The medical stream and the engineering stream are two of the most respected and admired streams in India for several decades. Indians have acquired the topmost positions in several medical and health organizations across the globe. The pandemic has brought this stream into a new spotlight. The doctors from times immemorial are called God’s shadow on Earth for the service they provide us. They are rightly called so for the inventions and discoveries as well as the 24*7 work schedules that saved millions and millions of lives. It is saddening that they are often harassed physically and mentally. It is the result of their efforts and hard work that several of the diseases that earlier killed thousands of people are now treatable with vaccines.
As the stream has acquired a different place for itself, it is quite natural to think that millions of individuals today strive to get that white coat. Another added advantage is that the medical profession allows you to earn a significant amount of money while catering to society. However, nothing can compare to the satisfaction and the meaningfulness that comes with serving the people. Students study day and night; sacrifice their sleep so that they can live a life knowing that they contribute to society as well as the economy. A good healthcare system also ensures that people are healthy and productive which in turn increases their productivity. This contributes to a higher GDP which can eventually be used to improve the health and sanitation facilities of the poorer sections.
Before one starts to prepare for the NEET exam it is important to go through the exam pattern at least once. The National Eligibility Entrance Exam is the entrance exam one needs to clear to get a seat for oneself in the medical and dental colleges in India. The NEET exam is conducted online by the National Testing Agency. The exam is conducted in 11 languages. The entrance exam contains three sections namely, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Those who are planning to pursue undergraduate or primary medical qualifications abroad also take the exam. You will be given 10 minutes to answer all the questions. A total of 180 questions are asked. One also must be mindful of the negative marking of answering an incorrect answer. The cut-off of the entrance exam might vary depending on the difficulty level of the exam.
What and how is eventually what matters to clear the exam: What should I study? What I shouldn’t study? How should I prepare? How many hours should I study? What resources should I follow? How many tests should I write? The answer to all these questions differs from individual to individual. But everything eventually comes down to HARD WORK, PASSION, DEDICATION, and PERSEVERANCE.
Given below are certain tips that will help you to answer the questions quickly as well as correctly in the examination hall.
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Understand the syllabus
Understanding the syllabus will allow you to realize what should be your areas of focus and what you can skip. It will also enable you to choose the resources for your preparation. Always keep the updated and revised syllabus with you when you are studying.
2. Understand the PYQs
Going through the previous years’ question papers will give you a basic understanding of the exam pattern. Try to attempt these papers as they will help you identify the areas that require you to invest more time and effort.
3. Choose your Resources smartly
If you have gone through the syllabus and the PYQs, you can easily comprehend the importance of your textbooks. You will realize that going through the textbooks are sufficient for they contain all the important concepts from which the questions can or will be framed. Do not follow the strategy of any topper without proper thinking. Keep your resources limited and go through them multiple times.
4. Schedule/ Timetable
Make a schedule for yourself. Give yourself daily, weekly and monthly targets. You should be able to complete the entire syllabus 3 or 4 months before the date of the exam. Try to stick to your targets.
5. Make Notes
Note-making is a habit that will facilitate not only your preparation for the entrance exam but will also assist you immensely once you have been admitted to the college. Make short notes and modify them regularly. Note-making will also help you revise the content in a smaller time frame. Use stick notes or highlighters to make concepts or issues that you find difficult prominent.
6. Sample/ Mock Tests
Attempt sample question papers for NEET regularly. Even if you are not prepared for the tests you must go and write the tests. Giving enough tests will help you develop the art of smartly guessing the answer that is going to be of extreme use in the exam. This will allow you to eliminate one or two of the options and thus will increase the possibility of marking the correct answer. Tests will also enable you to work on your time management skills.
4. Revision
You should always make time for revision in your daily schedule. Multiple revision cycles will make it easier for you to recall the information in the exam. If you have revised your resources a sufficient amount of times you will be able to identify the correct answer or eliminate the incorrect options with a lot of confidence. The revision of the content will also impart confidence that will be much needed on the day of the exam.
Whenever you are trying to achieve something, consistency is the key. You have to be comfortable with the idea of studying daily and investing a good amount of hours doing self-study. You can find numerous videos online if you feel you are low on motivation. But the motivation that comes from within will make your journey much easier. Always tell yourself that you alone have the potential of clearing this exam.
