Is Additional Chemistry Study Required for NEET Preparation Beyond NCERT and Coaching Modules?
The question of whether additional books are necessary for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) preparation has been at the forefront of many students' minds. The consensus seems to be that if you have thoroughly covered the NCERT textbooks and your coaching modules, you are well on your way. However, let's delve deeper into the nuances of this matter.
Does NCERT and Coaching Modules Suffice?
Many experienced candidates and experts recommend that if you have solved every problem in your coaching modules and your NCERT textbooks are ingrained in your memory, then you might not need to delve into additional resources specifically. However, there may be scenarios where additional practice can help enhance your performance.
Practice and Speed Improvement
Certain candidates may benefit from solving additional books to improve their problem-solving speed and accuracy. For instance, during my days in class 11th, I felt the need to enhance my speed, and I started solving additional books to achieve this. It's a subjective matter, and you should evaluate whether you need to improve your speed based on your current performance and test-taking pace.
Revision and Short Notes
A solid strategy for NEET preparation involves revising NCERT books multiple times. It is highly beneficial to create short notes for each chapter. I followed this approach, and it saved me a lot of time and effort later during more intense preparations. The goal is to internalize the concepts and formulas to the point where they are second nature, thereby making revisitation less time-consuming and more effective.
Past Year Questions (PYQs)
Past Year Questions (PYQs) are an invaluable resource for NEET preparation. They provide a direct insight into the exam pattern and the type of questions that are typically asked. These questions should be given the utmost importance as they serve as a benchmark for your preparation and help identify areas that require more focus. I have found that solving PYQs significantly enhances my understanding and confidence in the subject.
Effective Learning Strategy
When you begin studying a new chapter, it's wise to avoid immediately starting with problem-solving. Instead, spend the first 3-4 days focusing on reading and comprehending the new material thoroughly. After this initial phase, start solving problems. This approach helps improve memory retention and makes it last for several days, allowing for better recall during the exam.
Your Unique Approach
A few years back, I scored full marks in Inorganic Chemistry for JEE Mains by diligently solving NCERT exercises, practicing PYQs, and maintaining class notes. Every word in the NCERT book is crucial, and it's essential to follow an advanced-level teacher to identify weaknesses and further improve your understanding. Once you have a thorough grasp of the NCERT material, you can start solving advanced-level problem sets. If you have extra time, you can explore additional books, but it is not absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
Overall, if you have covered NCERT and your coaching modules thoroughly and multiple times, you are well prepared for NEET. However, the decision to solve additional books should be based on your specific needs and performance. Focus on consistency and quality of understanding over quantity. With the right approach, you can achieve your goals in NEET preparation.