Common Chemistry Topics in NCERT and NEET Syllabus 2026

Common Chemistry Topics in NCERT and NEET Syllabus 2026

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 15 Jan 2026, 05:32 PM IST

Preparing for board exams and NEET 2026 simultaneously is a common challenge for Class 11 and 12 students, especially in Chemistry where conceptual clarity and syllabus alignment matter the most. Fortunately, a large portion of the NEET Chemistry syllabus is directly derived from NCERT textbooks, making it possible to prepare effectively for both exams together.

This Story also Contains

  1. Chemistry Made Easy: One Prep for Both Boards & NEET 2026
  2. NCERT–NEET Overlap 2026: How the Chemistry Syllabus Aligns
  3. Common Chemistry Topics for NEET 2026 & Boards
  4. Smart Study Plan to Prepare for Boards + NEET 2026 Together
  5. Quick Tips to Maximise Your NEET 2026 Chemistry Score
Common Chemistry Topics in NCERT and NEET Syllabus 2026
Most Common Chemistry Topics in NCERT and NEET 2026

This article highlights the key Chemistry topics that are common to the NCERT curriculum and the NEET exam syllabus, helping students prioritise high-impact chapters without duplicating effort. By focusing on these overlapping areas, aspirants can strengthen fundamentals, perform well in board examinations, and build a solid base for NEET-level problem solving.

Understanding this overlap allows students to plan smarter, reduce syllabus overload, and allocate time efficiently—especially during the academic year when balancing school exams and competitive preparation becomes critical.

Chemistry Made Easy: One Prep for Both Boards & NEET 2026

Chemistry is one subject where you can maximise your score in both exams, if you prepare the right way. The major advantage during board and NEET preparation is the common concepts and the NCERT as the foundation.

If you study Chemistry smartly and stick to the core NCERT concept, you automatically cover a major portion of the NEET exam. With the right plan and focus on common chapters, one preparation can help you score excellently in boards and NEET 2026.

NCERT–NEET Overlap 2026: How the Chemistry Syllabus Aligns

NCERT forms the backbone of both board exams and NEET. More than 90% of the NEET 2026 chemistry comes directly or indirectly from the NCERT textbooks. This is why every teacher emphasises reading the NCERT chapters line by line.

For boards, you need conceptual clarity and detailed answers. Whereas NEET MCQs focus on deep understanding and speed. But the content remains almost the same. This overlap helps you build a strong foundation and apply to both exams.

Common Chemistry Topics for NEET 2026 & Boards

To score well in an exam, a student must analyse the syllabus first. This not only helps you increase your score but also saves a lot of time. Here is a quick overview of the chapters that are important for Chemistry preparation of both boards exams and the NEET 2026.

Chapter

Concept

NCERT

NEET

Basic concepts of Chemistry

Importance of Chemistry And Nature of Matter


Properties of Matter and their Measurement

Classification of Matter

Laws of Chemical Combinations

Empirical Formula And Molecular Formula

Dalton’s Atomic Theory

Atomic and Molecular Masses

Percentage Composition And Equivalent Weight

Mole Concept and Molar Mass

Stoichiometry, Stoichiometric Calculations And Limiting Reagent

Reactions in Solutions

Structure of Atom

Atomic Number(Z), Mass number(A), Isotopes and Isobars


Speed of electromagnetic radiation and EM radiation

Planck’s quantum theory

Photoelectric effect

Line spectrum of hydrogen

Bohr’s Model for Hydrogen Atom

Radius, velocity and the energy of nth Bohr orbital

Zeeman effect, Stark effect and Limitations of Bohr’s theory

Debroglie wavelength

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle

Orbital frequency

Quantum Numbers

Shape of Orbitals

Radial nodes and planar nodes

Stability of Completely filled and Half-filled Subshells

Aufbau Principle, Pauli Exclusion Principle and Hund’s Rule of Maximum Multiplicity

Electronic configuration of any element

Classification of elements & periodicity in properties

Introduction of Periodic Table


Mendeleev’s Periodic table

Long form of Modern periodic table

How to find Group, Periods and Blocks of any element

IUPAC Nomenclature and Notation of Element

Classification of Elements : s-block

Classification of Elements : p-block

Classification of Elements : d-block

Classification of Elements : f-block

Classification of Elements as Metals, Nonmetals and Metalloids

Atomic Radius of Elements

Variation of Atomic Radii and ionic radii

Ionisation Enthalpy or Ionisation Potential

Comparison between different I.E.

Electron Gain Enthalpy or Electron Affinity

Electronegativity

Scale for measuring electronegativity and application of EN

Physical Properties of Elements

Chemical Properties of Elements

Chemical Bonding and molecular structure

Introduction


Theory of chemical bonding

Lewis Representation of Simple Molecules (Lewis Structure)

Ionic or Electrovalent Bond

Lattice Enthalpy

Bond Parameters: length, angle, energy, strength

Bond Parameters: Order, Resonance, Resonance Hybrid

Fazan’s Rule and Covalent Character in Ionic Bond

Valence Bond Theory

p?-p? and p?-d? bonding

Hybridisation

How to Find Hybridisation

VSPER (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) Theory

Shapes of Molecules

Molecular Orbital Theory

Types of Molecular Orbitals

Electronic Configuration for Molecules

Energy Level Diagram for Molecules

Dipole Moment

Ionic Character in Covalent Bond

Bond angle and Drago’s rule

Hydrogen Bonding

Smart Tips: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics


Thermodynamics: Properties Of System

Path, State Function, Types Of Process

Reversible, Irreversible, Polytropic Process

Thermodynamic Equilibrium

Heat And Work

Internal Energy

First Law Or Law Of Conservation Of Energy

Isothermal Reversible And Isothermal Irreversible

Adiabatic Reversible And Irreversible Expansion

Graphical Representation Of Work Done In Thermodynamics

Heat Capacity

Relation Between Cp And Cv

Thermochemistry And Enthalpy For Chemical Reaction

Standard Enthalpy And Enthalpy Of Formation

Enthalpy Of Combustion

Enthalpy Of Dissociation, Atomisation And Phase Change

Lattice Enthalpy, Hydration Enthalpy And Enthalpy Of Solution

Enthalpy Of Neutralisation

Ionization And Electron Gain Enthalpy

Born Habers Cycle

Hess’s Law

Entropy And Change In Entropy

Calculation Of Changes In S For Different Process

Spontaneity Criteria Through Entropy

Spontaneity Criteria Through Enthalpy (H) And Entropy (S)

2nd Law Of Thermodynamics

Gibbs Energy And Change In Gibbs Energy

Spontaneity Criteria With Gibbs Energy (G)

Gibbs Energy At Equilibrium

Equilibrium

Introduction to chemical equilibrium


Characteristics of Chemical Equilibrium

Law of Mass Action

Types of Equilibrium Constant

Relation between Kp and Kc

Characteristics of Equilibrium Constant

Degree of Dissociation

Observed Density and Molar Mass

Reaction coefficient/quotient

Le Chatelier’s principle(P, C)

Le Chatelier’s principle(T, Innert Gas)

Ionic Equilibrium

Bronsted Lowry and Lewis Acid-Base theory

Ionisation Constant of Acids and Bases

Ostwald’s dilution law

Ionization Constant of Water / Ionic Product of Water

Relation Between Ka, Kb and Kw for Conjugate Pair

pH of Solutions: Strong Acids

pH of Solutions: Weak Acids

pH of Solutions: Strong Bases

pH of solution/mixture

Common ion effect

pH of weak acid + strong acid

Buffer Solution

Calculating pH of a Buffer Solution(acidic)

Calculating pH of a Buffer Solution(acidic)

Working of Acidic Buffer

Buffer Capacity

Basic Buffers

Action of Basic Buffer

Solubility and Solubility Product

Redox Reactions

Oxidation Number and Oxidation State


Types of Redox Reactions

Displacement Reaction

Balancing of Redox Reaction: Ion Electrode Method

Balancing of Disproportionation Redox Reaction: Ion Electrode Method

Balancing of Redox Reaction: Oxidation Number Method

Organic Chemistry - Some Basic principles and techniques

Characteristics Features of π-bonds


Complete, Condensed and Bond-line Structural Formulas

Classification of Organic Compounds - 1

Classification of Organic Compounds - 2

Functional Group

Homologous Series

IUPAC Nomenclature - 1

IUPAC Nomenclature - 2

Structural Isomerism

Nomenclature of Compounds(Arenes) - 1

Substrate and Reagent

Homolytic and Heterolytic Cleavage

Carbocations

Carbanions

Alkyl Free Radicals

Nucleophiles and Electrophiles

Inductive Effect

Electromeric Effect

Mesomeric or Resonance Effect

Hyperconjugation

Application of Electrophile and Nucleophile

Rules for Writing Resonance Structure

Sublimation and Crystallisation

Distillation and fractional distillation

Distillation under reduced pressure and Steam distillation

Differential extraction

Chromatography

Test for Hydrogen and Carbon

Test for Nitrogen and Sulphur

Test for Halogens

Test for Phosphorous

Liebig's Test

Duma's Method

Kjeldahl's Method

Carius Method (Halogen and Sulphur)

Carius Method (oxygen)

Hydrocarbons

Nomenclature of Alkanes


Preparation of Alkanes(Reduction of Alkenes/Alkynes)

Preparation of Alkanes(Hydroboration Reaction)

preparation of Alkanes(Grignard Reagent)

Preparation of Alkanes(Corey House Reaction, Reduction of Alkyl Halides by LiAlH4, Wurtz Reaction)

Preparation of Alkanes(Decarboxylation and Kolbe's electrolysis)

Physical Properties

Chemical Properties(Free Radical Reaction, Chlorination, Nitration and sulphonation)

Chemical Properties (Combustion, Catalytic Oxidation, Isomerisation, Aromatisation and Pyrolysis)

Conformation, Sawhorse and Newmann Projections

Nomenclature of Alkenes

Reduction of Alkynes to Alkenes

Dehydration of Alcohol by Conc. H2SO4

Saytzeff's and Hoffmann Rule, Dehydration by Al2O3 and ThO2

Dehydrohalogenation of Alkyl Halides

Dehalogenation of Vicinal Halides

Wittig's Reaction

Pyrolysis of Quaternary Ammonium Salts

Cope's Reaction, Pyrolysis of Ester

Hydrohalogenation of Alkenes

Halogenation of Alkenes

Markonikov and Anti-markonikov Reaction

Hydroboration and Oxidation

Reaction of Alkene with Dilute H2SO4

Preparation of Alkynes

Hydrohalogenation and Halogenation of Alkynes

Hydration, Hydroboration and Oxidation of Alkynes

Reaction with Carbonyls and Oxidative Coupling

Reaction with HOCl and Polymerisation Reaction

Aromaticity

Resonance Structures and Mesomeric Effect

Reduction of Aromatic Compounds and Radical Addition

Birch Reduction

Oxidation of Aromatic Compounds

Electrophilic substitution- 1

Electrophilic substitution- 2

Friedel craft alkylation

Friedel Craft Acylation

Halogenation on ring or alkyl chain

Nitration and Sulphonation

Solutions

Solution


Concentration Terms

Vapour Pressure

Factors on which Vapour Pressure depends

Vapour Pressure of Solution Containing Two Volatile Liquids

Vapour Pressure of Solution Containing Non-Volatile Solute

Ideal Solution

Examples of Ideal solution

Non-Ideal Solution Showing Negative Deviation from Raoult's Law

Non-Ideal Solution Showing Positive Deviation from Raoult's Law

Elevation in Boiling Point

Depression in Freezing Point

Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure

Reverse Osmosis

Isotonic, Hypertonic, Hypotonic Solution

van't Hoff factor(i) or Abnormal Colligative Property

Calculation of Extent of Dissociation in an Electrolytic Solution

Calculation of Extent of Association in an Electrolytic Solution

Electrochemistry

Introduction to Electrochemistry


Quantitative Aspect of Electrolytic Cell: Faraday's First Law

Faraday's Second Law

Galvanic Cells

Problem in Galvanic Cells and Salt Bridge

Function of Salt Bridge and Condition

Cell Representation of Galvanic Cells

Electrode Potential and EMF of Cells

Standard Hydrogen Electrode

Feasibility and Gibbs Free Energy of Reaction

Nernst Equation

Nernst Equation for Full Cell

Equilibrium Constant Through Nernst Equation

Conductance of Electrolytic Solutions

Molar and Equivalent Conductance

Effect of Dilution on Conductance, Λm, Λeq and Conductivity

Molar Conductance at Infinite Dilution

Kohlrausch's Law

Batteries

Secondary Batteries

Chemical Kinetics

Rate of Reaction


Average Rate of Reaction

Instantaneous Rate of Reaction

Factors Affecting Rate of Reaction

Factors Affecting Rate of Reaction(2)

Rate Law

Unit of Rate Constant

Important Points About Order of Reaction

Simple/Elementary Single Step Reaction

Initial Rate Method to Determine Correct Rate Law and Order of Reaction

Zero Order Kinetics - Zero Order Reaction

Integrated Rate Law - Zero Order Reaction

Half Life and Life Time of Reaction

Graphs for Zero-Order Reaction

Special Zero Order Reaction

First Order Reaction

Other Forms of Rate Law

Half Life of First Order Reaction

Graphs of First Order Kinetics

How to Determine Order of Reaction: Half Life Method

How to Determine Order of Reaction - Integrated Rate Law Method

Molecularity of Reaction

Pseudo Order Reaction

Order of Reaction vs Molecularity

Effect of Temperature on Rate of Reaction: Approximate Dependency of K on T

Effect of Temperature on Rate of Reaction: Accurate Dependency of K on T

Ratio of Two Rate Constants at Two Different Temperatures

Exception(Arrhenius Theory)

Complex Reaction - Mechanism of Reaction

Complex Reaction (When Intermediate is Incorporated)

Parallel First Order Kinetics

Effective Activation Energy

[A], [B], [C] Vs time(t)

d and f Block Elements

Transition Elements Introduction


Screening Effect and Lanthanoid Contraction

Atomic Size/Radii

Metallic Character and Enthalpy of Atomization

Ionisation Energy

Oxidation State

Magnetic Properties and Character

Formation of Coloured Ions

Formation of Interstitial Compounds

KMnO4

K2Cr2O7

Physical Properties of f-block

Physical Properties of f-block - 2

Chemical Properties of Lanthanoids

Properties of Actinoids

Coordination Compounds

Terminologies Related to Coordination Compounds


Types of Ligands - 1

Types of Ligands - 2

Oxidation Number

Coordination Number

Effective Atomic Number(EAN)

Writing the Formula of a Complex or Coordination Compound

IUPAC Nomenclature of Coordination or Complex Compound

Naming of Complex Ions/Molecules

Naming of Complex Anion

Naming of Complex Anion and Complex Cation

Bonding in Coordination Compounds(Werner's Theory)

Valence Bond Theory

Analysis of Complex Compound on the Basis of VBT

Exceptional Case of Hybridisation(VBT)

Magnetic Moment(On the Basis of VBT)

Limitations of VBT

Main Postulates of Crystal Field Theory

Crystal Field Splitting in Octahedral Field

Crystal Field Splitting in Tetrahedral Field

Factors Affecting CFSE

Applications of CFT

Limitations of CFT

Stereoisomerism

Structural Isomerism - 1

Structural Isomerism - 2

Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Nature of C-X bond and Physical Properties


Huns-dicker Reaction

Reaction with NaCN, AgCN, NaNO2 and AgNO2

Finkelstein and Swartz Reaction

Reaction with PCl5, PCl3, SOCl2 and HX

SN2 Reaction

SN1 Reaction

Elimination-Addition Mechanism(I)

Nucleophilic Substitution

Preparation of Aryl Halides

Elimination-Addition Mechanism(II)

Alcohol, Phenols and Ethers

Grignard Reagent - 1


Grignard Reagent - 2

Reduction of Anhydrides and Esters

Reduction by LiAlH4 and NaBH4

Properties of Alcohols

Acylation and Oxidation of Alcohols

Haloform Reaction

Pinacol Pinacolone Rearrangement

Oxidative Cleavage with HIO4

Preparation of Phenol(I)

Preparation of Phenol(II)

Properties of Phenols

Reactions due to (-OH) group

Claisen's Rearrangement

Reaction with Conc. HNO3, Phthalic Anhydride

Reaction of Phenols with dil. HNO3

Reimer-Tiemann and Kolbe's Schmidt Reactions

Williamson's Ether Synthesis

Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Preparation of Aldehydes and Ketones


Preparation of Aldehydes

Preparation of Ketones

Nucleophilic Addition Reaction

Reduction and Oxidation Reaction

Intermolecular Aldol Condensation

Intramolecular Aldol Condensation

Intermolecular Cannizzaro Reaction

Intramolecular Cannizzaro Reaction

Methods of Preparation of Carboxylic Acids

Chemical Properties of Carboxylic Acids

Acidity in Carboxylic Acids

Perkin's Condensation

Reformatsky Reaction

Benzoin Condensation, Benzil-Benzilic Acid Rearrangement

Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Methods of Preparation of Amines


Gabriel Phthalimide Synthesis

Hoffmann Bromamide Reaction

Special Case of Hoffmann Bromamide Reaction

Test for Amines

Carbylamine Test

Alkylation and Acylation of Amines

Reaction with NaNO2 + HCl

Basicity of Aliphatic Amines

Azo-Coupling Reaction

Properties of Nitrocompounds and Mulliken Barker Test

Preparation of Aromatic Nitrocompounds

Basicity of Aromatic Amines

Biomolecules

Carbohydrates


Cyclic Structure of Glucose(Haworth Projection)

Cyclic Structure of Fructose(Haworth Projection)

Anomers, Epimers, Mutarotation

Evidence for Open Chain Structure of Glucose

Evidence for Ring Structure of Glucose

Chemical Properties of Glucose

Diasaccharides and Polysaccharides

Amino Acids - 1

Amino Acids - 2

Amino Acids - 3

Proteins

Enzymes

Vitamins

Smart Study Plan to Prepare for Boards + NEET 2026 Together

A combined strategy ensures that students never feel like they are preparing for two different exams. Here is a smart study plan that works for both the exams and helps to score well without stressing about covering the vast syllabus:

  1. Start with the NCERT chapter and build your foundation thoroughly.

  2. Make short notes after the chapter so that revision becomes quick.

  3. Chemistry is divided into 3 parts, and each part requires a different strategy:

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  • For Physical Chemistry, practice 20-30 numericals daily.

  • For Organic, revise reactions and solve NCERT examples regularly.

  • For Inorganic, memorise NCERT lines, tables and exceptions.

NEET 2026 Free Mock Test with Solutions
Download the NEET 2026 Free Mock Test PDF with detailed solutions. Practice real exam-style questions, analyze your performance, and enhance your preparation.
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  1. After completing each topic, solve board-style questions and then attempt NEET MCQs.

  2. Every Sunday, take a mixed chapter test to check understanding and retention.

NEET Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

Quick Tips to Maximise Your NEET 2026 Chemistry Score

Students can significantly improve their performance in Chemistry by making small adjustments to their study plan. This approach not only saves their time but also prevents panic during the exams. Some useful NEET 2026 preparation tips include:

  • Read NCERT: highlight key reactions, exceptions and formulas.

  • Solve 10 years of NEET PYQs to understand question patterns.

  • Use flashcards for inorganic trends and formulas.

  • Avoid memorising reactions blindly; focus on logic and mechanism.

  • Revise every 2-3 days to keep all chapters fresh in your mind.

  • Most importantly, stay consistent, even 2-3 hours of focused study can give big results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is NCERT enough for NEET 2026 Chemistry?
A:

Yes, NCERT forms the foundation for NEET Chemistry and most of the questions are NCERT concepts, reactions and formulas.

Q: How can I prepare for boards and NEET Chemistry together?
A:

Focus on NCERT first, make concise notes and practice both board style and NEET level MCQs for every chapter from the beginning.

Q: How much time should I study Chemistry daily for NEET 2026?
A:

Around 2-3 focused study per day is enough if you follow it consistently and revise regularly.

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