The same books toppers use — at a fraction of the cost. Smart prep starts with smart savings.
IIT-JEE and NEET preparation books cost ₹10,000-20,000 at full price. For families already spending on coaching, this is a significant burden. But the content doesn't expire — and that's where second-hand books become a game-changer.
Preparing for JEE or NEET? Get the same books toppers use at 50-70% off on BookBazaar!Shop Now
Competitive Exam Books Are Expensive — They Don't Have to Be
Preparing for IIT-JEE, NEET, UPSC, or CAT? The recommended book list runs into ₹10,000-20,000 easily. But here's what toppers won't tell you — many of them used second-hand books.
The content in H.C. Verma, Irodov, or MTG doesn't change between editions. A 2024 copy works just as well as a 2026 one. BookBazaar helps you find these books at 50-70% off.
IIT-JEE Books — Must-Have List & Second-Hand Prices
Physics
- H.C. Verma (Concepts of Physics Vol 1 & 2) — New: ₹800 | Used: ₹300-400
- Irodov (Problems in General Physics) — New: ₹500 | Used: ₹200-250
- D.C. Pandey (Understanding Physics) — New: ₹2,400 (5 books) | Used: ₹800-1,200
- Cengage Physics — New: ₹3,000 (5 books) | Used: ₹1,000-1,500
Also see our guide on buying second-hand books online for more tips.
Chemistry
- O.P. Tandon (Organic, Inorganic, Physical) — New: ₹1,800 | Used: ₹600-900
- Morrison & Boyd (Organic Chemistry) — New: ₹1,200 | Used: ₹400-600
- Cengage Chemistry — New: ₹2,500 (5 books) | Used: ₹900-1,200
Mathematics
- R.D. Sharma (Objective Mathematics) — New: ₹900 | Used: ₹350-450
- Cengage Mathematics — New: ₹2,800 (5 books) | Used: ₹1,000-1,400
- Arihant (Skills in Mathematics) — New: ₹2,000 (6 books) | Used: ₹700-1,000
Total JEE book cost: ₹18,000+ new → ₹6,000-8,000 used = ₹10,000-12,000 saved
NEET Books — Must-Have List & Second-Hand Prices
Physics
- H.C. Verma — New: ₹800 | Used: ₹300-400
- D.C. Pandey (NEET edition) — New: ₹600 | Used: ₹200-300
Chemistry
- NCERT (Class 11 & 12) — New: ₹500 | Used: ₹150-200
- V.K. Jaiswal / M.S. Chouhan — New: ₹900 | Used: ₹350-450
Biology
- MTG (NCERT at your Fingertips) — New: ₹900 | Used: ₹350-450
- Trueman's Biology (Vol 1 & 2) — New: ₹1,400 | Used: ₹500-700
- Pradeep's Biology — New: ₹900 | Used: ₹300-450
Total NEET book cost: ₹8,000+ new → ₹2,500-3,500 used = ₹4,500-5,500 saved
How to Find These Books on BookBazaar
- Go to yournotebook.in/bookbazaar
- Search by book name (e.g., "H.C. Verma" or "Cengage Physics")
- Or filter: Category = "Competitive Exam"
- Sort by "Price: Low to High"
- Check condition and photos before contacting seller
Tips for Buying Used Exam Books
- Check the edition year — For JEE/NEET, editions from 2022 onward are generally fine
- Solved questions are a bonus — Some sellers include their solved practice papers
- Buy early — Don't wait until the exam is near; prices go up as demand rises
- Negotiate bundles — Ask sellers if they have multiple books and negotiate a package price
- Check for supplements — Some books come with free online resources or CDs (verify if still accessible)
Your preparation quality depends on practice, not on whether your book is new or used. Save ₹10,000+ on competitive exam books through BookBazaar and invest that money in mock tests, coaching, or just peace of mind. Start browsing today.