You can read and download the official NCERT maths textbooks. They are free for Class 11 and Class 12. Find each ncert maths book pdf chapter by chapter. Go to NCERT’s website: ncert.nic.in/textbook.php. Select the class, then “Mathematics.” Class 11 has one book with 14 chapters. Class 12 has Part I (chapters 1–6) and Part II (chapters 7–13). NCERT copyrights these textbooks. Download them from the official site. Avoid third-party copies. PDFs are free. Buy physical copies from NCERT-authorized vendors.
NCERT (the National Council of Educational Research and Training) publishes the maths textbooks used by CBSE and many state boards. These books form the foundational curriculum for competitive exams like JEE Main. NCERT makes the full books available free online in PDF format. This page tells you exactly where to get the official PDFs, lists every chapter in the current editions, and links each chapter to a free CalculusCalc guide with worked examples and a step-by-step calculator.
downloading your ncert maths book pdf for classes 11 and 12
You can download individual chapters or complete books from the NCERT website. Follow these steps to ensure you get the correct, official editions.
- Open NCERT’s textbook page: ncert.nic.in/textbook.php.
- Select the class from the dropdown menu (XI for Class 11 or XII for Class 12).
- Choose the subject Mathematics from the next dropdown.
- Select the book title from the third dropdown. For Class 11, it’s typically “Mathematics”. For Class 12, select either Mathematics Part I or Mathematics Part II.
- Press the Go button.
- You will see a list of chapters. Click on the “Open” link next to any chapter to view or download its PDF. You can also use the “Download Complete Book” button (usually a zip file of all chapters) if available, typically found at the bottom of the chapter list.
The same books are also available in NCERT’s official ePathshala app (ePathshala on CIET-NCERT), which provides an interactive way to read and access the content on mobile devices. Both Hindi (गणित) and English editions are published and available for download.
Common download problems and fixes
- “Go” button doesn’t work: Ensure you have selected a valid option in all three dropdown menus (Class, Subject, Book Title). The button only activates once all selections are made.
- PDFs won’t open: Download and install a reliable PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader. Ensure your browser’s PDF viewer is up to date.
- Slow download speeds: NCERT’s servers can experience high traffic, especially during peak academic periods. Try downloading during off-peak hours or try again later. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Missing chapters or incorrect content: Always download directly from ncert.nic.in. Third-party sites may host outdated or incomplete versions.
NCERT 11 and 12 Books Price (Official PDFs are Free)
The official NCERT PDFs for Class 11 and 12 Maths textbooks are absolutely free to download and use. NCERT makes these digital versions available to ensure equitable access to educational resources for all students across India. You should never pay any website for these PDF downloads.
If you prefer physical copies, you can purchase them from NCERT’s authorized sales counters located in various cities, or through their designated distributors and booksellers. The price of physical books varies slightly each year and by edition, but they are generally very affordable. Always check with official NCERT sources or authorized vendors for the most current pricing if you plan to buy a hard copy.
Why download from the official NCERT website?
NCERT textbooks are copyrighted by NCERT. NCERT allows free access through its own channels, but that doesn’t permit other sites to re-upload them. Downloading from the official source offers several critical advantages:
- Authenticity: You guarantee you receive the genuine, unaltered content published by NCERT.
- Current Edition: NCERT regularly updates its textbooks. For instance, chapters were removed and renumbered in 2023 under the rationalisation process. Downloading from the official site ensures you get the most current, rationalised edition relevant for your academic year. NCERT is also rolling out new textbooks under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2023) class by class, so always check the official site for the edition your school uses.
- Safety: Official downloads are free from malware or corrupted files that can sometimes be found on unofficial third-party sites.
- Completeness: You get all chapters and supplementary materials, if any, as intended by the publisher.
NCERT Class 11 Maths: chapters and key concepts
The current (rationalised) Class 11 Maths book has 14 chapters. The former chapters “Principle of Mathematical Induction” and “Mathematical Reasoning” were removed as part of the curriculum rationalisation. This book builds your foundational understanding of advanced mathematical concepts, essential for Class 12 and beyond.
| No. | Chapter | Key Concepts & Free CalculusCalc guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sets | Introduction to sets, types of sets, Venn diagrams, set operations. |
| 2 | Relations and Functions | Relations, functions, domain and range, types of functions. Domain and range, graphs of functions |
| 3 | Trigonometric Functions | Angles, trigonometric ratios, identities, equations, graphs. Trigonometric functions, trig identities, unit circle, degrees to radians |
| 4 | Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations | Complex numbers, algebraic operations, Argand plane, quadratic equations with complex roots. Quadratic formula |
| 5 | Linear Inequalities | Solving linear inequalities in one and two variables, graphical solution. |
| 6 | Permutations and Combinations | Fundamental principle of counting, permutations, combinations. Formulas on the statistics formula sheet |
| 7 | Binomial Theorem | Binomial theorem for positive integral indices, general and middle terms. Polynomials |
| 8 | Sequences and Series | Arithmetic progression, geometric progression, sum to n terms, special series. Arithmetic and geometric sequences, geometric series |
| 9 | Straight Lines | Slope of a line, various forms of line equations, distance of a point from a line. Slope formula, distance and midpoint |
| 10 | Conic Sections | Circles, parabolas, ellipses, hyperbolas, standard equations. Distance and midpoint (the circle equation) |
| 11 | Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry | Coordinate axes and planes, coordinates of a point in space, distance formula. Distance and midpoint (3D distance) |
| 12 | Limits and Derivatives | Intuitive idea of limits, limits of trigonometric functions, derivatives, rules of differentiation. Limits and Derivatives Class 11, limit of sin x / x, derivative rules |
| 13 | Statistics | Measures of dispersion (range, mean deviation, variance, standard deviation). Mean, median and mode, standard deviation |
| 14 | Probability | Random experiments, events, axiomatic approach to probability. |
Chapter 12, Limits and Derivatives, is your first introduction to calculus. Our Class 11 limits and derivatives guide works through every standard limit and derivative concept in it, and the limit calculator and derivative calculator show each step.
NCERT Class 12 Maths Part I: chapters and key concepts
Class 12 Maths Part I covers six essential chapters, deepening your understanding of relations, functions, matrices, determinants, and introducing core concepts of differential calculus. This part lays the groundwork for advanced applications.
| No. | Chapter | Key Concepts & Free CalculusCalc guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relations and Functions | Types of relations, types of functions (one-one, onto), composition of functions, invertible functions. Domain and range |
| 2 | Inverse Trigonometric Functions | Definition, domain, range, principal value branches, properties. Inverse trig functions, inverse trig calculator |
| 3 | Matrices | Types of matrices, operations on matrices, transpose, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices, elementary operations. Matrix multiplication, matrix calculator |
| 4 | Determinants | Determinant of a square matrix, properties of determinants, minors, cofactors, adjoint, inverse of a matrix, applications to solving systems of linear equations. Matrix calculator (determinant and inverse, with steps) |
| 5 | Continuity and Differentiability | Continuity, differentiability, derivative of composite functions (chain rule), implicit functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, second-order derivatives. Chain rule, implicit differentiation, derivative of x^x (logarithmic differentiation), second derivative calculator |
| 6 | Application of Derivatives | Rate of change, increasing/decreasing functions, tangents and normals, approximations, maxima and minima. Tangent lines, critical points, optimization, rate of change |
NCERT Class 12 Maths Part II: chapters and key concepts
Class 12 Maths Part II contains the remaining seven chapters, focusing heavily on integral calculus, vector algebra, 3D geometry, linear programming, and probability. This section introduces advanced mathematical tools and their applications.
| No. | Chapter | Key Concepts & Free CalculusCalc guide |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Integrals | Integration as inverse of differentiation, methods of integration (substitution, partial fractions, by parts), definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus. Integrals Class 12, integration formulas, substitution, partial fractions, integration by parts |
| 8 | Application of Integrals | Area under simple curves, area between two curves. Area between curves, area between curves calculator |
| 9 | Differential Equations | Order and degree, general and particular solutions, formation of differential equations, variable separable method, homogeneous equations, linear differential equations. Differential equations |
| 10 | Vector Algebra | Vectors and scalars, types of vectors, addition, multiplication (dot and cross product), scalar triple product. |
| 11 | Three Dimensional Geometry | Direction cosines and ratios, equations of line and plane in space, shortest distance between two lines. |
| 12 | Linear Programming | Linear programming problems (LPP), mathematical formulation, graphical method of solving LPP. |
| 13 | Probability | Conditional probability, multiplication theorem, independent events, Bayes’ theorem, random variables, probability distributions. Statistics formula sheet |
The Integrals chapter is the longest and most comprehensive in Part II. Our Integrals Class 12 guide covers every method in it with solved examples, and the integral calculator and definite integral calculator show each step.
How to study from the NCERT maths books effectively
NCERT textbooks are designed for thorough understanding and practice. Here’s how you can maximise your learning:
- Focus on Concepts: Understand the underlying concepts before attempting problems. NCERT books explain each topic systematically.
- Do every example and exercise. Board papers draw heavily on NCERT’s examples and exercises, so work them all, including the “Miscellaneous Exercise” at the end of each chapter. These exercises reinforce your understanding and expose you to various problem types.
- Check your steps, not just the answer. Solve a question yourself, then check it with a step-by-step calculator or solution guide. If your working differs, find the first line where it goes wrong. This helps identify conceptual gaps or common mistakes.
- Keep the formulas in front of you. Print the free derivative and integral table and trig identities sheet while you practise, then practise without them before the exam. Memorizing formulas is crucial, but understanding their derivation is more important.
- Practice regularly: Consistency is key in mathematics. Solve problems daily to retain concepts and improve problem-solving speed.
- For JEE, finish the NCERT exercises first, then move on to the official NCERT Exemplar problems, which are also available on NCERT’s website. These provide higher-order thinking questions suitable for competitive exams.
- Identify weak areas: As you practice, note down topics where you consistently struggle. Revisit the textbook explanations, seek clarification from teachers, or use supplementary resources.
Who this study advice is for (and who it is not)
This study approach is highly effective for students preparing for CBSE board exams, state board exams that follow the NCERT curriculum, and foundational preparation for competitive exams like JEE Main and NEET. It suits learners who benefit from a structured, systematic approach to mastering mathematical concepts.
This advice may be less suitable for students who already have a strong grasp of the NCERT syllabus and are looking for advanced, beyond-syllabus competitive exam material. While NCERT is the foundation, competitive exams often require additional practice from specialized books and test series once the NCERT syllabus is thoroughly covered. Similarly, students who learn best through highly visual or interactive methods might find the traditional textbook approach less engaging without supplementary tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download NCERT maths books for free?
Yes. NCERT makes its textbooks free to read and download on ncert.nic.in and in the ePathshala app. You don’t need to pay any third-party site.
How many chapters are in NCERT Class 12 Maths?
13 chapters in two books: Part I has chapters 1–6 (relations and functions to application of derivatives), and Part II has chapters 7–13 (integrals to probability).
How many chapters are in NCERT Class 11 Maths?
14 chapters in the current rationalised edition, from Sets to Probability.
Which chapter of Class 11 maths has calculus?
Chapter 12, Limits and Derivatives. Calculus continues in Class 12 with continuity and differentiability, application of derivatives, integrals, application of integrals and differential equations.
Why doesn’t this site host the NCERT PDFs?
The books are copyrighted by NCERT. We link to the official NCERT download so you always get the authentic, current edition and comply with copyright regulations.
Further reading
- NCERT textbooks (official) — free official PDFs for every class and subject.
- ePathshala — NCERT and CIET’s official e-book portal and app.
- NCERT Exemplar Problems — official PDFs of additional practice problems for competitive exams.
- Free calculus textbooks — open-licensed university calculus books for going beyond the syllabus.
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