Are you aspiring to become a doctor? You are then most likely looking for proven ways to crack the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET). NEET is the only national level examination conducted annually by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for admissions into MBBS and BDS courses to various institutions across the country. Here we have rounded up ten simple steps that you can easily follow to clear NEET with flying colors.
1. Zero in on the right study material
With the help of teachers and online assist, choose the right study material that forms the base of your entire preparation. It helps to go through interviews of NEET toppers and get an idea about the kind of study material they used. For more personalized learning, you may mull over taking the assistance of instructors at an online tutoring portal for a one-on-one learning that may be prove to be more valuable in understanding your personal strengths and weaker areas.
2. Get acquainted with the exam format
NEET is a 3-hours’ long examination. As its syllabus will be based on Science (Physics, Chemistry, Botany & Zoology) stream in Classes Plus One and Plus Two, get yourself well familiarized with focus areas in each subject and topic-wise question distribution with respect to all the subjects. Get a good idea about the marking scheme too. 4 marks will be awarded for every correct answer; one mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer and no mark will be deducted for a question you leave unanswered.
3. Practice, practice and more practice
If you want to be the best you can be, nothing beats learning through regular practice. Solve past year NEET question papers that are available on the internet for free. Offline resources would also come in handy. Take mock tests in an actual exam-like environment and time yourself accurately. Take stock of your stronger and weaker areas. To work on your weaker areas, get into like-minded study groups or enroll yourself for extra coaching classes to raise the bar through systematic and diligent practice.
4. Jot down notes
As you learn, methodically jot down short notes for every subject-topic in a notebook or a diary. Though one may call it old school, it would sure work as a quick guide to brush up in the last days preceding the examination.
5. Revise periodically
Drawing out a weekly revision plan helps to stay on track. Always be sure to cover all topics and revise them from time to time. Do not start on any new topics few days before the examination.
6. Learn time management
Time management is one of the huge challenges NEET takers have to handle even if well prepared. Students have to complete 180 questions in 180 minutes, which means you get a minute for a question. Do not linger on any question for an extended period of time. If you think you are not getting around a question well, move over to other questions. Highlight that particular question on the question paper for you to come back after you are done with the entire paper.
7. Make use of technology
Apart from textbooks and guides, there is an explosion of study resources available online with the advent of technology. Constructively make use of videos, mobile apps, online coaching platforms and social media networks that make learning fun and interactive.
8. Chart out a practical study plan
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”, said Benjamin Franklin. Planning is key to achieving success within the limited time frame you would have just before the examination but make sure you do not let precious time nosedive, drawing out impractical study schedules. Plan workable schedules without compromising on your health and disrupting sleep patterns. It is best you devise a weekly study plan allowing enough time for all the subjects with a special focus to work a bit more on your weaker areas. Allow enough time for relaxation but in moderation.
9. Take study breaks
All work and no play have never been good both for body and mind. Be sure to take short breaks in between study schedules to break monotony and for better focus. Simply take a short nap, go for a short walk, chat with friends or family or listen to your favorite music to recharge your mind.