The best books for AMU entrance preparation start with NCERT textbooks for your level, backed by a standard practice book for Mathematics and Science and a set of AMU previous years’ question papers. Before buying anything, download the official syllabus from AMU’s Controller of Examinations website, because test patterns and admission routes can change every year.
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Uttar Pradesh admits students to its schools, diploma courses, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This guide, updated for the 2026-27 session, lists books commonly used by successful candidates and explains how to plan. For more exam guides, see our education section.
First, check how your course admits students
AMU publishes a Guide to Admissions for every session on amucontrollerexams.com. For 2026-27, the university lists separate procedures for courses with departmental admission tests, courses admitted without a test, and courses offered through CUET. Some professional programmes use national exams such as JEE Main or NEET.
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This matters because the right books depend on the route. If your course is admitted through CUET-UG, follow the NTA syllabus. If AMU conducts its own test, follow the AMU syllabus, which is listed faculty-wise on its website, including a separate syllabus for S.S.S.C. (Class XI) and Diploma in Engineering.
Books for the AMU Class 9 entrance
- NCERT Class 6 to 8 textbooks: Mathematics, Science, Social Science and English are the base.
- AMU Class 9 guidebooks and solved papers: local guides such as AMU Booster and Conceptum are widely used in Aligarh for practice.
- Previous years’ papers: solve at least five years of past papers under timed conditions.
Books for AMU Class 11 (SSSC) entrance
The Class 11 tests are among the most competitive at AMU, especially for Science. Commonly used books include:
- Mathematics: NCERT Class 9 and 10, then R.D. Sharma for extra practice.
- Science: NCERT Class 9 and 10, with S. Chand’s Physics, Chemistry and Biology for Class 9 and 10 for depth.
- Social Science (for Humanities and Commerce streams): NCERT History, Geography, Political Science and Economics for Class 9 and 10.
- General awareness: a recent general knowledge book and daily newspaper reading, including topics on Indian culture.
- Practice: an AMU-specific Class 11 guide and solved papers.
Books for AMU B.Tech and Diploma in Engineering
Check the current Guide to Admissions to confirm whether your engineering programme uses JEE Main scores or an AMU test. Either way, the core books are the same:
- NCERT Class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- R.D. Sharma Class 11 and 12 for Mathematics practice.
- Pradeep’s Physics and Chemistry for extra numericals and theory.
- Solved papers from Arihant or similar publishers for timed practice.
For the Diploma in Engineering test, NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science and Mathematics are the base.
Books for AMU BA, B.Sc and B.Com
- BA: NCERT Class 11 and 12 books in your subjects, a general knowledge book, current affairs and an English grammar book.
- B.Sc: NCERT Class 11 and 12 in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology, depending on your stream.
- B.Com: NCERT Accountancy, Business Studies and Economics for Class 11 and 12.
- Practice: model solved papers from Arihant or AMU-specific guides such as Conceptum.
Books for AMU BA LLB
The BA LLB test usually checks general knowledge, current affairs, English, legal awareness and reasoning. Useful resources are:
- A standard legal aptitude book used for law entrance exams.
- A recent general knowledge book and a monthly current affairs magazine.
- An English grammar and comprehension book.
- AMU BA LLB previous years’ solved papers.
Quick summary
| Course | Core books | Extra practice |
|---|---|---|
| Class 9 | NCERT Class 6 to 8 | AMU Class 9 solved papers |
| Class 11 Science | NCERT Class 9 and 10 | R.D. Sharma, S. Chand |
| B.Tech | NCERT Class 11 and 12 | R.D. Sharma, Pradeep’s |
| BA, B.Sc, B.Com | NCERT Class 11 and 12 | Model solved papers |
| BA LLB | Legal aptitude, GK | Previous years’ papers |
How to prepare well
- Do not buy every book. One textbook and one practice book per subject is enough for most students.
- Start with NCERT. Read each chapter fully and solve all exercises before moving to harder books.
- Make a weekly plan. Give more time to subjects with higher weight in your test and to your weakest areas.
- Practise under time. Solve full papers in the exam duration at least once a week in the last two months.
- Revise in short cycles. Keep one notebook of formulas, dates and key facts for each subject, and revise it every week rather than only before the exam.
- Focus on understanding. AMU questions often test concepts rather than memory.
- Follow official notices. Application dates, test dates and admit cards are posted on the Controller of Examinations website. Do not rely on unofficial social media posts.
For tips on balancing study and well-being during exam season, see our health section.
Further reading: AMU Booster, Telegram.
Frequently asked questions
Is NCERT enough for the AMU entrance exam?
NCERT covers most of the syllabus for school-level and undergraduate tests, but you should add one practice book and past papers to improve speed and accuracy.
Where can I find the official AMU entrance syllabus?
The syllabus is published faculty-wise on amucontrollerexams.com under the Syllabus of Admission Tests section.
Are all AMU undergraduate courses admitted through AMU’s own test?
No. For 2026-27, AMU lists some courses with departmental tests, some without tests and some offered through CUET. Check the Guide to Admissions for your course.
Which book is best for AMU Class 11 Maths?
Start with NCERT Class 9 and 10 Mathematics, then use R.D. Sharma for extra practice.
Sources: AMU Controller of Examinations, AMU Admission Guide 2026-27, NCERT Textbooks.
