How to Start JEE/NEET Preparation from Class 9

In Indian families, children are asked one question from childhood: “Beta, bade ho kar doctor banoge ya engineer?”

This question begins when the child does not even know what a doctor or engineer is or how to become one. Over time, this gradually transfers into pressure.  Especially in 9th grade, because it's in this class that we first learn about subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology in an explored way. And with that, our wait to choose between NEET and JEE is over. But even more challenging than the choice is figuring out how to prepare for NEET/JEE from Class 9. 

Every year, millions of students compete for a few JEE and NEET seats. With such intense competition, preparing in advance is a smart move. The earlier you start, the better. This will help you establish a solid base, develop smart study skills, and learn to be consistent. NEET/JEE both are tough entrance exams after 12th. The only way to succeed is through diligent preparation. Due to the high competition, delaying is not an option. You must start preparation from class 9th. Here we will explain to you the right way to start, how to study, what not to study, and how to build a strong foundation while enjoying school life.

Why Start NEET/JEE Preparation from Class 9?

Starting NEET or JEE preparation from Class 9 offers many benefits, such as strengthening their foundation in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology without the pressure of rushing about board exams or competitive exams. 9th standard student can revise and practice questions as much as they want, as per their time. Because at this stage the syllabus is very easy and the concepts are also entered slowly, so it becomes even easier to understand.  This gives you enough time to understand the concepts rather than memorizing them. 

Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology are focused on the basics in class 9th. And these same basics come in a deeper way later in class 11. If a student completes these basic concepts in 9th grade, they find it easier to grasp other concepts, but if they don't, they find all the topics confusing and challenging. The 11th-grade syllabus is not easy either, so neither teachers nor students have the time to start from the basics. In 9th class, they have to give only 1-2 hours daily, but in 11th class, it becomes double or triple. And all with this, time management will also become a challenge for you. So make it a habit to study regularly. Later, when the syllabus increases, students already know some of the basics and can manage their time accordingly.

Another thing that you will clear after starting preparation early is that you will come to know whether you are more interested in studying the processes of Biology or in solving the problems of Maths. This class gives you the opportunity to study and understand both and decide whether you want to make your career in NEET or JEE. Starting your preparation early does not mean that you have to read tons of books; at this stage, just the NCERT books are enough.

How to Start Preparing for NEET/JEE from Class 9?

Think about when you first learned how to ride a bicycle. If you tried to go too fast on the first day, you were bound to fall. But you first learned about how to balance, then you learned how to pedal works, then the brakes, and other functions, and only then did cycling become easier. The same applies to preparing for the NEET and JEE. Class 9 is the stage where students learn to balance their studies.

Examples from daily life, such as the motion of a bus, how water boils, and how plants grow, are all part of the syllabus. When students connect these topics with real life, learning becomes natural. Pay attention to the things around you, like when the pressure cooker whistles, how the fan is rotating, how sunlight is affecting the plants, why the thing thrown up falls down and does not get stuck up. These small things are not common, but these are simple examples of Physics and Biology which are working in real life. This is the right time to build habits, understand basics, and study without fear of exams or ranks.

• Read NCERT books thoroughly before using any additional material.

• Spend 30–45 minutes daily learning concepts.

• Focus on understanding formulas, not memorising them.

• Solve NCERT questions first, then the basic extra problems.

• Make short notes for formulas and key points.

• Revise chapters weekly to avoid forgetting them.

• Avoid advanced-level questions meant for Class 11.

• Use limited study resources to avoid confusion.

• Solve topic-specific MCQs instead of full mock tests.

• Balance study with rest, play, and school activities.

NEET/JEE Preparation Books for Class 9

Starting NEET or JEE preparation in Class 9 doesn't mean collecting a ton of heavy books. Books at this time should provide students with basic clarity and understanding, rather than further confusing them. Due to students' lack of complete knowledge, they often buy whatever book someone suggests. However, a good book is sufficient if read properly and in the right way. When you need basic conceptual understanding in 9th grade, you should study NCERT. NCERT is more than enough to clear JEE/NEET. If you have NCERT at your fingertips, you can turn to reference books. Here are some books I recommend:

"Must-Have" Fundamentals

JEE Foundation (Engineering Focus)

NEET Foundation (Medical Focus)

Effective Strategies on How to Prepare for NEET/JEE from Class 9

As you may have seen, when a house is built, a complete plan is made as to what to build where, how to build it, and how to strengthen the base so that there are no cracks in the upper floor and stability is maintained. It's the same with starting your NEET and JEE preparation from the 9th grade. If you strengthen your basics, you will see its clear impact in the JEE/NEET exam. When you study in Class 11, you will see that concepts like motion, laws of motion, atoms, mole concept, cell structure, and basic algebra already come from Class 9. If these basics are clear, your brain won't face any challenges understanding those concepts at the advanced level. And this will give you a lot of confidence. In JEE/NEET preparation, strong basics do not guarantee success, but weak basics will guarantee failure. Here are some strategies you can incude into your preparation.

• Instead of memorizing answers without logic, focus on concept clarity by understanding why formulas and rules work.

• Follow NCERT seriously, as most competitive exam questions are based on NCERT concepts and examples.

• Instead of studying for long periods occasionally, study for 30–45 minutes daily to build consistency.

• Complete one chapter thoroughly before moving on to the next to avoid confusion later.

• Make short notes in simple language so revision is quick and easy.

• Revise topics weekly to remember concepts.

• Solve NCERT exercises first, and then attempt basic additional questions related to the same topic.

• Avoid advanced-level books meant for Class 11 as they can cause unnecessary pressure.

• Use limited and reliable study resources to avoid confusion due to excessive material.

• Maintain balance by devoting time to sports, hobbies, and adequate sleep to keep your mind active.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 9 NEET/JEE Preparation

Starting preparation for JEE/NEET from class 9th is a good decision, but there is a chance of making mistakes during this time. At this age, when you have high curiosity and get different advice from family, relatives, friends, and teachers due to which you feel pressured. Many students take early prepration start to mean studying like in 11th or 12th standard, and because of this, they buy lots of heavy books, start studying for hours, make strict schedules, stop travelling and playing, and gradually they start getting bored with all this, start getting irritable, and by the time they reach the class 1th, they become burnout.

Starting your preparation for Class 9th means gradually learning the basics, not rushing into a race. At this age, you should try to understand concepts by connecting them to daily life. And don't compare yourself to someone who has joined a coaching class and is solving tough questions easily, but you can't. This will only demotivate you. And you'll feel inferior, even if you're doing well. This is not the point of starting early, early preparation develops clarity, discipline, and curiosity, and helps in avoiding mistakes. Here I have made a list of some such mistakes

• Starting preparation like Class 11 students and taking unnecessary pressure

• Ignoring the NCERT and directly using heavy reference books

• Studying for long periods of time instead of short, regular sessions

• Memorising formulas without understanding concepts

• Solving very tough questions meant for higher classes

• Buying too many books and watching random online videos

• Skipping revision and rushing through it

• Taking all the NEET or JEE mock tests too quickly

• Comparing your progress with friends or toppers

• Studying without proper sleep and rest

• Ignoring school exams and internal assessments

• Losing interest due to excessive planning and unrealistic schedules

Wrap-up

If you have decided to start preparing for JEE/NEET from class 9th itself, then you are already one step ahead of the competition. Our intent here is to build a strong and clear foundation. Students who focus on the basics first remain more organized and stress-free in higher classes. By the age of 9, students are more curious, easier to manage their time, and learn easily how to cover the syllabus. The preparation also seems to connect to natural and daily life, as concepts such as motion, heat, automatic, and living organisms are already around us. When a student connects their studies with real life, they understand them quickly and easily.  In 9th class, you just have to focus on clarity and not on speed.

Focus on NCERT, understand it, revise it on a regular basis, and do not get caught in the trap of heavy books by getting influenced by anyone else. Both NEET and JEE exams have questions from NCERT, so base your knowledge only on NCERT. More books only support learning. While preparing, make the right strategy and avoid common mistakes. In the end, NEET or JEE is not a race that begins in Class 11. It is a journey that becomes easier when the foundation is carefully laid with patience, discipline, and the right mindset from Class 9 onwards.