement.
2. Concept Application
BITSAT loves twisty, application‑oriented questions. Reference books train your brain to think deeper.
3. Bridging the Gap
They fill the “practice gap” left by NCERT, especially in Physics and Mathematics.
Best Reference Books (Recommended for 2026)
Here’s a curated list based on relevance, clarity, and student success:
Physics
H.C. Verma – Concepts of Physics
I.E. Irodov – Problems in General Physics (Selective use)
D.C. Pandey series – Physics for JEE (BITSAT focus on specific chapters)
Chemistry
O.P. Tandon – Physical, Organic & Inorganic Chemistry
Morrison & Boyd – Organic Chemistry (optional)
P. Bahadur – Objective Chemistry
Mathematics
R.D. Sharma – Mathematics for Class 11 & 12
A. Das Gupta – Problems in Mathematics
Arihant Books – Plane Trigonometry, Calculus, Algebra
English & Logical Reasoning
Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar & Composition
M.K. Pandey – Analytical Reasoning (for logical puzzles)
RS Aggarwal – A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non‑Verbal Reasoning
IMPORTANT
Use reference books after finishing relevant NCERT chapters. Don’t start with reference books.
NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT: A Detailed Comparison
To simplify your decision, here’s a clear side‑by‑side comparison:
Criteria | NCERT Books | Reference Books |
Concept clarity | Excellent | Good to excellent |
Problem variety | Limited | Extensive |
Exam pattern alignment | Moderate | High |
Practice questions | Fewer | Many |
Time requirement | Low | High |
Suitable for beginners | Yes | After basics |
What to Study: Subject‑wise Strategy
Physics: Start with NCERT
Focus on NCERT for basics. Then use:
H.C. Verma for application
D.C. Pandey for numerical practice
I.E. Irodov selectively (tough problems only)
Key Chapters to Focus
Mechanics
Electricity & Magnetism
Optics
Modern Physics
Skip or minimize
Very long derivations in Irodov
Obscure topics not in BITSAT syllabus
Chemistry: NCERT First, Then Targeted Reference Practice
Chemistry is your scoring subject if prepared right.
NCERT
Cover every theory, table, example, and name reaction.
Reference Books
P. Bahadur (best for objective practice)
O.P. Tandon (for deeper concepts)
Focus On
Organic reaction mechanisms
Periodic table trends
Electrochemistry
Chemical calculations
Skip
Very advanced organic synthesis texts (not needed for BITSAT)
Mathematics: NCERT Foundation + Lots of Practice
Mathematics for BITSAT demands speed and accuracy.
Work on:
Algebra
Calculus
Coordinate Geometry
Trigonometry
Use
R.D. Sharma
A. Das Guptafor problem sets
Skip
Very deep competitive math books (like Olympiad levels — not needed)
English & Logical Reasoning
This section confuses many aspirants because it’s not in standard science textbooks.
For English
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary
Grammar
Use Wren & Martin and practice old BITSAT papers.
For Reasoning
Practice logical puzzles — sequences, sets, syllogisms.
Study Plan (NCERT + Reference) for BITSAT 2026
Here’s a 16‑week plan that combines NCERT and reference practice:
Weeks 1–4: NCERT Completion
Read Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics NCERT
Highlight key concepts
Solve NCERT end exercises
Weeks 5–8: Begin Reference Practice
Start with Physics + Mathematics problems
Chemistry objective books like P. Bahadur
Weeks 9–12: Mixed Revision
Time‑based practice sets
BITSAT sample papers
Weeks 13–16: Mock Tests & Final Revision
Take full‑length mocks
Analyze weak areas
Solve fastest questions first
This plan balances concept learning (NCERT) and application + speed (Reference books + mocks).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing for BITSAT, students often make these mistakes:
1. Skipping NCERT entirely
Many think reference books are enough — they aren’t. NCERT lays the base.
2. Reading too many reference books
This leads to confusion and overload. Stick to the recommended list.
3. Ignoring English & Reasoning
This section has 25 questions and is worth taking seriously.
4. Not taking timed practices
BITSAT is a speed game. You must practice under time pressure.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) -NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT 2026
Q1: NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT — Can I crack BITSAT with only NCERT?
A: You can clear basics with only NCERT, but to score above 300+ in BITSAT 2026, you need reference books for problem‑solving and application. NCERT alone will not be enough for competitive speed and accuracy.
Q2: Which is more important — NCERT or reference books for BITSAT?
A: NCERT builds your concepts, so it’s the first priority. Reference books come next to strengthen application and problem practice. Together they form a complete strategy.
Q3: Should I read all reference books in depth for BITSAT?
A: No. Only read relevant chapters and problems linked to the BITSAT syllabus. Skip advanced or irrelevant content.
Q4: Is NCERT enough for English & Reasoning in BITSAT?
A: NCERT helps in reading comprehension. But for reasoning puzzles and advanced English practice, you’ll need dedicated books and sample papers.
NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT: The Final Verdict
When it comes to NCERT vs Reference Books for BITSAT, the answer isn’t either/or. It is a strategic combination:
NCERT: Must‑do for basics and clarity.
Reference Books: Must‑do for practice and application.
NCERT gives you the foundation, and reference books help you build a winning strategy.
Take Action Today: Boost Your BITSAT 2026 Preparation
Don’t wait to start your journey toward a top BITSAT score. Follow these steps now:
Grab the Right Books
H.C. Verma, P. Bahadur, R.D. Sharma – Reference Books
Enroll in a BITSAT Mock Test Series
Plan & Track Your Study
Use a structured 16-week plan to combine NCERT basics + reference book practice.
Analyze & Improve
Regularly evaluate your mock test performance, focus on weak areas, and optimize speed and accuracy.
Start your preparation today! The right books and a smart plan can make all the difference for BITSAT 2026.
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