How to Study Chemistry for Board Exam — Score 90+ Strategy
How to study Chemistry for Class 10 and 12 board exams: physical, organic and inorganic strategies, name reactions, equation balancing and 2026-27 marks.
Chemistry has three distinct branches — and each needs a completely different study approach. Physical Chemistry = Maths (formulas + numericals). Organic Chemistry = pattern recognition (reactions + mechanisms). Inorganic Chemistry = memory (NCERT tables + properties). Master all three and 90+ is within reach.
Branch-Wise Strategy
| Branch | CBSE Class 12 marks (2026-27) | Study Method | Key Resource |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | 23 | Learn formula → solve 10 numericals → move to next topic | NCERT + NCERT Exemplar |
| Organic Chemistry | 33 | Learn reaction type → reagent → product → practise conversions | NCERT + MS Chauhan (for extra practice) |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 14 | Read NCERT line by line → memorise tables → revise weekly | NCERT only (every line matters) |
Physical Chemistry — Formula-Based Scoring
| Chapter | Key Formulas | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Solutions | Raoult's law, ΔTb = Kb·m·i, π = iCRT | Colligative properties: know all 4. van't Hoff factor is frequently tested. |
| Electrochemistry | Nernst equation, Faraday's law, Λm = κ×1000/M | Nernst equation numericals come up often. Practise plenty of problems. |
| Chemical Kinetics | First order: k = (2.303/t)log(a/a-x), t½ = 0.693/k | Rate law + order determination is common. Arrhenius equation for temperature problems. |
Physical Chemistry scoring method: Write formula → substitute values with units → calculate step by step → box the final answer with units. Step marks reward correct working, so show every step even if you are unsure of the final answer.
Solid State is not in the CBSE Class 12 syllabus for 2026-27.
Organic Chemistry — Reaction Mastery
Must-Know Named Reactions (Class 12)
| Reaction | Conversion | Reagent/Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Sandmeyer | Diazonium salt → ArCl, ArBr, ArCN | CuCl/HCl, CuBr/HBr, CuCN/KCN |
| Kolbe's | Phenol → Salicylic acid | NaOH + CO₂ (high pressure, 125°C) |
| Reimer-Tiemann | Phenol → Salicylaldehyde | CHCl₃ + NaOH |
| Williamson | R-ONa + R'X → Ether | Heating |
| Aldol Condensation | Aldehyde (with α-H) → β-hydroxy aldehyde | Dilute NaOH |
| Cannizzaro | Aldehyde (no α-H) → Acid + Alcohol | Conc. NaOH |
| Hofmann Bromamide | Amide → Primary amine (−1 carbon) | Br₂ + NaOH |
| Gabriel Phthalimide | Phthalimide → Primary amine | R-X + KOH hydrolysis |
Organic Chemistry Study Method
- Learn by functional group: Complete all reactions of alcohols before moving to aldehydes.
- Draw reaction mechanisms for at least key reactions (SN1, SN2, electrophilic addition).
- Practise conversions daily: "Convert ethanol to ethanoic acid" — write reagent and conditions.
- IUPAC naming: practise naming a few compounds daily — it comes up often.
- Distinction tests: Learn how to distinguish between pairs (aldehyde vs ketone, 1° vs 2° vs 3° alcohol).
Chemistry chapter-wise practice
Super Tutor has Chemistry chapter summaries, formula sheets and practice quizzes for Class 10 and 12.
Start freeInorganic Chemistry — NCERT Memorisation
| Chapter | What to Memorise | Revision Method |
|---|---|---|
| d & f Block | Electronic config, colour, magnetic properties, KMnO₄ & K₂Cr₂O₇ reactions | Flashcards for properties. Write from memory, check, repeat. |
| Coordination Compounds | IUPAC naming, isomerism, CFT, magnetic moment formula | Practise naming 10 compounds. Draw isomers. |
Inorganic golden rule: read the NCERT inorganic chapters several times — every table and every exception. Board questions often follow NCERT's wording closely.
p-Block Elements is not in the CBSE Class 12 syllabus, and Isolation of Elements (metallurgy) is assessed only by your school.
Class 10 Chemistry Strategy
| Chapter | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Chemical Reactions & Equations | Balance equations, identify reaction types, state symbols |
| Acids, Bases & Salts | pH scale, indicators, preparation of salts, Plaster of Paris |
| Metals & Non-metals | Reactivity series, extraction, ionic vs covalent bonds |
| Carbon & Its Compounds | Homologous series, IUPAC naming, properties of ethanol & ethanoic acid |
Periodic Classification of Elements is assessed only by your school in Class 10.
Equation Balancing — Quick Method
- Write the unbalanced equation with correct formulas.
- Count atoms on each side for every element.
- Balance metals first, then non-metals, then hydrogen, then oxygen.
- Use coefficients (numbers before formulas), never change subscripts.
- Add state symbols: (s) solid, (l) liquid, (g) gas, (aq) aqueous.
- Verify: Count atoms again on both sides. They must be equal.
Revision Schedule
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Daily (15 min) | Formula sheet + 5 equations from memory |
| Every 3 days | Inorganic NCERT tables re-read |
| Weekly | 10 Physical Chemistry numericals + 10 Organic conversions |
| Every 2 weeks | Full sample paper under timed conditions |
| Last week | Formula dump on rough paper (write all from memory). Named reactions list. NCERT Inorganic final read. |
Strategy applies to CBSE and ICSE Chemistry. Marks from the CBSE Curriculum 2026-27 (cbseacademic.nic.in); ICSE students should follow the CISCE syllabus and specimen papers on cisce.org.
Turn this into exam marks
Super Tutor gives you chapter summaries, revision notes, practice quizzes and an AI doubt solver matched to your board syllabus — so you revise smarter, not longer.
Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
How to score 90+ in Chemistry board exam?
Chemistry has 3 branches — each needs a different approach. Physical: treat like Maths (formulas + numericals). Organic: learn reactions and mechanisms (pattern recognition). Inorganic: memorise NCERT tables and properties (pure memory). Master all three and 90+ is within reach.
Which branch of Chemistry is easiest to score in?
Inorganic Chemistry is the easiest IF you memorise NCERT thoroughly — questions are direct from the textbook. Physical Chemistry is scoring if you know formulas (numerical-based, predictable). Organic Chemistry is the trickiest for most students (needs understanding of mechanisms). Priority: Inorganic (easy marks) → Physical (formula marks) → Organic (practice-heavy).
How to remember chemical equations?
Do not try to memorise every equation. Instead: (1) Understand the reaction type (combination, decomposition, displacement). (2) Know the reactants and products logically. (3) Balance using the hit-and-trial method. (4) Always write state symbols (s, l, g, aq). (5) Practise writing 10 equations daily. After writing an equation 5 times, it sticks.
How to study Organic Chemistry for boards?
Step 1: Master GOC (General Organic Chemistry) — inductive effect, resonance, hyperconjugation. Step 2: Learn named reactions with reagents and conditions. Step 3: Practise conversions (alcohol→aldehyde→acid). Step 4: IUPAC naming — practise naming 20 compounds. Step 5: Solve past board questions on organic chemistry. For extra, JEE-level practice, M.S. Chauhan is a popular reference.
Is NCERT enough for the Chemistry board exam?
For CBSE, NCERT is the base and most questions are built on it — especially in inorganic chemistry. NCERT examples cover the main numerical types, and NCERT Exemplar and past papers add practice. Heavier reference books (such as M.S. Chauhan or N. Awasthi) are mainly for JEE or NEET.