Toughest Subjects in Indian Exams – Why They’re Hard and How to Nail Them

If you’re scrolling through study plans and feel a knot in your stomach whenever Physics, Chemistry or Maths show up, you’re not alone. These subjects keep popping up as the most dreaded parts of NEET, JEE, and even CBSE board exams. But the real question is: what makes them so tough, and can you actually turn the tables?

Why These Subjects Feel So Tough

First off, the difficulty often comes from the way the content is layered. In NEET, Chemistry blends organic reactions, physical formulas, and inorganic facts all in one chapter. Miss a single concept and the entire section can collapse during a practice test. JEE’s Maths and Physics are similar – they ask you to apply a principle in a fresh, often tricky scenario. That’s why many students say the syllabus feels more like a maze than a straight road.

Another factor is the pressure to memorize large amounts of data quickly. CBSE’s board exams, for instance, expect you to recall definitions, equations, and historical dates within minutes. When the clock ticks, the brain switches to panic mode, and the material that seemed clear in class becomes a blur.

Lastly, the teaching style can add to the challenge. If a teacher rushes through derivations or skips the “why” behind a formula, students are left with a set of steps they can’t explain. That knowledge gap shows up when the exam throws a curveball.

Practical Strategies to Conquer the Hardest Topics

Here’s the good news: the toughest subjects aren’t unbeatable. The key is to break them down into bite‑size actions.

1. Build a strong foundation with NCERT. Almost every top scorer says the NCERT books are non‑negotiable. They present concepts in the simplest language, and the exercises mirror the style of real questions. Start with NCERT, then add any extra material.

2. Mix study material. Relying on a single source, like Aakash, can leave gaps. Pair the core book with past year papers (PYQs) to see where the textbook skips over exam‑specific tricks. This combo gives you both depth and relevance.

3. Use active recall. Instead of re‑reading notes, close the book and try to write down everything you remember about a topic. When you struggle, that’s a signal to revisit that point. Flashcards work great for Chemistry reactions and Physics formulas.

4. Practice with timed mock tests. The brain gets used to solving problems under pressure only after you simulate the exam environment. Set a timer, attempt a full JEE or NEET mock, then review every mistake. The review is where real learning happens.

5. Teach the concept to someone else. Explaining a derivation to a friend or even to yourself out loud forces you to organize thoughts clearly. If you can’t teach it, you probably haven’t mastered it yet.

When you apply these steps consistently, the “tough” label starts to shrink. Students who once feared Chemistry now finish the section with confidence, and JEE aspirants find Physics problems less intimidating.

Remember, the toughest subjects are tough because they demand a mix of memory, understanding, and speed. Treat each part as a separate workout: strengthen the base, fill the gaps, and train under pressure. Keep your study plan flexible, track progress weekly, and celebrate small wins – they add up faster than you think.

Ready to turn the hardest subjects into your secret weapons? Grab your NCERT, pick a set of past papers, and start the active recall cycle today. The next time you open a Physics chapter, you’ll notice the knot loosening, not tightening.