Are NCERT Books Enough for Cracking NEET 2026: NEET 2026 is one of the most challenging medical entrance exams in India. One of the most common questions from aspiring candidates is, “Are NCERT books enough for cracking NEET?”. As more than 70–80% of NEET questions are direct or conceptual from NCERT, especially for Biology, NCERT has an important role in the preparation. Here, we will answer all your queries related to NCERT. We will discuss its significance, NCERT vs. other NEET books, and NEET books and their sufficiency for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
NCERT books are the foundation of NEET preparation. They are simple, easy to understand, and present the concepts in a very clear manner that is apt for the exam pattern. In the case of Biology, NCERT can be termed as the Bible of NEET, as the majority of the questions (>70–80%) are direct from NCERT. However, NCERT for Physics and Chemistry is not enough. Aspirants need to know when NCERT is sufficient and where they need to refer to other reference books to score a high rank in the exam.
NCERT books are the most crucial for NEET because the exam is modeled on the NCERT syllabus. The language is easy to understand, and it covers only important concepts. Diagrams and examples from NCERT books are frequently repeated in the exam. All the topics in NCERT are equally important, and you should build your concepts on the foundation provided by NCERT.
In Biology NCERTs are:
Most Important for NEET: Almost 70–80% of NEET questions from Biology are either direct or indirect questions from NCERT.
Areas to Focus On: Line by line reading, definitions, tables, and diagrams. Small facts from side boxes and highlights are also often asked in the exams.
Strategy: Revise the NCERT book of Biology at least 4–5 times. And practice NCERT-based MCQs regularly.
Also Check: NEET Biology Chapter wise Weightage 2026
In Chemistry, NCERTs are essential for:
Inorganic Chemistry: NCERT is 100% sufficient. Questions on periodic table, chemical bonding and coordination compounds are directly framed from NCERT.
Organic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms, named reactions and examples given in NCERT are most important. Practicing all the illustrations and exercises will give you a good preparation.
Physical Chemistry: NCERT covers all the formulas and basic concepts very well but does not provide enough practice problems. So question banks for additional practice are needed.
In Physics, NCERTs help in:
Conceptual Clarity: NCERT Physics is the best for building basics as it explains the theory in a simple and accurate manner.
Lack: It does not have enough numerical problems and questions for practice. Numericals are very important for NEET Physics.
Use: Read NCERT for theory only, then solve questions from coaching material or reference books (HC Verma, DC Pandey, etc. ).
NCERT Books for NEET Preparation | ||
Subject | Class 11 NCERT Books | Class 12 NCERT Books |
Biology | Biology – NCERT Textbook for Class 11 (Part I & II) | Biology – NCERT Textbook for Class 12 (Part I & II) |
Physics | Physics – NCERT Textbook for Class 11 (Part I & II) | Physics – NCERT Textbook for Class 12 (Part I & II) |
Chemistry | Chemistry – NCERT Textbook for Class 11 (Part I & II) | Chemistry – NCERT Textbook for Class 12 (Part I & II) |
Also Check: NEET Notes 2026
NCERT holds a special place in NEET preparation because the exam pattern closely follows it. Below are the main reasons why NCERT is so important:
The majority of Questions from NCERT: Every year, a large chunk of NEET questions, especially in Biology and Inorganic Chemistry, come directly from NCERT.
Simple and Accurate Content: NCERT explains concepts in simple words, which prevents confusion. Unlike bulky guidebooks, it keeps only exam-relevant information.
Focus on Definitions and Terms: NEET often tests exact phrases, definitions, and terms from the NCERT. If you memorize them, you can easily score in factual questions.
Diagrams and Figures: NCERT diagrams are extremely important. Many questions are based directly on NCERT figures, especially in Biology.
Time-Saving Resource: NCERT prevents students from wasting time on irrelevant topics. Reading NCERT thoroughly ensures strong exam alignment.
Foundation for Reference Books: Without mastering NCERT, it is difficult to understand reference books. NCERT serves as the first layer of preparation.