For generations of Indian students, cracking the JEE or NEET often begins with two words printed on the cover of a book: Concepts of Physics.Long before online news, educational software and AI-powered learning tools became commonplace, students across the country relied on HC. Verma books to understand mechanics, electricity, optics and modern physics. For many aspiring engineers and doctors, solving every problem in those two famous volumes seemed like a shortcut.But only a few people know the story of the person who wrote them.dr. Harish Chandra Verma, also known as HC Verma or HCV, did not start writing India’s most famous science fiction book. He wrote it because he realized that one of the best physics books in the world was not written for Indian students.
An American intellectual book encouraged him—but it also revealed another problem
Born on April 3, 1952, in Darbhanga, Bihar, Harish Chandra Verma grew up in a family where education was very important. His father was a school teacher, and Verma became very interested in science.After completing his B.Sc. from Patna Science College, went on to earn M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics from IIT Kanpur.In 1980, he returned to Patna Science College as a lecturer. Every day, he taught graduate students using the world-renowned Resnick and Halliday physics book.He was impressed by the book’s scientific depth and clarity. However, something was still bothering him.Many bright students struggled to adapt to the examples, language and style of presentation. The book is based on the classroom environment and life experiences of students from small towns and villages across India.The problem was not intelligence.The problem was communication.
He did not translate the book. He built one from scratch.
Instead of lamenting the lack of a suitable book, Verma decided to create it himself.Many years of teaching in the classroom helped him understand where Indian students were confused, the misconceptions they had, and how those concepts could be explained naturally.The result was Concepts of Physics, first published in 1992.Unlike most books that focus on formulas, HC Verma encouraged students to ask why before learning how.Simple language. Specific examples. Well-crafted illustrations. Thought provoking questions. They are numerical problems that they try to understand and not memorize. This method worked.Within a few years, this book became one of the most recommended physics texts for JEE aspirants. Later, it also became a favorite among NEET candidates, Olympiad students and engineering graduates.Today, many coaching institutes in India still recommend it as one of the best books for developing a clear mind.
From Patna to IIT Kanpur
In 1994, Verma joined IIT Kanpur as a faculty member, where he spent more than two decades teaching and conducting research in nuclear test technology.Along with teaching, he published 139 research papers, which greatly contributed to his career.But even when he was a professor at one of India’s top engineering schools, he never lost sight of his first passion—making physics accessible to ordinary students.Many of his lectures, presentations and classroom sessions continue to be available online, helping students beyond IIT Kanpur.
Making physics affordable and fun
HC Verma believed that science should not depend on expensive laboratory equipment.In order to make every classroom accessible, he created more than 600 inexpensive physics experiments using everyday materials that teachers could easily adopt.In 2011, he helped establish the National Physics Network of India (NANI) under the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).The project promotes hands-on learning in science and is now supporting learning centers around the country, helping teachers make physics more interactive and fun.
Education beyond the classroom
Even after retiring from IIT Kanpur in 2017, Verma chose not to give up education.Instead, he devoted more time to Shiksha Sopan, a training course he started near the IIT Kanpur campus.The organization supports children from economically disadvantaged families by providing educational assistance, counseling and educational opportunities. Over the years, it has helped countless students and families.His belief has always been simple: higher education should reach those who need it most.
Padma Shri-is the appreciation of millions
In 2021, the Government of India honored Harish Chandra Verma with Padma Shriin recognition of his great contribution to the study of physics.But perhaps his greatest reward cannot be measured by medals or honors.Every year, a large number of students preparing for JEE, NEET and other competitive exams continue to study physics through textbooks written thirty years ago.For many, “HCV” is not just an author’s name.It represents the time when complex physics problems began to make sense.And that would be his greatest legacy—that he didn’t just teach equations; he taught generations of students how to think.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about Dr. Harish Chandra Verma, his education, published works, interviews and government recognition. They are designed to be educational and motivational.