Introduction
The IIT Foundation Series – Chemistry (Class 10), Second Edition by Trishna’s Knowledge Systems is one of the most highly recommended resources for students aspiring to crack India’s top competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NTSE, and various Olympiads. With in-depth conceptual clarity, systematic chapter progression, and application-based learning, this book offers far more than just NCERT-level chemistry. It provides the stepping stone every ambitious Class 10 student needs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the IIT Foundation Series
- Why Class 10 Chemistry Is a Game-Changer
- Overview of the Book
- Detailed Chapter-wise Breakdown
- Key Features of the Book
- Pedagogical Strength and Teaching Style
- Who Should Use This Book?
- How to Study Using the Book
- Pros and Cons
- Comparisons with Other Foundation Books
- Student and Teacher Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Introduction to the IIT Foundation Series
The IIT Foundation Series by Pearson has been trusted by lakhs of students across India for building a strong conceptual base in Science and Mathematics. These books are specifically written to help students prepare early for exams like IIT-JEE, which require an advanced understanding of fundamental concepts. The chemistry volume for Class 10 is a crucial component in this journey.
Why Class 10 Chemistry Is a Game-Changer
Class 10 is the final stage before students enter the higher secondary level. Chemistry in this grade lays the groundwork for understanding the complexity of reactions, bonding, stoichiometry, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and environmental science. Students who master Class 10 concepts find it significantly easier to navigate through Class 11 and 12 syllabi.
Overview of the Book
This Second Edition of the Class 10 Chemistry book is carefully curated to combine both CBSE topics and additional high-level questions for competitive readiness. With clean formatting, clear objectives, and illustrative diagrams, it stands out as a superior learning tool.
Publisher:
Pearson Education India
Edition:
Second Edition (Latest as per available data)
Authors:
Trishna's Knowledge Systems (TKS) – a group of IIT alumni and academic experts.
Detailed Chapter-wise Breakdown
- Structure of Atom
- Periodic Classification of Elements
- Chemical Bonding
- Chemical Reactions and Equations
- Acids, Bases, and Salts
- Metals and Non-Metals
- Carbon and Its Compounds
- Environmental Chemistry
- Practical Chemistry and Experimentation
- Model Test Papers & Olympiad Corner
Key Features of the Book
- Concept Clarity: Every chapter begins with a real-life context or analogy that simplifies complex topics.
- Progressive Difficulty: Questions are divided into three levels—Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced.
- Practice Sections: Includes "Do You Know?", "Objective Type Questions", and "Assertion-Reason Type Questions".
- Olympiad Prep: Dedicated sections for NTSE, JSTSE, and other competitive formats.
- Answer Keys and Explanations: Detailed solutions for every problem help students self-correct and learn effectively.
Pedagogical Strength and Teaching Style
Unlike many traditional textbooks that stick to a question-answer format, this book adopts a mentor-like tone. It guides the learner through the concept, ensures understanding through interactive exercises, and revisits knowledge through revision notes. This not only boosts retention but builds confidence.
Who Should Use This Book?
This book is ideal for:
- Class 10 students from CBSE, ICSE, and state boards aiming for strong fundamentals.
- JEE/NEET aspirants who want to start early.
- Olympiad aspirants (NSO, INChO, etc.).
- Coaching institutions looking for supplementary material.
How to Study Using the Book
- Start from the Basics: Don’t skip the introductory content. It often provides useful analogies.
- Make Notes: Write summaries and flashcards from each topic.
- Solve Gradually: Complete questions by increasing difficulty.
- Revise Regularly: Use the Review and Olympiad sections to test long-term memory.
- Track Progress: Use the answer keys and evaluation sheets provided in the book.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Well-structured and easy to follow
- Advanced level questions help with competitive exam prep
- Graphics and tables for better visualization
- Integrated with Olympiad-style learning
- Adaptable for self-study and coaching formats
Cons:
- May be challenging for students who haven’t yet mastered NCERT content
- No video support or online integration (in the print version)
Comparison with Other Books
| Feature | Pearson IIT Foundation | MTG Foundation Series | Arihant Foundation Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Easy and student-friendly | Slightly more technical | Crisp but denser |
| Difficulty Levels | Gradual with Olympiad mix | Heavily competitive | More exam-oriented |
| Ideal For | CBSE + JEE starters | Olympiad-focused learners | Quick revision seekers |
| Pedagogical Strength | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
Student and Teacher Reviews
Student Feedback: “Helped me score 100% in Chemistry and also gave me a head start for Class 11.”
Teacher Feedback: “The structure and sequence of the chapters make it ideal for a flipped classroom environment.”
On platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, the book consistently scores 4.5+ ratings due to its quality content and well-paced difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this book enough for JEE preparation?
For early foundation—yes. But for final-stage preparation, you’ll need Class 11–12 level materials like NCERT and H.C. Verma.
2. Can it be used for ICSE students?
Absolutely. While it is aligned with CBSE, the conceptual clarity benefits all boards.
3. Are there answers to all questions?
Yes, all exercises come with detailed answers in the second half of the book.
4. Is it suitable for self-study?
Yes. It is designed in a student-friendly tone, enabling solo learners to progress confidently.
Final Verdict
The IIT Foundation Series – Chemistry (Class 10) is more than just a textbook—it is a mentor, a workbook, and a preparatory guide all rolled into one. It balances theory with application, and simplicity with depth. For anyone serious about chemistry—and especially for students with JEE or Olympiad ambitions—this book is a wise and powerful investment.
In a world full of overwhelming choices, this book offers clarity, structure, and results. And that’s exactly what every young learner needs.

