How to Build Strong Basics in Class 9 Science for Future Competitive Exams

Class 9 is one of the most crucial years of the school life of a student. The science topics covered here will be the foundation for Class 10 board exams and future competitive exams such as JEE and NEET. Science is often a difficult subject for many students, but the reality is, the easier you get the fundamentals, the easier it will be later. In this blog, we will tell you how to study class 9 science properly, what books to use, and how to prepare for the future exams from now.

Why Class 9 Science Basics Matter

A lot of students believe that Class 9 is not as crucial as Class 10. That is not true. The chapters of Class 9 Science, such as Motion, Atoms and Molecules, Tissues, and Force, are taught again in a deeper manner in Class 11 and 12. Once you have your basics in place, you won't have to deal with trouble later on. The students who have secured a good rank in competitive exams such as JEE and NEET have always stated that the preparation during Class 9 had a significant impact on their performance.

Best Books to Study Class 9 Science

The first step is to select the right books. Don't purchase too many books at a time. Use NCERT and one reference book (if required). Here's a simple recipe:

The book of CBSE class 9 science published by NCERT should be the first book to be read. Simple, clear and written according to the syllabus. There is no other book like it.

How to Study Smart Using NCERT Books for Class 9

The NCERT Class 9 books are authored by experts and contain all the required information. Here are some tips on how to make the most of them:

Read once, then revise: Read each chapter thoroughly and don't worry about memorizing it. Read and make brief notes again.

Solve in-text questions: There are questions in between the chapters in the NCERT. Do not skip them. They challenge your comprehension and can be found in tests at school.

Draw diagrams: There are lots of diagrams in science, such as the human heart, plant cell, laws of motion diagrams, etc. Practice labelling them.

Understand, don't memorize: Attempt to get the idea behind the topic. For instance, don't learn Newton's Laws, rather learn what they are in the real world.

Using a Class 9 Question Bank

After reading a chapter, it is important to see if you can test yourself. A class 9 question bank is a book or pdf containing numerous questions on each topic, MCQs, short answer and long answer. Regular use of a question bank will enable you to: 

Find out which topics you are weak in, so you can go back and study them again.
Be familiar with the format of questions in school and board exams.
Become faster and more accurate in answering questions in tests. 

After studying each chapter, attempt at least 10-15 questions. This habit is enough to help you to get a lot better grades.

NCERT Exemplar Class 9 Science — What It Is and Why It Helps

NCERT Exemplar Class 9 Science is a special book containing the higher level questions published by NCERT. It is not a replacement of the regular CBSE Class 9 Science book, it is an addition to it. The Exemplar is very useful for students, who want to prepare for competitive exams like JEE or NEET in the future. 

The questions in NCERT Exemplar test your thinking and application skills. They go one level above the textbook and help you develop a deeper understanding. If you are not preparing for JEE/NEET now, solving Exemplar questions will definitely boost your science abilities.

When Should You Use a Reference Book for Class 9 Science?

These books provide additional examples, simpler language for difficult concepts and additional solved problems. But, never complete NCERT last. Only use the reference book for topics that you are confused about.

Simple Weekly Study Plan for Class 9 Science

This is a simple plan you can follow each week to stay on track with your Class 9 Science studies:

Read More - Why Students Struggle in Class 9 Maths & How to Improve

Conclusion

If you have a proper approach to build strong basics in Class 9 Science, it is not difficult at all. Refer to CBSE Class 9 Science Book (NCERT), use a reference book for Class 9 Science (if required), practice daily from Class 9 Science question bank and test yourself from NCERT Exemplar Class 9 Science. These steps will not only enable you to perform well in school exams but will also equip you for the future competitive exams as well. The work you do in Class 9 will always be rewarded.

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