NCERTs are valuable because they remove conceptual gaps and give you a cleaner start. They are not the full preparation, but skipping them often creates confusion later.
A clean sequence is:
- NCERTs or basic sources for foundation
- one standard book per core area
- previous year questions beside every subject
- short revision notes in your own words
That small shift alone can save a lot of time.
The easiest way to think about it is:
- prelims needs accuracy and elimination
- mains needs structure and depth
- CSAT needs timed practice and calm execution
The study style has to match the output.
That small shift alone can save a lot of time.