Is RD Sharma Worth It for Scoring 95 in CBSE Class 12 Mathematics?
Yes, RD Sharma is indeed a valuable resource for Class 12 Mathematics, especially if you are aiming for high marks like 95 in your board exams. However, whether it is the best resource depends on how you incorporate it into your preparation strategy. Here is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of using RD Sharma and how it fits into a broader study plan for your board exams.
Why RD Sharma Can Be Useful
1. Clear Conceptual Understanding
RD Sharma provides a strong foundation for core mathematical concepts. It is widely recognized for its clear and detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions. The explanations are easy to follow, which can be incredibly beneficial for mastering concepts that many students find challenging, such as Calculus or Trigonometry.
2. Wide Range of Problems
The book offers a diverse array of problems with varying difficulty levels. While it may not be the most challenging, RD Sharma provides plenty of practice for building problem-solving skills. For students just starting their board exam preparation, solving problems in RD Sharma is an excellent way to strengthen fundamentals.
3. NCERT Alignment
The problems in RD Sharma are often aligned with the NCERT syllabus, which is crucial since the majority of questions in the CBSE Board exams come from NCERT or have a similar level of difficulty. This makes RD Sharma a great supplement to NCERT, especially for additional practice after you have completed the NCERT textbook.
4. Good for Conceptual Clarity
The book helps develop conceptual clarity, which is essential for scoring high marks in the boards. The deeper you understand a topic, the easier it will be to solve application-based or trickier problems in the exam.
Limitations of RD Sharma for 95 in Boards
1. Lack of Advanced Problems
While RD Sharma excels in concept building, it may not provide enough advanced-level problems or those that match the difficulty level of board exam questions. If you are aiming for 95, you will need to supplement your practice with more challenging resources to handle application-based and tricky questions effectively.
2. Not Enough Focus on Exam Pattern
Although RD Sharma is excellent for learning fundamentals, it may not always match the exact type of questions asked in Class 12 CBSE exams. To effectively prepare for the board exam, you should focus on resources that expose you to past years' papers, sample papers, and test series to practice within the exam's time limits.
What You Should Do
If your goal is to score 95, here’s how you can incorporate RD Sharma into your preparation while also covering other important aspects:
1. Use RD Sharma for Conceptual Clarity
Focus on understanding the concepts and solving basic problems in RD Sharma. If you struggle with any chapter or topic, RD Sharma will help you build a solid understanding of the fundamentals. Complete the chapters in RD Sharma that correspond to the CBSE syllabus and make notes of key formulas, tricks, and methods.
2. Complement with NCERT
NCERT should still be your primary textbook for practice as it is directly aligned with the exam. Use RD Sharma to reinforce your learning but focus more on solving NCERT exercises and additional questions from it. NCERT is widely used by students who score high marks as the majority of questions in the CBSE exam are based on NCERT-level content.
3. Practice with Sample Papers and Past Year Papers
Once you are confident with the concepts, start solving sample papers and past year papers. These will give you a real sense of the type of questions you will face and help you manage your time effectively. You can also take mock tests to evaluate your progress and identify areas that need more focus.
4. Use Advanced Problem Books for Practice
For more advanced problems, you can refer to books like RD Sharma for Class 12 Advanced or R.S. Aggarwal for higher-level problems. For Calculus or Trigonometry, I.A. Maron provides excellent resources. Cengage or TMH (Tata McGraw-Hill) books can also be helpful for more practice, especially for higher-order thinking skills.
5. Focus on Application and Problem-Solving
Don’t just memorize formulas and methods; practice how to apply them in different contexts. This will prepare you for the application-based questions often asked in board exams.
6. Regular Revision
Make sure to regularly revise the chapters you have completed and do revision tests to identify gaps. This will help you in retaining the concepts and improving your accuracy under exam pressure.
Suggested Resources for Scoring 95 in Class 12 Math
1. NCERT Textbook: Primary resource for the exam.
2. RD Sharma: For conceptual clarity and basic problem-solving practice.
3. R.S. Aggarwal: For additional problems, especially in Algebra and Calculus.
4. Previous Year’s Papers: Solve at least 5-10 years' worth of past board exam papers.
5. Sample Papers: To practice time management and exam-like conditions.
6. Cengage or TMH (Tata McGraw-Hill): For advanced problems if you feel confident and want to push your limits.
Conclusion
In summary, RD Sharma is worth it for conceptual clarity and basic practice, especially if you are trying to score 95. But to achieve that level, it’s essential to supplement RD Sharma with higher-level resources, regular practice of past papers, and a strong focus on time management. This combination will ensure that you are well-prepared for the exam.