The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2021 has been scheduled for September 12, 2021. As the single gateway for medical aspirants across the country to study at their dream institutes, candidates will require perseverance and effective preparation to ace NEET.

According to the revised examination pattern, NEET 2021 exam will consist of 200 questions from which aspirants need to answer 180 questions, each carrying 4 marks while 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. Moreover, the examination will be conducted in 13 languages this year instead of 11 languages last year. While the new pattern gives an edge to candidates with regard to more alternatives and more language preferences, time management will be crucial since examinees will get less than 1 minute to answer each question.

Students must devise the right strategy that can help them ace the exam. Students need to have a holistic understanding of the concepts, use experiential learning for retention of concepts and practice on a regular basis to score their best. Here is a quick guide to assist candidates to help them evaluate their level of preparation.

1. Solve past 10 years’ question papers

   There is no substitute for revision. Due to the surge in Covid-19 cases, the examination was postponed quite a few times due to safety concerns of students. Candidates must utilize this extra time to revise as much as they can. It helps in understanding difficult concepts, enhances instant recall of theories and concepts while attempting the questions. The most systematic way to test your level of preparedness is to solve last 10 years’ papers in order to check where your strengths and weaknesses lie and address them.

2. Give more importance to Biology

   In NEET, Biology is one of the most important subjects. One needs to focus more on diagrams as pictorial knowledge improves retention power. The biology section comprises 90 questions, derived mostly from NCERT books of Class 11 and 12. Students can score maximum marks in this section, which increases their chances of acing the examination. The entire section can fetch you 360 marks.

3. Don’t ignore Physics and Chemistry

   Physics and Chemistry are subjects of equal importance. Several students consider Physics as one of the toughest subjects. On the contrary, it is a high scoring subject if students are well versed with the basic concepts. For Chemistry, students need to learn diagrams and chemical equations by heart. Learning with 3D videos, simulations and AR can help learn these subjects.

4. Strengthen concepts of high weightage chapters first

   While students must attempt easier questions first to help tackle the time constraint, they should practice the high weightage topics so that they can focus on those should they fall short on time. One should make note of these topics and start with Biology, Chemistry and then move on to Physics. This will increase the chance of scoring more in lesser time. Once students have attempted the easier topics, they should move on to the tougher ones and give that more time.

5. Don’t start new topics

   Since there is limited time, students must not start studying new topics now. It will only create confusion and to fully understand new concepts and theories, requires substantial time. Instead, revise what you know and solidify understanding of those.

6. Revise NCERT Class 11,12 textbooks more than 3 times

   To gain a competitive edge over others, it is essential to follow a study pattern. A well-planned study schedule will help students remember difficult formulae. To score well in any examination, students need to follow the right study materials and there is nothing better than NCERT textbooks of Class 11 and 12 because they contain well researched information and a vast chunk of questions come from these books.

7. Don’t study from multiple books

   To score well, one should not try to refer to multiple books towards the end as it can cause confusion and panic. Given that only few days are left, students must study in a disciplined manner and focus on NCERT textbooks. As long as you remain calm and focus on streamlining preparation, NCERT books can equip you sufficiently to perform well.

8. Give mock tests frequently

   Time management is a crucial aspect that students need to focus on few days before the examination. To enhance examination performance, students must frequently take mock tests and note the marks scored and solve the same test paper again in few weeks to tally the scores to measure progress. This exercise will help evaluate and analyze their preparation, and highlight the areas which require attention.

9. Say no to social media

   Maintaining self-discipline is of utmost priority. It is essential to keep oneself away from distractions like social media, television, movies etc. Instead, one should indulge in a hobby or physical exercise for de-stressing.

10. Take care of your health

    Since success at NEET exams will be the stepping-stone of students’ future aspirations, one must take good care of his/her own self including both mental and physical fitness. Students must have adequate amount of sleep every day. One must eat healthy and have a balanced diet thus mitigating the risk of falling sick due to the pressure. One must remember that to get a good score, the brain needs to be relaxed and refreshed as well. Take a walk to get some fresh air in order to take a break and re-energize yourself.
    Finally, maintain a positive outlook and proactive approach. We wish you all the very best and hope you fulfill your dreams!

The article first appeared News18 Online on 2 September 2021