Why Students Struggle in Physics and How to Fix It
(Class 11 & 12 Guide)

physics coaching in chandigarh & kharar class 11 and 12 students studying

Physics is considered the mother of all sciences and serves as the foundation from which many laws and phenomena are derived.  This makes physics one of the most important subjects for students in Class 11 and 12, especially for those preparing for board exams, JEE, and NEET. However, even though physics plays a crucial role in academic success, many students who excel in other subjects often struggle with it.

In this blog, we will understand why students struggle in Physics and how they can overcome these challenges with the right approach.

Why is Physics a Big Hurdle?

Many students face difficulty in mastering Physics as it requires a clear understanding of concepts, along with practising mathematical derivations, rather than just learning formulas.

Now the question arises, why do students often need extra coaching to master physics even if they are fully dedicated and skilled to learn the subject? In school classrooms, the limited time, large class sizes  and lack of individual attention make it difficult for students to understand difficult topics like laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, or optics.

Another major problem with the subject is that most of the time, students try to memorise Physics instead of understanding it. Unlike theory-based subjects, Physics requires:

  • Concept clarity
  • Logical thinking
  • Problem-solving skills

In the absence of this framework, students start losing confidence, and the subject begins to feel difficult.

Physics is Different from Chemistry & Biology

In science, all the subjects are equally important and demand deep understanding. But all physics needs different learning mechanisms, and one key reason students struggle is that they approach Physics the same way they study Chemistry and Biology, which is not effective.

  • Biology is mostly theory-based and involves memorisation.
  • Chemistry has a mix of theory and numericals, but many parts can still be learned through practice and patterns.
  • Physics, on the other hand, is purely concept-driven and application-based.

For example, in Biology, you can memorise certain processes. In Chemistry, you can remember many of the difficult reactions. But in Physics, you must understand how a formula works in different situations.

This makes Physics a challenging subject, especially for students in Class 11, where the difficulty level suddenly increases compared to Class 10.

Why Do Physics Numerical Create Problems?

In physics, numericals help to prove many phenomena and serve as a key pillar in the advancement of the subject. Interestingly, sometimes these numericals cause the biggest fears among students in Physics. Many students find them confusing and difficult, especially in topics like kinematics, work & energy, current electricity, and rotational motion.

The main reasons include:

1. Weak Concept Foundation

If the basic concept is not clear, solving numerical becomes almost impossible.

2. Fear of Maths

Now in physics, mathematical calculations are an integral part, and students who are weak in Maths often struggle with Physics numerical.

3. Lack of Practice

Just like in mathematics, numericals in physics require regular practice. Students who avoid solving problems daily find it difficult during exams.

4. Wrong Approach

In the absence of proper guidance many students directly jump to formulas without understanding the concept behind them, which leads to mistakes and adversely affects the performance.

Unlike numerical which are often formula-based, Physics numerical require logical thinking and step-by-step problem-solving.

How to Handle Physics Subject Effectively?

Though physics is a hard subject to master, the good news is that it can become one of the easiest and most scoring subjects if studied in the right way. Here are some proven strategies for Class 11 & 12 students:

Focus on Concept Clarity

Before solving any numerical problem, make sure you understand the concept completely. Ask questions like:

  • Why is this formula used?
  • What does each term mean?

Strong concepts make problem-solving much easier.

Practice Numericals Daily

Physics is a subject that improves with practice. Solve different types of problems daily to build confidence.

Start with:

  • Basic questions
  • Then move to the moderate level
  • Finally, attempt exam-level questions

Strengthen Basic Maths Skills

Sharp mathematical skills can be hugely handy to learn physics, as topics like algebra, trigonometry, and basic calculations are essential for the subject. Improving Math skills will automatically improve your performance in Physics.

Learn Step-by-Step Problem Solving

Always follow a structured approach:

  1. Understand the question
  2. Identify the given data
  3. Apply the correct formula
  4. Solve step by step

Avoid shortcuts in the beginning—focus on accuracy first.

Revise Regularly

Being complicated in nature, Physics concepts can be forgotten easily if not revised. Make short notes and revise them weekly.

Regular revision helps in:

  • Better retention
  • Faster problem solving
  • Improved exam performance

Clear Doubts Immediately

A small doubt in the beginning can have a butterfly effect on the final results. Thus, ignore doubts as even a small confusion can affect your understanding of the entire topic.

Don’t be hesitant to seek help from teachers, mentors, or coaching institutes that provide personal attention and doubt-clearing sessions.

Take Regular Tests

Testing on a regular basis, as well as at various stages, is essential to track your progress. Attempt:

  • Weekly tests
  • Mock exams
  • Previous year papers

This helps you identify mistakes and improve continuously.

Final Thoughts

Physics may seem difficult at first, but with the right strategy, it can become one of the most interesting and scoring subjects for Class 11 and 12 students.

The key is to focus on concept clarity, regular practice, and proper guidance. Students who follow a disciplined study routine and seek the right support can easily overcome their fear of Physics.

Remember, Physics is not about memorising formulas—it is about understanding how the world works. Once you start enjoying the subject, success will follow automatically.