Should I Read the NCERT for Chemistry When My Teacher's Notes Are More Than Enough?
When preparing for competitive exams in chemistry, students often face a dilemma regarding the use of NCERT books in conjunction with their teacher's notes. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books are an excellent resource, especially for competitive exams, as they provide fundamental concepts and often contain the correct answers to multiple-choice questions. However, the question remains: should you read the NCERT books for chemistry if your teacher’s notes are already comprehensive?
Why NCERT Books Are Highly Recommended for Chemistry
NCERT books are more than just a supplementary resource; they serve as the backbone of your chemistry knowledge and exam preparation. Here are a few reasons why you should consider reading the NCERT books for your chemistry studies:
Comprehensive Coverage
NCERT textbooks are meticulously designed to cover all the important topics and concepts in a detailed yet understandable manner. Reading these books will ensure that you have a solid foundation in chemistry, which is crucial for tackling more advanced topics.
Relevancy to Exams
Many competitive exams, such as the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), heavily rely on the NCERT books for their question papers. By reading these books, you align your preparation with the exam syllabus, increasing your chances of success.
Practice and Problem-Solving
The NCERT books come with a variety of exercises and problems that help you practice and apply the concepts you’ve learned. Solving these questions will not only enhance your problem-solving skills but also improve your overall understanding of the subject.
Reading NCERT for Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
While it is true that your teacher’s notes cover the major topics and help you grasp the concepts quickly, focusing on the NCERT books for specific areas can be highly beneficial. Here are two key areas where NCERT books stand out:
Inorganic Chemistry
NCERT books excel in providing in-depth coverage of inorganic chemistry. The explanations are clear, and the problem-solving methods are well-detailed. Reading the NCERT book for inorganic chemistry will complement your teacher’s notes and ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Organic Chemistry
Similarly, for organic chemistry, the NCERT book offers a step-by-step approach to understanding complex concepts. The exercises are designed to build your problem-solving skills progressively. Solving these questions will make you more confident in tackling the more complex problems you may encounter in advanced texts and exams.
Why Not to Rely Solely on NCERT for Physical Chemistry
While NCERT books are a valuable resource for most areas of chemistry, it is important to acknowledge their limitations in some cases. Specifically, the physical chemistry section in NCERT can be problematic due to the following reasons:
Complex Calculations
The calculation-intensive nature of physical chemistry in NCERT can be overwhelming for many students. These calculations require a lot of time and practice to master, which might not be efficient use of your study time.
Inaccuracies in Answers
Some of the answers provided in the NCERT books for physical chemistry may be incorrect or outdated. Trusting these answers can lead to confusion and a misapprehension of the subject.
Therefore, while it's important to use the NCERT books for inorganic and organic chemistry, it is advisable to refer to other specialized books or resources for physical chemistry to ensure a thorough and accurate understanding of the subject.
Alternative Resources for Chemistry Preparation
If you find that your teacher’s notes are sufficient, there are still other resources you can use to enhance your preparation:
YouTube Channels
YouTube channels like PW Lectures offer valuable video resources that can help you understand complex concepts and solve problems more effectively.
Back Exercises
Completing the back exercises from the NCERT books is an excellent way to reinforce your understanding of the concepts. These exercises often come with detailed solutions and explanations, which can be a great learning tool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while your teacher’s notes are undoubtedly valuable, NCERT books are an indispensable resource for chemistry preparation. For inorganic and organic chemistry, reading the NCERT books can significantly enhance your understanding and problem-solving skills. However, for physical chemistry, it is advisable to supplement your preparation with other resources to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
By combining the strengths of your teacher’s notes and NCERT books, along with additional resources where needed, you can create a robust study plan that prepares you well for your competitive exams.