How I approached Physics | Tips & Tricks by Avika Aggarwal (NEET'25 AIR 05) | All India Girls Topper

Summary

Avika Agarwal, NEET 2025 All India Rank 5, shares valuable insights on how to excel in Physics. She discusses the importance of balancing theory and practice, recommends strategies for mastering concepts, and emphasizes the role of regular practice in building confidence. Avika also offers advice on how to retain formulas, the use of reference books, test analysis, and overcoming exam stress. She highlights the significance of understanding the basics of mathematics, especially calculus and trigonometry, and how they are essential for tackling complex Physics problems effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus 60% of your time on solving questions and 40% on theory to balance practical application with understanding.
• 😀 Create a structured daily study schedule, combining theory and questions in segments for better retention and practice.
• 😀 Build a formula sheet for each chapter, highlighting key formulas, methods, and quick calculation techniques for effective revision.
• 😀 Don't expect immediate mastery of concepts—practice consistently until the approach to solving problems becomes instinctive.
• 😀 Conceptual understanding is more important than solving questions quickly. Focus on identifying the underlying concept in each problem.
• 😀 Formulas can be difficult to memorize—try deriving them, using units and dimensions, and understanding their practical applications to make retention easier.
• 😀 Revising your formula sheet before tests is crucial, especially when transitioning from 11th to 12th grade, to retain important concepts and formulas.
• 😀 Completing the coaching material and reference books like BAM Sharma NEET Edition is essential before attempting extra practice material.
• 😀 Practice regularly with NEET and JEE Mains previous years' questions to familiarize yourself with question patterns and difficulty levels.
• 😀 Analyzing your mistakes after every test will help you identify and fix conceptual gaps. Create a mistake notebook for continuous learning.
• 😀 Keep a calm mindset during the exam by practicing mock tests, and remember that staying positive and in control will lead to better performance.

Q & A

What is the recommended balance between theory and questions in NEET Physics preparation?

Avika suggests a 60% focus on solving questions and 40% on theory. The key is to integrate theory and questions, alternating between them to ensure both are well understood and practiced.

How should one approach Physics preparation after finishing a chapter?

After completing a chapter, create a summary sheet. Include essential formulas and methods that you’ve learned. Highlight any shortcuts or unique methods that help you solve problems more efficiently. This will assist during revision when time is limited.

What advice does Avika offer to those who feel afraid or demotivated by Physics?

Avika advises that students stop expecting to solve every problem perfectly right away. Physics requires practice, and it may take time to connect concepts. Over time, you will develop a natural instinct for solving problems, so persistence is key.

How can students retain formulas better during their preparation?

To retain formulas, Avika recommends deriving formulas rather than memorizing them, and using units and dimensions to cross-check. Also, reviewing formula sheets before tests can help reinforce memory.

What is Avika's strategy for using reference books in Physics preparation?

Avika emphasizes completing coaching materials first before moving to supplementary books. For additional practice, books like BM Sharma’s NEET Edition can be used for a higher-level understanding, but it’s important not to overdo it. Practice selectively, e.g., solving 50-100 questions in a week.

How should test analysis be conducted to improve in Physics?

Test analysis involves identifying three types of mistakes: silly mistakes, calculation errors, and concept gaps. To improve, focus on correcting calculation errors, avoid rushing, and revisit the concepts you didn’t understand.

What role does a mistake notebook play in NEET preparation?

A mistake notebook helps track errors made during mock tests or practice. It’s a great way to identify recurring weak areas and focus on them, ultimately leading to better performance in future tests.

Which chapters from NCERT Physics are essential for NEET preparation?

For 11th grade, all chapters except Rotation from Kinematics should be studied. For 12th grade, all chapters are important, but special emphasis should be placed on topics like EM Waves and Modern Physics. Ensure to study the point-to-point summaries and back exercises.

How can one manage stress or panic during the NEET exam?

Avika recommends taking regular mock tests to train your mind and build a calm approach. When panic arises during the exam, remind yourself that the paper is tough for everyone, and maintain a positive mindset by focusing on what you can solve rather than the mistakes.

Why is it important to master basic math concepts like calculus and trigonometry in Physics?

Mastering basic math concepts like calculus and trigonometry is essential because they form the foundation for solving many Physics problems. Trigonometric identities, for example, are frequently used in topics like Polarization. Understanding these basics makes complex problems easier to approach.