Every year, lakhs of students across India dream of cracking the prestigious JEE and NEET exams. For many, it’s not just about entering a top engineering or medical college—it’s a step toward fulfilling a childhood dream, making their families proud, and building a future they’ve always imagined.

But here's the truth: while these exams are tough, starting the preparation the right way can make all the difference. If you’re someone who has just decided to begin the journey toward JEE or NEET, this guide will walk you through the right mindset, the right resources, and the right strategy to get started.

Understand What You’re Preparing For

Before diving into books and videos, it’s important to understand what these exams are all about. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is for students aspiring to get into engineering institutes like the IITs, NITs, and other top technical colleges. It tests your understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and is divided into two levels—JEE Main and JEE Advanced. On the other hand, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the gateway to a career in medicine. It covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and is the only entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India. Once you clearly understand the format and subjects, the first big hurdle is already crossed. Why? Because now you know what you're aiming for—and clarity gives direction.

The Power of a Study Plan

Starting without a plan is like sailing a ship without a compass. Creating a study timetable is essential, but it doesn’t have to be rigid or unrealistic. In fact, the best study plans are flexible and personalized. Start by dividing your week in a balanced way. Don’t overload any single day. Mix subjects and include revision slots. If you're in school, aim to dedicate 3 to 4 hours daily outside school hours. If you're a dropper, 6 to 8 focused hours a day is a great target. A good plan gives your mind structure. It tells you exactly what to do when you sit at your desk. That’s when studying starts to feel like a flow instead of a chore.

Choosing the Right Books and Resources

When it comes to preparation, students often fall into a trap—collecting too many books. It's tempting to buy everything people suggest, but here's the secret: you only need a few books, but you need to master them. For JEE aspirants, NCERT textbooks should be your foundation, especially in Chemistry. Books like H.C. Verma for Physics, Cengage for Maths, and O.P. Tandon for Chemistry are trusted by toppers and teachers alike. For NEET aspirants, NCERT again holds the highest importance—particularly for Biology. Many NEET toppers have said that 90% of their Biology paper came directly from NCERT. For Physics and Chemistry, books like D.C. Pandey, O.P. Tandon, and Trueman’s Biology can help deepen your understanding.

The rule is simple: stick to one good source per subject per topic, complete it thoroughly, and revise it often.

Use Online Learning to Your Advantage

We live in a time where learning is no longer limited to classrooms. Today, you can access India’s best teachers through your mobile phone or laptop. There are plenty of platforms and YouTube channels that offer quality content—both free and paid. At STEM Courses, we believe that a student should never feel lost or alone in this journey. That’s why we offer regular online classes, concept videos, problem-solving sessions, and exam strategies on our YouTube channel, STEM with DK Swami. Whether it’s understanding Newton’s Laws or tricky organic reactions, our videos break it down in a way that’s simple and practical. The goal of online learning should not be to binge-watch videos, but to watch, absorb, take notes, and then apply what you’ve learned through questions and mock tests.

The Importance of Note-Making and Revision

One of the smartest habits you can develop early is making your own notes. It may seem tedious at first, but these notes become priceless in your revision phase. For Physics and Chemistry, write down formulas, derivations, and key concepts. For Biology, prepare flowcharts, short tables, and one-liner notes. Your notes should be short, easy to revise, and made in your own language. That way, when exams approach, you won’t feel the burden of opening fat textbooks again. Make it a routine to revise once a week. Even if it’s just going through flashcards or reading through your notes while sipping tea—revision keeps information fresh and retrievable.

Practice, Practice, and Practice

Let’s be real—no amount of reading will help unless you solve questions regularly. Solving MCQs is not just about getting the right answer, it’s about building speed, accuracy, and confidence. Start with solving examples from NCERT and your main textbooks. Once you're comfortable, move on to previous year questions and mock tests. Take a full-length mock test at least once a week. After the test, spend time analyzing your performance. Understand where you went wrong, revise those concepts, and try again. That cycle of learning > testing > analyzing > improving is what truly builds a strong preparation.

Take Care of Your Body and Mind

While academics are important, your physical and mental health cannot be ignored. A tired, unhealthy body cannot focus. A stressed mind cannot retain information. Make sure you're sleeping well, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Take short breaks between study sessions. A 10-minute walk, a quick stretch, or even just some deep breathing can recharge your mind. Avoid comparing your progress to others. Every student has a unique journey. The goal is not to be perfect—but to be better than yesterday.

Starting is the Hardest Part—But It’s Also the Most Important

The first few weeks of preparation might feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to study, and it can seem like you’re behind. But remember, even the toppers you admire started somewhere. And so can you. What matters is consistency. Show up every day, study what you planned, and keep moving forward. There will be tough days, but there will also be breakthroughs—moments where you solve a problem that once felt impossible, or finally understand a difficult concept. Those are the moments that make it all worth it.

Let’s Begin Your Journey Together

If you’re ready to start your preparation for JEE or NEET, we’re here to help you at every step. You can explore our free concept classes, YouTube lessons, and structured online batches that are specially designed for students like you. Visit stemcourses.com to join our growing community of learners. And if you ever feel stuck, reach out. Ask a doubt. Share your progress. Because when we learn together, we grow faster.

You have the dream. We’ll give you the direction. Let’s begin today. 💫