But for JEE aspirants? It occupies a weird, powerful spot.
Many aspirants download a PDF of HRW (9th or 10th edition) for —to clarify doubts when a teacher’s notes feel incomplete. Using a PDF is fine for that, but don’t make it your primary textbook.
Let’s clear the air immediately: It’s an introductory calculus-based physics textbook used worldwide for university freshmen (mainly the Fundamentals of Physics series).
HRW is 10/10 for concepts, 6/10 for JEE prep alone. Don’t fall for the “HRW is enough” myth. But ignoring it completely? That’s a mistake too.