The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the most important and competitive exams for medical aspirants in India. It is the only entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS and BSMS courses in various government and private medical colleges across the country. NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the regulation of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare12.
If you are planning to appear for NEET next year, you must be wondering how to prepare well and score high in this exam. Here are 10 tips that can help you ace NEET 2023 and achieve your dream of becoming a doctor.
1. Know the syllabus and exam pattern
The first step to crack NEET is to know the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. NEET syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics from Class 11 and 12 of NCERT and other state boards. You can download the official NEET syllabus from the NTA website3.
NEET exam pattern consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with four options each. The duration of the exam is three hours and it is conducted in pen and paper mode in 13 languages. The total marks are 720 and each correct answer carries four marks while each wrong answer deducts one mark. There are 50 questions from Physics, 50 from Chemistry, and 100 from Biology (50 from Botany and 50 from Zoology)3.
2. Make a realistic study plan
Once you know the syllabus and exam pattern, you need to make a study plan that suits your learning style and schedule. A good study plan should include:
- A list of topics to cover in each subject
- A time allocation for each topic based on its difficulty and weightage
- A revision strategy for each topic
- A mock test schedule to assess your progress
- A buffer time for unforeseen circumstances
You can use a calendar, planner or app to create and track your study plan. Make sure you follow your plan diligently and update it as per your performance and feedback.
3. Focus on concepts and basics
NEET is not a test of rote memorization but of conceptual understanding and application. Therefore, you need to focus on clearing your concepts and basics in each subject before moving on to advanced topics or problem-solving. You can use NCERT books as your primary source of learning as they cover most of the NEET syllabus in a simple and concise manner. You can also refer to other books or online resources for additional explanation or examples.
4. Practice MCQs regularly
One of the best ways to prepare for NEET is to practice MCQs regularly from various sources such as previous year papers, sample papers, mock tests, online quizzes etc. Practicing MCQs will help you:
- Improve your speed and accuracy
- Familiarize yourself with the exam format and difficulty level
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Enhance your problem-solving skills
- Boost your confidence
You should practice MCQs from all topics and subjects and keep a record of your scores and mistakes. You should also analyze your performance after each practice session and work on improving your weak areas.
5. Revise thoroughly
Revision is an essential part of NEET preparation as it helps you retain what you have learned and recall it during the exam. You should revise all the topics regularly using short notes, flashcards, diagrams, mnemonics etc. You should also revise the important formulas, facts, definitions, diagrams etc. before the exam.
You should also revise the mock tests and previous year papers that you have attempted and go through the solutions and explanations carefully. You should avoid studying any new topic or concept at the last minute as it may confuse you or create unnecessary stress.
6. Take care of your health
Preparing for NEET can be stressful and exhausting but you should not neglect your health in the process. You should take care of your physical and mental well-being by following these tips:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Avoid junk food, caffeine, alcohol or tobacco
- Sleep for at least seven hours every night
- Exercise regularly or do some physical activity
- Meditate or do yoga to relax your mind
- Take breaks in between study sessions
- Avoid negative thoughts or emotions
- Seek help from family, friends or teachers if you feel overwhelmed
7. Manage your time effectively
Time management is a crucial skill for NEET aspirants as they have to complete 200 questions in three hours with accuracy and precision. You should manage your time effectively both during preparation and during the exam by following these tips:
- Set daily, weekly and monthly goals and deadlines
- Prioritize your tasks according to their importance and urgency
- Avoid distractions such as social media, TV, games etc.
- Use a stopwatch or timer to monitor your speed
- Divide your time equally among all subjects
- Allocate more time to difficult or lengthy questions
- Skip or mark doubtful questions for later review
- Attempt easy or familiar questions first
- Check your answers carefully before submitting
8. Join a coaching institute or online course
If you feel that you need guidance or support from experts or peers, you can join a coaching institute or an online course that offers NEET preparation. A coaching institute or an online course can provide you with:
- A structured curriculum and study material
- Experienced faculty and mentors
- Regular tests and feedback
- Doubt clearing sessions
- Peer interaction and competition
However, you should choose a coaching institute or an online course that suits your needs, budget and convenience. You should also not rely solely on them but supplement them with self-study.
9. Stay updated with current affairs
NEET is not only about Physics, Chemistry and Biology but also about general knowledge and awareness. You should stay updated with current affairs related to health, science, environment etc. as they may be asked in NEET exam directly or indirectly.
You can stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, journals etc. or by watching news channels, podcasts etc. You can also use online platforms such as apps, websites etc. that provide daily current affairs quizzes or summaries.
10. Be positive and confident
Last but not least, you should be positive and confident about your preparation and performance in NEET exam. You should believe in yourself and your abilities and avoid any negative thoughts or doubts that may hamper your morale.
You should also motivate yourself by setting small rewards for achieving your goals or by celebrating your achievements with your family or friends. You should also seek inspiration from successful NEET candidates who have shared their stories or tips online or offline.
Remember that NEET is not an impossible exam but a challenging one that requires hard work, dedication and smart work from your side.