Simultaneous Study of NCERTs and Standard Textbooks: A Comprehensive Guide

Many students often wonder whether they can read NCERTs and standard books simultaneously for their studies. This article aims to clarify the process and benefits of this approach, providing a structured method for effective learning.

Introduction to NCERTs and Standard Books

Understanding the roles of NCERTs and standard books is crucial for a structured study plan. NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks are the primary reference for school-level studies. They are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, making them ideal for exam preparation. Standard books, on the other hand, are usually more detailed and comprehensive, often used for additional learning and for students pursuing higher education.

Simultaneous Study Strategy

The question of whether one can read from NCERTs and standard books simultaneously arises out of the need for a more in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Here’s a strategic approach to this method:

First Approach: Familiarity with Content

Step 1: NCERT First

Start by reading a topic from the NCERT textbook. This book is fundamental and provides a clear, concise, and step-by-step explanation of the concepts. It is the primary source of learning for exams. By reading from NCERT, you familiarize yourself with the basics and build a strong foundational understanding.

Step 2: Standard Books

Once you are familiar with the topic, move on to the corresponding chapter in a standard book. Standard books, such as college textbooks and reference books, provide more in-depth and detailed information. This helps to deepen your understanding and provide more context. You can also use these books to explore related topics and apply the concepts you have learned.

Second Approach: Reinforcement and Deeper Understanding

Step 1: First Reading

If you have a deadline, you can divide the chapters and read a chapter from NCERT and then the corresponding chapter from standard books. This alternating approach ensures that you cover all the material without overwhelming yourself.

Step 2: Second Reading and Note Making

After the initial reading and note-making process, you can go through the NCERT and standard books again. This repetition helps to reinforce the concepts and build a stronger understanding. Note-making during this phase is particularly useful as it aids in memorization and recall.

Simultaneous Study of Under Graduation and Post Graduation Books

Simultaneous reading of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) books is not recommended, especially in the early stages. Understanding the foundational concepts from an undergraduate course is essential before delving into more advanced topics in a postgraduate course. PG books often assume prior knowledge that is covered in UG books, and reading them without this foundation is likely to be challenging.

Tip: Follow a structured approach by first reading NCERTs to get a basic understanding, then move on to standard books for more detailed learning. This layered approach ensures that you build a solid base and can effectively understand more complex subjects in the future.

Conclusion

While it is possible to read from NCERTs and standard books simultaneously, the recommended strategy is to read from NCERT first to build a clear and comprehensive understanding. Using this method, students can effectively cover the necessary material, build a strong foundation, and gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Happy studying!