How to Cover/Study NCERT Books for NEET Preparation?

Learn how to study NCERT books for NEET preparation with smart strategies, tips, and techniques to retain concepts and boost your score in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

If you are preparing for NEET, you have probably heard this advice a thousand times: “NCERT is the Bible for NEET.”

And it is 100% true—especially for Biology and Chemistry, where most questions come directly from NCERT books.

But just owning the books is not enough. The real question is:

How to study NCERT effectively so that it helps you crack NEET with a top score?

In this detailed blog, Fast Forward will break down step-by-step strategies on how to read, revise, and master NCERT for NEET. You will also get subject-wise tips for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Let us get started.

Why NCERT is Crucial for NEET

Before we dive into the “how,” let us understand why NCERT is non-negotiable for NEET aspirants:

• 70–85% of NEET questions come directly from NCERT, especially in Biology.
• NCERT helps you build strong conceptual clarity.
• It gives standard, authentic information—no extra, no less.
• Questions in NEET often use NCERT language or figures directly.
• NCERT is the base for many mock tests and coaching materials.

So, if you are ignoring NCERT or only reading it casually, you are making a big mistake.

Step-by-Step Guide to Study NCERT for NEET

Step 1: Start with a Clean NCERT Copy

Do not rely on old, underlined, or highlighted books that someone else used.

Start fresh. Keep one set of clean NCERT textbooks for all three subjects.

Why? Because you will mark your own important points, and that helps retention.

Step 2: Read Every Line - Literally

NEET questions can be picked from the most unexpected lines or footnotes. So:

• Read every single line slowly and carefully.
• Don’t skip examples, tables, diagrams, or even captions.
• Pay attention to definitions, terminology, and labels.

Especially in Biology, one word can change the meaning completely.

Step 3: Highlight and Make Margin Notes

As you read, use a color code:

• Yellow for definitions and facts.
• Blue for examples and exceptions.
• Green for diagrams or important figures.

In the margins, write short summaries or keywords. This will help during revision.

Step 4: Make Chapter-Wise Notes

After reading one chapter:

• Make short notes of key concepts in your own words.
• Write down formulas, mechanisms, or processes.
• Prepare quick revision tables or flowcharts.

For example, in Biology, make a chart of all plant hormones or human enzymes.

Step 5: Solve NCERT-Based Questions

Reading alone is not enough. You must practice questions based on each chapter:

• Use NCERT Exemplar problems (especially for Chemistry and Physics).
• Try MCQ books that are strictly NCERT-based (like MTG’s NCERT at your Fingertips).
• Solve previous year NEET questions from that chapter.

Tip: If you can answer 90% of NCERT-based questions correctly, your concept is strong.

Step 6: Revise Smartly and Frequently

NCERT should be revised again and again - not just once.

Use the 1–3–7–15 rule:

• First revision: After 1 day
• Second: After 3 days
• Third: After 7 days
• Fourth: After 15 days

Use your margin notes, highlighted text, and short notes for quick revision.
 

Subject-Wise NCERT Strategy for NEET

Let us now break down how to study NCERT for each subject.

.

Biology: Your Top Scoring Subject

In NEET, 90 out of 100 Biology questions are from NCERT. Here is how to master it:

✔ Read Like a Detective:

• Read each line like it is part of a puzzle.
• Underline key words and circle tricky terms.
• Focus on scientific terms - spelling matters!

✔ Focus Areas:

• Diagrams (labeling and interpretation)
• Examples of animals/plants
• Differences between terms (e.g., osteocyte vs osteoblast)
• Classifications and tables

✔ Practice:

• Read aloud or explain to someone.
• Use NCERT-based MCQ books.
• Attempt NEET PYQs for every chapter.

Bonus Tip:

Biology NCERT Summary Charts are very helpful. Create or print 1-pagers per chapter.

Chemistry: Be Thorough with Theory

Chemistry in NEET is 50% NCERT-based - especially Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.

✔ Inorganic Chemistry:

• Stick to NCERT line-by-line.
• Memorize periodic trends, reactions, and exceptions.
• Practice NCERT exercises without fail.

✔ Organic Chemistry:

• Learn reaction mechanisms and named reactions.
• Focus on examples, exceptions, and color changes.
• Pay attention to reaction conditions (temp, catalyst, etc.)

✔ Physical Chemistry:

• Formulas are not enough. Understand derivations.
• Solve numericals from NCERT exercises.
• Make a formula sheet for each chapter.

Bonus Tip:

NCERT Exemplar is gold for Chemistry - practice it chapter-wise after reading theory.

Physics: Concept + Problem Solving

Physics NCERT is not enough for problem-solving, but it’s great for concept clarity.

✔ How to Use NCERT for Physics:

• Read theory carefully before jumping to numericals.
• Understand basic concepts, definitions, and laws.
• Make summary notes with formulas and units.

✔ Combine with Coaching Material:

• Use NCERT as your first read.
• Then move to HC Verma, D C Pandey, or coaching modules for practice.

✔ Practice Numerical Questions:

• Solve all examples and exercises from NCERT.
• Practice daily MCQs to build speed and accuracy.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid with NCERT

Here are 7 mistakes NEET aspirants make while studying NCERT - and how to avoid them:

Mistake	Why It Hurts	What to Do Instead
Skipping diagrams	Questions often come from them	Study, label, and redraw them
Only reading once	Not enough for retention	Revise regularly
Ignoring footnotes	Important info is hidden there	Read everything
Not solving NCERT questions	Reduces application skills	Practice daily
Using too many books	Leads to confusion	Stick to NCERT + 1 reference
Memorizing without understanding	Fails in tricky MCQs	Understand first, then memorize
Relying only on coaching notes	May miss NCERT language	Make NCERT your base

How Many Times Should You Read NCERT Before NEET?

Here is a simple plan:

Subject	Ideal NCERT Read Count
Biology	4–6 times
Chemistry	3–4 times
Physics	2–3 times (focus more on reference books after NCERT)

Start early. If you are in Class 11, begin now. Class 12? Prioritize daily reading and revision.

Useful Tools to Help You Study NCERT Better

• NCERT at Your Fingertips (MTG): MCQs based on every NCERT line.
• Revision Charts & Mind Maps: Make your own or download.
• Doubt-Solving Apps: Use to clarify confusing lines or diagrams.
• Flashcards: Great for definitions and fact-based topics.
• Audio Notes: Record your own explanations and listen during free time.

Final Strategy: Make NCERT Your Best Friend

If you are serious about cracking NEET, here is your NEET + NCERT Success Formula:

• Read: Line by line, understand and underline
• Write: Make your own notes and diagrams
• Practice: Solve MCQs and PYQs
• Revise: Multiple times, not just before the exam
• Believe: Trust the process—NCERT will never let you down

Conclusion: NCERT is Not Just a Book - It’s a Weapon

Studying NCERT the right way can be your game-changer for NEET. It does not matter whether you study from a big city coaching or prepare from home - if your NCERT concepts are strong, you can easily crack NEET.

So, start today. Read one NCERT chapter with full focus. Highlight, understand, and make notes. You will realize how powerful this simple habit can be.

NEET is not about how many books you read. It is about how well you read one book - NCERT.