National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a mandatory national level entrance test; the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts it for admission to MBBS/BDS courses in India after completion of Higher Secondary School Education.
Overview
NEET is a pen and paper test conducted in English and other regional languages. It is held for admission to central and state-run medical/dental colleges, deemed universities, minority and private institutions in the country that are run with the approval of the Medical/Dental Council of India under the purview of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The minimum age for aspirants applying for undergraduate medical courses through NEET is 17 years. One may attempt the examination only thrice.
Syllabus
The syllabus for NEET is based on Plus One and Plus Two classes, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology). In order to ensure standardization across the country, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has formulated and recommended this syllabus for this test after analyzing various State Boards syllabi as well as those designed by the CBSE, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE).
Exam pattern
The duration of the examination is three hours. Test takers have to answer 180 multiple-choice questions. Each of the sections Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology has 45 questions. Every correct answer will be awarded four marks. One mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. The rank list issued by the CBSE will reflect a candidate’s all-India rank, marks scored and qualifying status.
Skills measured
In respect of the syllabus of Plus One and Plus Two, NEET measures the test takers’ fundamental competence in science and aptitude. The candidate’s reasoning skill, ability to understand and apply concepts to every question are gauged too.
Prep tips
- Textbooks: Follow NCERT textbooks prescribed for Plus One and Plus Two classes to keep your study approach simple and straightforward.
- Standard study materials: Reference books and study materials by reputed authors may come in handy. However, it is always a good idea to keep them minimal.
- Grasping concepts: Rote learning will not help you in any manner, as most questions may not be straightforward. Rely upon grasping and not cramming the concepts. This will surely stand you in good stead.
- Notes: Do jot down notes on salient points for the subjects/concepts you find tricky. Keep them organized for a round of revision just before the examination.
- Practice: Practice, practice and more practice serves. Do mocks to help you stay on track. Thoroughly evaluate mock test results and take stock of your strengths and weaker areas. Do all remediation work where needed.
- Study planner: Devise a daily and weekly study planner. Planning alone is not enough; sticking to it is more important to take you through the entire syllabus well before the test day. That should give you ample time for brushing up too.
- Question bank: You can rely upon question banks. Browsing previous years’ question papers would give you a fair idea of what could be in store.
- Balancing subjects: It is natural to pay more attention to one subject, which you love or perform very well. Do not make this mistake; strike a balance in giving attention to all subjects.
- Time management: Time management is most crucial in taking the test. It is recommended that you take mocks in an exam-like environment and keep track of the time you needed for each performance accurately. Keep on improving your record.
- Composure: Most important of all is that you should always keep calm, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Be sure to take relaxation breaks to cool your nerves. Read fiction, watch a movie, listen to your favorite singer, go for a stroll in the garden/ park, walk your dog or catch a quick nap, all in moderation of course.