How to Use NCERT Books the Right Way (Class 6–12)

Knowing how to study NCERT books properly can make a bigger difference than buying extra guide books. NCERT textbooks are the foundation for CBSE board exams, many state boards (including UP Board for several subjects) and competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

The right way is simple: read actively, solve every in-text and exercise question, make short notes, and revise from your own notes. Here is a step-by-step method, plus the chapter-wise solutions we plan to add to this page.

Why NCERT Matters So Much

• Board papers are largely based on NCERT concepts, examples and exercises.
• NCERT explains concepts in a clear, logical order, from basic to advanced.
• For NEET, NCERT Biology is especially important.
• Most "extra" books are useful only after NCERT is clear.

You can read and download NCERT textbooks free from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in).

The 5-Step NCERT Reading Method

Step 1 — Skim the chapter (5 minutes): read the headings, bold words, diagrams and summary. This gives the brain a map of the chapter.

Step 2 — Read slowly with a pencil: read paragraph by paragraph. Underline definitions, formulas and key terms. Write questions in the margin wherever something isn't clear.

Step 3 — Solve in-text questions and examples: don't skip the small questions inside the chapter or the solved examples. They are often turned into exam questions.

Step 4 — Solve every exercise question yourself: try each question on your own first. Look at a solution only after a genuine attempt, then redo the question without looking.

Step 5 — Make one-page notes: summarise the chapter on one page — key definitions, formulas, diagrams and the two or three trickiest questions. These become your revision notes before exams.

What Students Usually Skip (but Shouldn't)

Often skipped	Why it matters
"Do You Know?" and activity boxes	Questions are sometimes framed from them
Diagrams and their labels	Diagram questions carry marks in Science and Geography
Chapter summaries	Perfect for last-minute revision
Exemplar problems	Good for higher-order questions (Maths and Science)
Intext questions	Short questions here often appear directly

Subject-wise Tips

• Maths: solve every example and exercise question in order, and maintain a formula sheet.
• Science: learn diagrams with labels; write balanced chemical equations again and again.
• Social Science: use a timeline for History and practise maps for Geography.
• English and Hindi: read each chapter twice, then write short answers in your own words.

How Many Times Should You Read a Chapter?

Round	When	What to do
1st reading	When the chapter is taught in school	Full 5-step method
2nd reading	During the first revision round	Read quickly, redo marked questions
3rd reading	Before the exam	Read your one-page notes and summaries

Chapter-wise Solutions: Coming Soon

We are building free, step-by-step NCERT solutions. This section will turn into real links as each chapter page is published.

Class 9 Maths: Number Systems · Polynomials · Coordinate Geometry · Linear Equations in Two Variables (more chapters to follow — coming soon)

Class 9 Science: Matter in Our Surroundings · Is Matter Around Us Pure? · Atoms and Molecules (more chapters to follow — coming soon)

Class 10 Maths: Real Numbers · Polynomials · Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables · Quadratic Equations (more chapters to follow — coming soon)

Class 10 Science: Chemical Reactions and Equations · Acids, Bases and Salts (meanwhile, see our quick revision notes) · Metals and Non-metals (more chapters to follow — coming soon)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NCERT enough for board exams?
NCERT is the base and covers most of what is asked. Practising sample papers and previous year papers on top of NCERT helps with exam technique.

Should I read NCERT before going to tuition or coaching?
Ideally, read the chapter once before class, so the lesson becomes a second explanation instead of the first.

How do I make notes from NCERT?
After finishing a chapter, write a one-page summary of definitions, formulas, diagrams and tricky questions in your own words.

Is NCERT important for NEET and JEE?
Yes. NCERT is especially important for NEET Biology and Chemistry, and it builds the base for JEE.

Where can I get NCERT books for free?
NCERT textbooks are available free to read and download on the official NCERT website.