Preparing for JEE Mains can be difficult. You may feel confused and overwhelmed with the amount of study material available. Choosing the right books is important for your preparation and success.
This article focuses on NCERT books and their role in JEE Mains preparation. It answers your questions about NCERT books and helps you make informed decisions.
Read on to know whether NCERT books are enough for your preparation and how to use them effectively.
Why NCERT is Essential for JEE Mains
The NCERT textbooks cover the basic ideas of chemistry, physics, and maths. These basics are the building blocks for the JEE Mains.
1) Strong Foundation:
NCERT books cover the entire JEE Mains syllabus in a step-by-step way. They explain concepts clearly and simply, which is great for beginners. Many JEE Mains questions come directly or indirectly from NCERT.
For example, the concept of “electrophilic addition” in organic chemistry is explained simply in NCERT. Many JEE Mains questions test this concept in different ways.
2) Inorganic Chemistry:
NCERT is the most important book for Inorganic Chemistry. Most questions in JEE Mains come directly from it.
Example 1: In the 2023 JEE Mains, a question asked about the colour of potassium permanganate solution. This is directly mentioned in NCERT.
Example 2: Another question asked about the properties of hydrogen peroxide. This is also explained in detail in NCERT.
3) Other Subjects:
Even for Physics and Math, NCERT helps build a strong base.
Example 1 (Physics): The concept of “projectile motion” is explained well in NCERT. Many JEE Mains questions are based on this concept, but they may be more complex.
Example 2 (Maths): The “binomial theorem” is another concept explained in NCERT. JEE Mains questions may ask you to apply this theorem to more difficult problems.
The NCERT books are important, but they aren’t the only thing you need. Let’s look at where they need a bit more help.
Where NCERT Falls Short in the JEE Mains Preparation
The NCERT books are great for the basics, but the JEE Mains asks more in-depth questions. We’ll show you the areas where you need additional study.
1) Depth and Complexity:
JEE Mains questions often require a deeper understanding and problem-solving skills. These skills go beyond what NCERT textbooks offer. NCERT books are great for building a strong base. However, they lack the depth required for JEE Mains.
Example:
- NCERT Physics Problem: A car moves at a speed of 60 km/h for 2 hours. Calculate the distance it covers.
- Similar JEE Mains Problem: A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 2 m/s². How long will it take to cover a distance of 1 km, and what will be its final velocity?
The JEE Mains problem needs a deeper understanding of equations of motion and calculus. These topics are not covered in detail in NCERT.
2) Practice and Application:
NCERT books don’t have enough practice questions, especially those of the JEE Mains type. JEE Mains questions come in different patterns and difficulty levels. NCERT books don’t expose students to this variety.
JEE Mains has multiple-choice questions (MCQs). NCERT books mostly have subjective questions. This lack of practice with MCQs can be a disadvantage in the exam.
3) Advanced Topics:
Some advanced topics in Physics and Math might be missing or briefly covered in NCERT books. These topics are essential for JEE Mains. Students need to study these topics from other resources.
Examples:
- Physics: Rotational motion, semiconductors, and optical instruments.
- Maths: Special integrals, complex numbers, and probability.
NCERT books don’t cover these topics in enough detail. Students need to refer to other books and study materials to understand these topics well.
Now you know where the NCERT books need help. Next, let’s find the best ways to fill in those gaps.
How to Supplement NCERT for JEE Mains
NCERT books are great for building a strong base in the JEE Mains syllabus. But, they might not be enough to get you the top rank you want. Here’s how you can use other resources to do even better:
1) Reference Books
Reference books give you more details, practice questions, and harder topics that NCERT might not cover. Some good options are:
- Physics: H.C. Verma’s “Concepts of Physics” is a classic. It explains things clearly and has lots of good questions to solve. “Problems in General Physics” by I.E. Irodov is for those who want a real challenge.
- Chemistry: “Organic Chemistry” by O.P. Tandon and “Concise Inorganic Chemistry” by J.D. Lee are popular choices. “Physical Chemistry” by N. Avasthi and V.K. Jaiswal is good for practice.
- Maths: “Problems Plus in IIT Mathematics” by A. Das Gupta is a must-have. “Higher Algebra” by Hall and Knight and “Trigonometry” by S.L. Loney is also a good choice.
Use these books along with NCERT. Don’t try to finish them all, pick the ones that fit your needs.
2) Coaching Materials
Coaching materials can help you study in a planned way. They give you tests and help clear your doubts. But, they are not required to do well in JEE.
If you are part of a coaching institute, use their materials well. Do the tests, ask your doubts, and follow their study plan.
If you are not in coaching, don’t worry. You can still do great. Use other resources like books and online materials.
3) Online Resources
Online courses, videos, and practice sites can help you learn from home. Some good options are:
- Free courses: Khan Academy, NPTEL lectures
- Paid courses: Unacademy, Vedantu
- Practice sites: Phodu Club
These can help you learn at your own speed. But, be careful not to spend too much time online.
4) Previous Years’ Papers
Solving old JEE papers is very important. It shows you what the test is like and how difficult it is. Try to do the papers at the same time as the real test.
You can find old papers online or in books. Do as many as you can, especially the ones from the last few years.
It’s not just about extra studying. It’s about a smart study plan. Let’s talk about the best way to get ready for your exam.
A Balanced Approach for Your JEE Mains
Success comes from mixing NCERT with other resources and practising. We’ll show you how to create a study plan that works for you.
1) NCERT First
Always start with NCERT. NCERT is like your first step. NCERT gives you a strong base in all subjects. NCERT is your main book. Read NCERT again and again. You should know all the things in NCERT. Don’t miss any part of NCERT. If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher or friends. NCERT is the book you have to know very well for your exams.
2) Supplement Wisely
You can use other books too. But choose these books carefully. Pick books that you understand easily. Ask your teachers or friends for advice. You can use these books to know more. Don’t buy too many books. Choose only a few good books. Use these books to learn more and practise more. This way, you can do well in your exams.
3) Time Management
Don’t use too many books. If you use too many books, you will not have time to learn everything. Choose a few good books. Read them well. Practise the exercises in these books. This way, you can learn well. You will also have time to rest. It is important to have a good balance. If you have a good balance, you will not feel stressed.
4) Consistent Practice
You have to practise every day. Solve different problems every day. Practice helps you remember what you learned. You will get better at solving problems. You will also become faster. Practice makes you better. Practice makes you feel confident of yourself. Try to practise a little every day. This way, you will be ready for your exams.
You’ve got the tools, the knowledge, and the plan. Let’s wrap up with some final tips for exam day.
Conclusion
NCERT books are the foundation for JEE Main success. They cover the basic concepts and theories you need to know. However, they may not be enough on their own. You need to practise with different types of questions to improve your problem-solving skills. You also need to learn about the exam format and strategies to manage your time well. Using NCERT books as your starting point and adding more resources will give you the best chance to do well in JEE Main.
