The role of study materials in cracking tough competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET is beyond words. When the right study materials are added to a strategic preparation plan, success is almost guaranteed.
However, every JEE and NEET aspirant goes through every possible reference book to ensure they can solve as many problems as possible during the actual exam.
But the majority of students do not give enough priority to NCERT books and always prefer third-party references. While it’s definitely beneficial to refer to multiple books within a limit, neglecting NCERT is not a wise decision and here’s why.
Lack of Foundation in the Subject
NCERT books are designed to help students build a strong understanding of the fundamentals in every topic. Without this foundation, applying concepts practically to answer indirect questions or solve complex problems becomes difficult. Ignoring NCERT books means ignoring your own potential scores in tough exams like JEE and NEET.
Lost Opportunity to Score Well
It’s true that referring to various study materials or reference books helps improve problem-solving skills. However, the fact remains that the majority of questions in both JEE and NEET are based on NCERT books themselves. Not considering NCERT means holding yourself responsible for low scores and poor performance, even if you have practiced complex problem models.
Difficulty in Gaining Conceptual Clarity
Rote learning doesn’t help you crack exams like JEE or NEET unless the questions are very direct. These exams often include multi-layered problems that require the application of multiple concepts. This is only possible for those who have a clear understanding of the fundamentals, not for those who simply memorize formulas or steps. No other book explains concepts in such detail and clarity as NCERT.
Possibility of Missing Direct Questions
It’s an undeniable fact that most NEET questions are direct and taken from NCERT books. If you focus only on third-party books, you might find it difficult to answer these simple yet scoring questions — which can negatively affect your overall score and rank, costing you your dream.
So, is it impossible to get into IITs or medical colleges without NCERT?
Absolutely not. But NCERT books help you strengthen your subject knowledge and improve your scores along the way.
Does referring only to NCERT books guarantee success?
NCERT books alone can help you answer around 80% of the paper. However, to truly stand out, you must also be able to answer the remaining 20%. This is possible only by balancing your focus between NCERT and other reliable reference materials.
Do all JEE and NEET coaching institutes follow NCERT books?
Junior colleges like Ayati definitely follow NCERT books, while also allowing students to use third-party references when required.
Conclusion In competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET, every mark matters. NCERT books form the backbone of your preparation by strengthening your fundamentals, improving your conceptual clarity, and helping you score on direct questions. While reference books can add value and enhance problem-solving skills, they should complement not replace NCERT. A balanced approach between NCERT and selected reference materials is the true key to success in these highly competitive exams.
