NCERT Book for Class 12 Mathematics
If you are a Class 12 student preparing for your CBSE board exams, the NCERT Mathematics textbook is one resource you simply cannot skip. It covers every topic in a clear, step-by-step way that builds real understanding rather than just surface-level formula memorisation. The book is split into two parts, and together they form the complete foundation for both board exams and competitive entrance tests like JEE and CUET. On this page, you can find study material for Class 12 Maths based on the latest edition of the NCERT textbook, shared here for educational reference.
About the NCERT Class 12 Maths Textbook
The NCERT Class 12 Mathematics book is published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. It follows the CBSE curriculum closely, which means almost every question in your board exam traces back to a concept, example, or exercise in this book. Many state boards also use it as a reference because of how well it explains the fundamentals.
The book is divided into two parts:
Part 1 covers Relations and Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Matrices, Determinants, Continuity and Differentiability, and Application of Derivatives.
Part 2 covers Integrals, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Three Dimensional Geometry, Linear Programming, and Probability.
Each chapter starts with a clear introduction, moves through theory, and then provides solved examples before the exercise questions. This structured flow makes self-study very effective.
Chapter-wise Overview: Part 1
Chapter 1: Relations and Functions
This chapter revisits the concept of relations from Class 11 and takes it further. You will study types of relations such as reflexive, symmetric, and transitive, and learn about equivalence relations. The chapter also covers types of functions, including one-one, onto, and bijective functions, along with the concept of composite functions and inverse of a function.
Chapter 2: Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Here you will learn the definition, domain, and range of inverse trigonometric functions. The chapter explains their principal values and important properties that are very useful in solving problems in calculus later. Graphs of these functions are also discussed.
Chapter 3: Matrices
This chapter introduces matrices, their types, and operations such as addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, and matrix multiplication. You will also learn about the transpose of a matrix, symmetric matrices, and the concept of an invertible matrix.
Chapter 4: Determinants
Determinants are closely linked to matrices and this chapter covers their properties, expansion using minors and cofactors, and how to find the area of a triangle using determinants. The chapter also explains how to use determinants to solve a system of linear equations through the adjoint and inverse method.
Chapter 5: Continuity and Differentiability
This is one of the more detailed chapters in Part 1. It explains continuity of a function at a point, different types of discontinuities, and rules for differentiation. Topics like chain rule, implicit differentiation, derivatives of logarithmic and exponential functions, and second-order derivatives are all covered here.
Chapter 6: Application of Derivatives
This chapter applies derivatives to real-world problems. You will study increasing and decreasing functions, tangents and normals, approximations, and maxima and minima. The first and second derivative tests are explained clearly with examples.
Chapter-wise Overview: Part 2
Chapter 7: Integrals
Integration is introduced as the reverse of differentiation. This chapter covers indefinite integrals, standard forms, and various methods such as substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions. Definite integrals and their properties are also explained in detail.
Chapter 8: Application of Integrals
You will use definite integrals to find the area under curves and between curves. This chapter involves practical geometry applications and is important for exams.
Chapter 9: Differential Equations
This chapter covers the formation and solution of differential equations. Types of equations such as variable separable, homogeneous, and linear differential equations are discussed with solved examples.
Chapter 10: Vector Algebra
Vectors are introduced with definitions, types, and operations. Dot product and cross product of vectors are covered along with their geometric interpretations and applications.
Chapter 11: Three Dimensional Geometry
This chapter deals with direction cosines, direction ratios, and equations of lines and planes in three-dimensional space. Finding angles between lines and planes using vectors is also explained.
Chapter 12: Linear Programming
Linear Programming Problems (LPP) are solved graphically in this chapter. You will learn how to identify the feasible region, find corner points, and determine the optimal value of an objective function.
Chapter 13: Probability
The final chapter covers conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, multiplication rule, and random variables. Probability distributions including binomial distribution are also part of this chapter.
Why the NCERT Maths Textbook Matters for Class 12
The NCERT Class 12 Maths book is the single most important resource for CBSE board preparation. Here is why students, parents, and teachers recommend it:
Most board exam questions are directly based on or closely adapted from NCERT examples and exercises.
The language is simple and the concepts are built progressively, making it easy to self-study.
The book is freely available from NCERT's official website, making it accessible to every student.
It is equally useful for competitive exams. JEE and CUET aspirants use it to build a strong conceptual base before moving to advanced study material.
Practising all NCERT exercises consistently builds the kind of speed and accuracy that board exams reward.
How to Study Class 12 Maths Effectively Using NCERT
A lot of students make the mistake of only solving exercises without reading the theory. Here is a practical approach that works:
Start by reading the theory for each chapter carefully. Do not skip the solved examples because they often show exactly the kind of approach CBSE expects in answers. After the examples, solve all exercise questions on your own before checking the solutions. Keep a separate notebook for important formulas, especially for derivatives, integrals, and trigonometric identities, and revise it every few days. Once you finish the textbook, practise previous year CBSE question papers to understand the exam pattern and manage your time better. For students targeting JEE or CUET, the NCERT Exemplar Problems book is the natural next step after mastering the main textbook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What topics are covered in the NCERT Class 12 Maths book?
The book covers 13 chapters across two parts. Part 1 includes Relations and Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Matrices, Determinants, Continuity and Differentiability, and Application of Derivatives. Part 2 covers Integrals, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Three Dimensional Geometry, Linear Programming, and Probability.
Q2. Is the NCERT Maths textbook enough for scoring well in CBSE board exams?
For most students, thorough practice of the NCERT textbook is sufficient to score well in board exams. The majority of board questions are directly or indirectly based on NCERT content. You can supplement with previous year papers and sample papers for additional practice.
Q3. Where can I get the latest edition of the NCERT Class 12 Maths book?
The latest edition of the NCERT Class 12 Maths book is available as a free PDF on NCERT's official website (ncert.nic.in). Physical copies are sold at NCERT authorised sales centres and many local bookshops at a nominal price.
Q4. How should I divide my study time between Part 1 and Part 2 of the Class 12 Maths NCERT book?
Both parts are equally important for board exams. Part 1 chapters like Continuity and Differentiability are concept-heavy and need more time. Part 2 chapters like Integrals require a lot of practice. Plan your schedule so you cover all chapters at least twice before your exams, with extra revision time for chapters where you feel less confident.
Q5. Can I use the NCERT Class 12 Maths book for JEE preparation?
Yes, NCERT is the recommended starting point for JEE Mathematics preparation. It builds the conceptual foundation that JEE questions are built upon. Once you are thorough with NCERT, you can move on to reference books like RD Sharma or HC Verma-style problem sets for higher-level practice.
The study material on this page is provided for educational reference. All content belongs to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). FutureTopper.in is an independent educational platform and does not claim any ownership over NCERT content.
