Arihant vs Oswaal: Which is Better?

The Indian secondary and senior secondary education sectors are currently navigating a profound structural transformation necessitated by the phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This transition has redefined the criteria for academic success, shifting the focus from rote memorization to competency-based learning and multi-dimensional assessment. In this high-stakes environment, the supplemental publishing market—led by industry stalwarts Arihant Publications and Oswaal Books—has become an essential component of the student’s pedagogical ecosystem. As the 2025-2026 academic cycle approaches, the competition between these two entities has evolved beyond content volume into a sophisticated rivalry centered on digital integration, artificial intelligence, and alignment with the dual-board exam system introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).  

The Macro-Environmental Shift: NEP 2020 and the Dual-Board Framework

The academic session of 2025-2026 is a watershed moment for Indian schooling. The introduction of two mandatory board examination windows—the first in February-March and an optional improvement window in May—represents a fundamental change in how students must prepare for Class 10 and 12 assessments. This dual-board system is designed to alleviate the singular psychological pressure of a one-time high-stakes exam and encourages a more iterative approach to academic performance. For publishers, this means that study materials must now support both long-term foundational learning and rapid improvement cycles.

Furthermore, the CBSE has mandated that approximately 50% of the question paper for the 2025-2026 exams will consist of competency-focused questions (CFPQs), including case studies, source-based assessments, and application-oriented problems. This pedagogical shift aims to ensure that students are not merely replicating textbook content but are capable of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Both Arihant and Oswaal have responded by heavily revising their catalogs to integrate high-order thinking skills (HOTS) and National Curriculum Framework (NCF) standards into their core product lines.

Strategic Profiles: Arihant Publications and Oswaal Books

Understanding the "best" choice between Arihant and Oswaal requires an analysis of their distinct educational philosophies. Arihant Publications is traditionally perceived as a comprehensive educational partner. Its hallmark "All In One" series is designed to serve as a holistic replacement for standard textbooks, providing exhaustive theoretical explanations followed by practice questions. This approach appeals to students who require conceptual hand-holding and a consolidated resource for both school-level learning and board exam preparation.

Oswaal Books, conversely, positions itself as a specialized practice hub. Its primary strength lies in its "Question Banks" and "Sample Question Papers," which are engineered for students who have already completed their primary reading (usually from NCERT or ICSE textbooks) and now seek to master the art of the examination itself. Oswaal’s strategy for 2026 is increasingly data-driven and technology-integrated, emphasizing the "Topper’s Approach" and AI-assisted learning to bridge the gap between understanding and scoring.  

Comparative Table: Publisher Philosophies and Product Structures

Strategic Dimension	Arihant Publications	Oswaal Books
Primary Pedagogical Goal	Holistic conceptual depth and foundational clarity.	Rigorous practice and exam-pattern mastery.
Signature Series	All In One, i-Succeed, Avtar (State Board).	Question Banks, 15 Sample Papers, One For All.
Target Audience	Students seeking a textbook-replacement guide.	Students seeking intensive question-based drill.
NEP 2020 Alignment	Focus on integrated theory and case study logic.	High volume of CFPQs and source-based practice.
Digital Ecosystem	Exam With Arihant (App-based tests/videos).	Oswaal AI (24/7 interactive support) and Oswaal360.
Best For (Subject)	Social Science, Humanities, and English theory.	Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry practice.

Detailed Pedagogical Analysis: Question Banks and Sample Papers

The effectiveness of a supplemental book is often measured by its proximity to the actual board examination paper. For the 2025-2026 cycle, both publishers have refined their assessment tools to match the revised difficulty levels and typologies.

Arihant’s i-Succeed and All In One Series

The Arihant "All In One" series for Class 10 and 12 remains a dominant force due to its inclusion of NCERT textbook and exemplar solutions, combined with chapter-wise summaries and past-year questions. This structure ensures that a student is exposed to every potential question source within a single volume. For the final stretch of revision, Arihant offers the "i-Succeed" sample paper series, which typically includes 15 papers—ranging from solved to unsolved practice sets—and rapid revision sheets to help students brush up on formulas and key terms in the hours before an exam.

Research suggests that Arihant's strength lies in its "logic-driven" notes, especially in subjects like Business Studies and Social Science, where understanding the mechanism of a process is as important as the outcome. In the UP Board segment, the "Avtar" series continues to be the preferred choice for NCERT-based curriculum, offering chapter-wise theory and model papers specifically designed for regional board requirements.

Oswaal’s Question Bank and Sample Question Papers (SQPs)

Oswaal Books has cultivated a reputation for being "bulk-heavy" in terms of practice. Their 2026 Question Banks for CBSE Class 10 and 12 boast over 1,200 questions per subject, covering all possible typologies—from Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to long-form subjective responses. A critical feature of Oswaal’s offering is the inclusion of "Toppers' Handwritten Answers," which provide students with visual cues on how to structure their responses to appeal to board evaluators.

For the 2026 session, Oswaal’s "15 Sample Question Papers" series is structured into three categories: 5 fully solved papers, 5 self-assessment papers with hints, and 5 unsolved practice sets. This graded approach allows students to build confidence before facing the most challenging "sealed" papers that replicate real exam conditions. Oswaal’s "One For All" series attempts to rival Arihant’s "All In One" by integrating NCERT theory with competency questions, though it remains more practice-oriented than its Arihant counterpart.

Subject-Wise Feature Comparison for 2026 Board Exams

Feature	Oswaal Question Banks	Arihant All In One
Question Volume	Extensive (1200+ per subject).	Moderate but highly curated.
Topper Insights	Toppers' handwritten answers included.	Board toppers' answer analysis in i-Succeed.
Visual Aids	Mind Maps and Mnemonics in every chapter.	Flowcharts and concept enhancers.
Revision Support	On-Tips Notes and QR-linked videos.	Rapid Revision Sheets and Key Ideas.
Competency Focus	50%+ CFPQs as per latest CBSE mandate.	Integrated case studies and source-based items.
Error Rate	Occasional printing/key errors noted by users.	Generally low, but high-density text is common.

Technological Integration: The Digital Frontier of Oswaal AI and Arihant Online

The most significant competitive differentiator in the 2025-2026 cycle is the integration of digital learning aids. Both publishers are moving toward a hybrid learning model where the physical book serves as a gateway to a broader online ecosystem.

Oswaal AI: The Smart Interactive Companion

Oswaal has pioneered the use of generative artificial intelligence in the Indian K-12 market through "Oswaal AI". Every page of the 2026 Question Banks is designed to be interactive. By scanning a QR code, students gain access to 24/7 AI-powered support. This system allows students to ask conceptual questions, request explanations for complex formulas, or generate "Smart Quizzes" on the fly for immediate practice.

The implications of Oswaal AI extend beyond the student to the teaching community. In 2026, AI is expected to significantly reduce the administrative workload for teachers by automating task areas such as attendance management, grade calculation, and worksheet generation. This technological adoption enables a shift from "manual checking" to "AI-supported evaluation," allowing educators to spend more time on direct student mentorship.

Arihant Digital Support: Video Lectures and Mock Tests

Arihant’s digital strategy focuses on "Exam With Arihant," a comprehensive mobile application and web platform that provides a wide range of free and paid online test series. For the 2026 exams, several Arihant titles, such as "Strate JEE" and the "Medico Achiever's Series," are embedded with chapter-wise video lectures delivered by the authors themselves. This "Visualize Learning" approach is particularly effective for subjects like Organic Chemistry and Physics, where complex mechanisms benefit from animated or recorded demonstrations.

Furthermore, Arihant offers a "24x7 Free Online Doubt Solver" for specific competitive lines, ensuring that students preparing for board exams alongside JEE or NEET have a continuous support system. While Arihant’s approach is less "AI-conversational" than Oswaal’s, it provides a high-quality, expert-led instructional environment that mirrors the traditional classroom experience.

Board-Specific Market Penetration: CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards

The regional and board-specific strengths of these publishers often dictate their market share. While both are national players, their dominance varies by board and subject matter.

The CBSE Domain: A Battle of Practice and Theory

In the CBSE market, Oswaal is frequently cited as the "Goat" (Greatest of All Time) for Science and Mathematics practice among the 2022-2025 student cohorts. The variety of questions and the precision of the marking scheme-based answers make it a staple for high achievers. However, Arihant maintains a strong lead in Social Science (SST) and English, where its "All In One" series provides the narrative depth required for subjects that are not purely mathematical.

The ICSE and ISC Domain: Specialized Curriculum Support

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) market requires a different pedagogical approach due to its unique curriculum. Oswaal has established a strong presence here with its subject-wise Class 10 Question Banks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, which are highly rated for their chapter-wise and topic-wise presentation. Arihant, through its ISC Class 12 "i-Succeed" series, provides targeted support for the Commerce stream, including Accountancy and Business Studies with rapid revision sheets.

The UP Board and Regional Focus

Arihant’s dominance in the UP Board segment is noteworthy. The "Avtar" series has successfully transitioned into the NCERT-based syllabus, offering English-medium question banks for Class 12 Business Studies and other subjects. These books are specifically designed to meet the English-medium requirements of UP Board students following the NEP 2020 pattern, including unsolved papers from the last four years to build exam temperament.

Sentiment Analysis: Qualitative Feedback from the Student Community

Data from student forums such as Reddit (r/CBSE) and Quora reveal a sophisticated consumer base that often chooses a "mix-and-match" strategy rather than sticking to a single publisher.

The Reddit Consensus: Subject-Wise Specialization

According to student feedback, Arihant’s "All In One" is often considered the best substitute for NCERT in Social Science, with some students reporting scores of 96+ without even touching their geography or economy textbooks. However, for Science and Mathematics, the consensus leans toward Oswaal due to the perceived "higher difficulty" and "bulk" of its questions.

A growing segment of students also highlights the emergence of competitors like Educart and Physics Wallah (PW). Educart is frequently praised for its high-quality competency questions, which many students feel are more "tricky" and realistic than those in Oswaal. PW is viewed as a budget-friendly option that is "90% enough" for subjects like English, though some users warn of errors in their solution keys.

Reported Limitations and Concerns

A recurring criticism in student reviews is the presence of errors. Oswaal has been called out for "outdated questions" and incorrect answers in some science sample papers, leading some students to stop using them in favor of NCERT and official board sample papers. Arihant, while generally more error-free, is often described as having books that are "very thick" and "difficult to complete" once, let alone multiple times.

Pricing and Accessibility: The Retail Landscape (Agra Region Focus)

The availability and pricing of these books are influenced by local retail dynamics. Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is a significant hub for these publishers. Data from local distributors like Ashok Book Depot and Manav Books provides a snapshot of the current pricing for the 2026 exam cycle.  

Book Title	Publisher	Market Price (₹)	Discount (Approx.)
Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Class 10 Mathematics 2026	Oswaal	579	15% - 20%
Oswaal Question Bank Class 10 Science 2026	Oswaal	594	15%
Arihant All In One Mathematics Class 10 2025	Arihant	395	10% - 20%
Educart CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 Science 2026	Educart	399	-
ICSE 10 Years Solved Papers Class 10 2026	Sparkles	799	10%
UP Board Business Studies Class 12 2026	Arihant	129 - 145	-

Agra-based retailers like Ashok Book Depot offer a 20% discount on many ICSE/ISC titles, reflecting the competitive nature of the regional market. The presence of dedicated outlets like the "Oswaal Books" shop near Sahitya Kunj and "Arihant Book Depo" in Achnera ensures that students have direct access to the latest editions.

Specialized Focus: The Rise of AI and New-Age Skill Subjects

As per the NEP 2020’s focus on vocational and skill-based learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a popular elective in Class 10. Oswaal has capitalized on this trend with its "CBSE Question Bank Artificial Intelligence For Class 10," designed for the 2026 exam. This book features:

• Over 800 chapter-wise and topic-wise solved questions.

• QR codes for concept videos and smart mind maps for rapid revision.

• Alignment with the latest CBSE pattern, including 50% CFPQs.

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Student reviews for this specific title suggest it is "helpful for self-study at home" and provides a "smooth transition from simple to challenging problems". This reflects a broader trend where publishers are no longer just supporting core subjects but are creating high-quality resources for the entire spectrum of the 21st-century curriculum.

Strategic Decision Matrix: Choosing the Right Resource for 2026

The "eternal dilemma" of choosing between Arihant and Oswaal can be resolved by aligning the publisher's strength with the student's individual learning persona and subject requirements.

For the Foundation Builder (Arihant Persona)

The student who chooses Arihant is typically looking for:

• Conceptual Depth: A single book that explains the "why" behind every topic.  

• Social Science Mastery: Narrative-heavy subjects where structured notes are more beneficial than raw question lists.  

• Integrated Learning: A one-stop solution that includes NCERT solutions, summaries, and practice in one volume.

For the Exam Strategist (Oswaal Persona)

The student who chooses Oswaal is typically looking for:

• Practice Volume: The ability to solve hundreds of variations of the same concept to build speed and accuracy.  

• Topper Simulation: Learning the "best way to write" by analyzing handwritten topper answers.  

• Interactive Support: Leveraging AI and digital tools for instant doubt resolution and personalized quizzes.

For the Competitive Hybrid (The Topper Strategy)

The most successful students in the 2025-2026 cycle are likely to adopt a hybrid strategy:

1. Core Learning: Use NCERT textbooks as the primary source.  

2. Theoretical Support: Use Arihant "All In One" for subjects like English, Hindi, and Social Science.  

3. Practice Rigor: Use Oswaal Question Banks for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry practice.  

4. Final Mock Tests: Use Educart or Arihant "i-Succeed" for the final month of timed sample paper practice to replicate board difficulty.

Future Outlook: The Intelligent Classroom of 2026 and Beyond

The competition between Arihant and Oswaal is no longer just about who prints better books; it is about who creates a better "Learning Ecosystem." Oswaal’s heavy investment in AI and digital dashboards suggests a future where the book becomes a physical interface for an adaptive learning software. Arihant’s focus on expert-led video content and comprehensive logic-based theory ensures it remains the gold standard for pedagogical depth.

As the 2026 dual-board exams approach, students must move away from brand loyalty toward functional utility. The "best" publisher is the one whose material bridges the individual student's specific learning gaps. Whether through the interactive AI of Oswaal or the exhaustive conceptual clarity of Arihant, the ultimate goal remains the same: a holistic understanding of the curriculum that translates into peak performance in the modern, competency-based examination hall.

Conclusion: Synthetic Recommendations for the 2025-2026 Cycle

The research suggests that the 2025-2026 academic year requires a more agile and data-supported study plan than ever before. With 50% of questions now focused on competencies and the introduction of a dual-exam system, the volume of practice provided by Oswaal and the structural clarity provided by Arihant both play vital roles. Students are advised to start with NCERT mastery, utilize Arihant for theoretical grounding in non-mathematical subjects, and leverage Oswaal’s bulk question banks and AI tools for high-stakes practice in science and mathematics. This balanced approach, corroborated by topper feedback and regional market trends, remains the most viable path to academic excellence in the evolving Indian educational landscape.