Is NCERT Sufficient for the CUET Exam? Check How Far and Till When NCERT Helps in CUET Preparation

Just started your CUET preparation and wondering where to begin? You are not alone! At the time of preparation, one of the most common questions students have is, “Are NCERT books enough for CUET?” With a plethora of resources out there, it can be daunting to decide on the best resource. Here is a little secret that most toppers are aware of – the foundation for any CUET success.

NCERT books are basic, plain, and fit the CUET syllabus of most subjects perfectly. It provides a stiffer and rigid base for your preparation, and regardless of what stream – Science, Humanities, or Commerce- if you prepare using NCERT, it is an ideal starting point. So, why is NCERT so crucial? These NCERT books can be your best bet while starting CUET preparation.

Is NCERT Sufficient for CUET Exam Preparation?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a large examination for students looking to get into central universities and other top institutes in India. A common question students often ask is – Is the CUET based on the NCERT syllabus? The answer is No. Although NCERT books are a fantastic resource to build sound fundamentals, CUET evaluates more than what is covered in textbooks. 

CUET assesses your overall aptitude, subject-oriented knowledge, general awareness, language skills, thinking, and reasoning skills. Therefore, studying from the NCERT is great, but it is not the only thing you should study. You also need to prepare for different sections that go beyond the school books. With a balanced and strategic preparation, you can successfully clear CUET and get to the college of your dreams.

Why NCERT Books Are Important For CUET?

• NCERT Often has Questions: Many of the questions in CUET, especially in domain subjects, are directly based on NCERT Content.
• Easier to Understand Concepts: Ncert explains concepts clearly and simply, which allows you to build strong basics, especially in subjects like Science, History and Economics. 
• Toppers Always Recommend it: Most of the CUET toppers also say that NCERT books were their foundation and the most helpful in enabling them to score well

When NCERT is Enough?

All the students preparing for theupcoming CUET exam must be confused that wether they should completely depend on the NCERT or must go for other reference books also. No worry every thing has been covered in this article: 

• NCERT Books can be helpful for preparation of subject like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Political science or economics. Basically NCERT Books are well articulated covering all the major topics from which cuet domain questions are usually focused from all NCERT Books. 
• If you are preparing for a dream university that implies subject knowledge with help of class 12th syllabus then ncert is the correct decision.
• CUET tends to ask questions revolving those topics based on class 12th level and NCERT explains those topics in a simplified way.

But NCERT May Not be Enough for….

While NCERT books are great for understanding core subjects, they may not fully prepare your for all parts of the CUET Exam.

• Wider Coverage: CUET has more topics, and NCERT does not provide complete coverage.
• Depth of Knowledge: NCERT emphasises narrowed basics while CUET demands greater depth of understanding and application.
• Variety of Question Angry Types: CUET contains MCQs, passages, analytical problems that NCERT does not fully prepare you for.
• Knowledge: CUET are depth based on current affairs in which NCERT does not cover current.
• Higher Level Practice: NCERT is base problems while CUET not only provides higher practice but also critical and reasonable reasoning.

Best Strategy for CUET Preparation: Combine NCERT With Other Resources 

• Best Approach to CUET Preparation: Use NCERT and Supplement
• Reference Books: In subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, you could use NCERT books along with reference books that have a greater depth of problems and solutions, for example:

1. For Physics: HC Verma
2. For Chemistry: M S Chauhan or O P Tandon
3. For Mathematics: R D Sharma or R S Aggarwal

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Solving previous years’ papers and mock tests will get you acquainted with the exam pattern and the difficulty level. It can help with timing too which is crucial for cracking CUET.
• Digital Learning: There are various online learning platforms with great videos, mock tests, and interaction that can complement the learning you did with NCERT.
• Work on Weak Points: Once you’ve completed NCERT, identify which areas you’re weak in, and use further books or experts to improve on your weak areas.

Additional Resources for CUET Preparation

In preparing for the CUET or the Common University Entrance Test, you will want enter into a smart and consistent study plan, and have access to quality resources. Below are some additional resources you can refer to in your planning. Using a combination of these, you will improve your preparation and more importantly, be well on your way to be prepared for the CUET.

Official CUET Resources

1. CUET Syllabus: Make sure you know the subjects you are appearing for and always refer to the official syllabus. It will show you the structure you need for each subject.
2. CUET Previous Year Papers: One of the best things to do to get a feel for the exam format and type of questions is to solve the previous year papers. This will be helpful for time management in the exam too.

Books and Study Materials

General Section (General Test/Language) –

• General Knowledge:

1. General Knowledge 2023 by Manohar Pandey
2. Lucent’s General Knowledge

• Reasoning:

1. A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

• English Language & Comprehension:

1. High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
2. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis (for vocabulary)

• Current Affairs:

1. Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express
2. A monthly magazine which can also be read as Pratiyogita Darpan or Manorama Yearbook

Subject Specific (For Subject Domains like Science, Arts or Commerce) –

• Physics/Chemistry/Maths –

1. Date NCERT Books (Class 11 and 12)
2. Objective Physics by D.C. Pandey
3. Physical Chemistry by O.P. Tandon

Mock Tests and Practice Papers

• Online Mock Tests: Websites like Embibe, Gradeup, and Testbook have timed mock tests with solutions and provide high-level mock tests for practice.

•  CUET Mock Test Papers (by Coaching Inst..): Many coaching institutes like Aakash, Allen, etc, publish mock tests. You can also buy mock test CUET-related books.
• All India Mock Test (AIMT): Gives you an idea of your performance at the national level.

CUET Preparation Apps

• Gradeup App: Contains practice questions, live classes and mock tests.
• Pocket FM: Provides audio-based study material with various topics like current affair and general knowledge.
• CUET 2022-23: A dedicated CUET app that contains previous year’s papers, quizzes and more.
• Revision Resources
• Short notes: You can prepare your short notes for revisions, especially for hard subjects or huge subjects.
• Flashcards: You can use apps like Anki and Quizlet to prepare a digital flashcard for each concept or formula.
• Mind maps: You can create visual summaries for each chapter or subject which can help in fast recall.

Time Management Tips for CUET Preparation

• Daily planner: Break up the syllabus into manageable parts and prioritize the weak sections.
• Revision timetable: Plan a regular cycle of revision (for example, after every 2-3 days) to keep the concepts fresh.
• No last-minute cramming: Plan your studies well in advance and not out of panic.
• Study groups or peer learning
• Find study groups or communities online too like Facebook groups, Reddit threads, WhatsApp groups, etc., focused on CUET preparation.