August 17, 2025
How to study physical chemistry for NEET?
Cracking NEET is not a cakewalk unless you clearly understand the three distinct branches of chemistry—Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. Among them, Physical Chemistry occupies a major weightage, consisting of vital concepts, formulas, and problem-solving skills. Numerous aspirants struggle with it, since it needs a solid understanding of core concepts paired with proficient problem-solving skills. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine approaches on how to study physical chemistry for NEET, highlight the key chapters and syllabus, review their weightage, and share proven strategies for securing the highest possible marks.
Physical Chemistry Chapters for NEET
Mastering the Physical Chemistry chapters for NEET requires clear conceptual understanding, regular problem-solving, and consistent revision.
Key chapters include:
- Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry (Mole concept, Stoichiometry)
- Structure of Atom
- States of Matter (Gaseous and Liquid States)
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium (Chemical and Ionic)
- Redox Reactions
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
Tips for chapters:
- Start with NCERT: Build your basics from NCERT. It will help you to clarify the concepts.
- Solve numerical problems only after understanding the theoretical concepts.
- Prepare a formula sheet for quick revisions which will help you to have a quick go through over the important formulas.
- Practice past NEET questions for each chapter which will solidify your understanding.
Physical Chemistry Weightage in NEET
For the past few years, Physical Chemistry has consistently accounted for roughly 30–35% of the total chemistry questions on the NEET exam. Consequently, roughly ten to twelve questions can be expected in the exam, which equates to roughly 40–50 marks.
The importance of weightage:
After determining which topics hold greater weightage, you can divide your preparation time accordingly and maximize your score.
Chapter-wise approximate weightage:
- Mole Concept & Stoichiometry – 2–3%
- Thermodynamics – 4–5%
- Chemical Equilibrium – 3–4%
- Ionic Equilibrium – 2–3%
- Electrochemistry – 3–4%
- Chemical Kinetics – 3–4%
- Solutions – 2–3%
- Solid State – 2%
Strategy based on weightage:
- Cover high-weightage topics thoroughly before moving to low-weightage ones.
- Practice more questions from topics that have appeared frequently in the past 10 years.
- Keep revisiting weaker topics even if they have less weightage, as NEET can surprise you.
Physical Chemistry Syllabus for NEET
The questions are mostly NCERT-based, so learning the Physical chemistry syllabus for NEET from these books is essential.
Class 11 Physical Chemistry:
Class 12 Physical Chemistry:
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
Preparation tips for syllabus coverage:
- Complete Class 11 topics first, as they form the foundation for Class 12 chapters.
- Link related topics for better understanding(e.g., Thermodynamics in both Physics & Chemistry).
- Use NCERT examples, illustrations, and in-text problems for practice.
- Revise the syllabus at least 3–4 times before the exam.
How Many Questions Come from Physical Chemistry in NEET
On average, 10 to 12 questions are asked from Physical Chemistry in NEET, contributing about 40–50 marks to your score. This makes it a significant portion of the chemistry section, and every correct answer can boost your rank considerably.
Distribution trend:
Class 11 topics contribute around 5–6 questions whereas Class 12 topics contribute around 4–6 questions.
Tips for preparation:
- Since numerical questions dominate, practice speed and accuracy.
- Avoid skipping any chapter; even low-weightage topics have appeared in some years.
- Practice questions from last year's papers.
Key point:
Consistency in solving numerical problems is the best way to secure marks in this section.
Physical Chemistry Book for NEET
Ensure that you choose the appropriate books for mastering Physical Chemistry. Although NCERT is indispensable, complementing it with problem-solving books can strengthen your confidence.
Recommended books:
- NCERT Chemistry Class 11 & 12
- Physical Chemistry by O.P. Tandon – for detailed concepts and advanced problems.
- Physical Chemistry for NEET by Narendra Avasthi
What these Physical Chemistry books for NEET provide:
- By studying NCERT, your fundamental concepts will be reinforced.
- Reference books provide a broader spectrum of numerical problems and corresponding difficulty levels.
- Solving past papers sharpens your exam preparation strategy.
How to Study Physical Chemistry for NEET
Numerous aspirants find themselves struggling; they either dwell too deeply in theory or plunge straight into problems before fully grasping the concepts. Ultimately, it is all about balance.
Effective strategy:
- Familiarize yourself with the concept first – go through the NCERT thoroughly before taking up numericals.
- Make formula notes – Note down all necessary equations in a sheet of paper for efficient revision.
- Practice daily – Allot, at minimum, one hour each day to solve Physical Chemistry problems.
- Revise consistently – Without frequent revision, you forget the concepts, particularly formulas and exceptions.
Extra tips:
- Create flashcards for formulas.
- Take chapter-wise mock tests.
- Concentrate on managing your time when practicing.
Additional Tips to Ace Physical Chemistry for NEET
- Begin with more fundamental chapters, such as Redox Reactions or Some Basic Concepts, and then progress to more advanced topics like Thermodynamics.
- Solve numerical problems without consulting solutions and then verify your solution afterward.
- Keep a separate notebook for errors and tough problems; review it once every week.
- Take mock exams that are full-length and conducted under timed conditions to replicate the actual exam situation.
Conclusion
Studying Physical Chemistry in NEET means having a clear understanding of the concepts, solving many numerical questions, and reviewing equations. Learn how to study physical chemistry for NEET by prioritizing topics with a high weightage in the exam and explore a step wise study schedule and you will make this a scoring section. Read NCERT first and refer to good reference books as well as solve past NEET papers to develop confidence. Regular practice will ensure not only that accuracy is enhanced but also that one becomes faster in solving problems during the examination. Physical Chemistry can fetch you great marks and also raise your ranks in NEET to a great extent with the right approach.
FAQs
Q1. Which book is best to study Physical Chemistry for NEET?
NCERT is the best starting point. For practice, use Narendra Avasthi or O.P. Tandon along with previous years’ NEET papers.
Q2. How many hours should I study Physical Chemistry daily for NEET?
Dedicate at least 1–1.5 hours daily to Physical Chemistry, focusing equally on theory and problem-solving.
Q3. Is Physical Chemistry difficult for NEET?
It’s challenging for many students due to its numerical nature, but with consistent practice and the right approach, it becomes highly scoring.
Also read:
Best chemistry book for NEET
How to Study Chemistry for NEET
Physical Chemistry chapters for NEET 2026 with weightage
