How to Study Chemistry for Board Exam — Score 90+ Strategy
Study Chemistry for board exams — Physical, Organic, Inorganic strategy, equation balancing, named reactions, and scoring tips.
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 | Marks (Class 12) | Study Method | Key Resource |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | ~23 | Learn formula → solve 10 numericals → move to next topic | NCERT + NCERT Exemplar |
| Organic Chemistry | ~19 | Learn reaction type → reagent → product → practise conversions | NCERT + MS Chauhan (for extra practice) |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ~28 | 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 numerical is guaranteed. Practise 10+ 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. |
| Solid State | Packing efficiency, density = ZM/a³NA | Unit cell calculations: know FCC, BCC, simple cubic values. |
Physical Chemistry scoring method: Write formula → substitute values with units → calculate step by step → box the final answer with units. Step marks are generous — a correct formula alone earns 1 mark out of 3.
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 5 compounds daily. Common board question worth 2–3 marks.
- 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 questions for Class 10 & 12 — Physical numericals, Organic reactions, Inorganic facts. Practise with solutions.
Start Chemistry Practice — FreeInorganic Chemistry — NCERT Memorisation
| Chapter | What to Memorise | Revision Method |
|---|---|---|
| p-Block Elements | Properties, compounds, anomalous behaviour, interhalogen compounds | Read NCERT → make comparison tables → revise every 3 days |
| 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. |
| Metallurgy | Extraction of Al (Hall-Héroult), Cu, Fe. Ellingham diagram concept. | Flowchart of extraction steps. Write reactions. |
Inorganic golden rule: Read NCERT Inorganic 3 times minimum. Every table, every exception, every footnote. Board questions are often exact NCERT sentences with blanks. Students who skip NCERT lose 15–20 easy marks.
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 | Modern periodic table trends, groups, periods |
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 applicable to both CBSE and ICSE Chemistry. Marks distribution based on CBSE 2025–2026 blueprint. For ICSE-specific content, refer to your prescribed textbook and cisce.org specimen papers. Last updated: February 2026.
Turn this into board-exam marks
Super Tutor gives you chapter summaries, previous-year questions, and full mock exams matched to your board syllabus — so you revise smarter, not longer.
Start preparing — 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 3 branches and 90+ is very achievable.
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 previous year Organic questions. MS Chauhan is the best reference book.
Is NCERT enough for Chemistry board exam?
Yes — 95%+ of board Chemistry questions come from NCERT. For Inorganic Chemistry, NCERT is literally the only source. For Physical Chemistry, NCERT examples and exercises cover all question types. For Organic, NCERT named reactions and mechanisms are sufficient. Reference books (MS Chauhan, N Avasthi) are only needed for JEE/NEET, not boards.