TIPS TO MASTER NEET 2019

Every year thousands of students appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – NEET UG which is applicable for admission to MBBS/BDS Courses in India in Medical/Dental Colleges. This Test was being conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) till 2018. This year onwards National Testing Agency (NTA) will be conducting NEET (UG). The exam is scheduled for May 5, 2019 and will be conducted in offline (pen & paper) mode across the country.

Being one of the coveted exams, it takes months of hard work, perseverance and determined efforts to achieve a desired score in NEET. However, with that it is also important to have a good preparation strategy at hand.

Here are some tips that can help students to prepare well for the impending NEET exam.

1) Follow a well-planned Study Schedule

With barely two weeks left, it is imperative for students to formulate a well-planned study schedule. They should divide their time strategically so that they are able to devote more time to the weak areas. In addition, students should avoid long hours of study by infusing it with short breaks. This will help refresh their mind and result in productive learning.

2) Solve Mock Tests

Students should solve full-length mock tests and preferably in a proctored environment. Since NEET 2019 is going to be conducted during the afternoon, students are advised to solve mock tests during the same time frame which will help acclimatize their body clock with the exam timings and attune their alertness and concentration levels accordingly. This will not only strengthen students’ preparation method but also build up their confidence level. Moreover, after every mock test, students can analyze and identify the errors committed by them and work on it. Mock tests also help students to evaluate the time spent on each section and structure it accordingly.

3) Refer to Video Lectures

In the techno-savvy world we live in, access to the internet is easy. Students can use video lectures to clarify their doubts and learn complex concepts. Moreover, the human brain tends to process visuals faster than the text. Students can use these lectures to revise and visualize important topics.

4) Time management

When it comes to cracking NEET, time management plays a critical role. Students need to utilize each and every minute wisely so that they are able to attempt all the 180 questions within 180 minutes. For that, they need to work really hard on their speed. They should solve as many mock tests and previous year papers as possible on the NEET Exam pattern. This can help improve their speed. Apart from that, they can set a timer while attempting questions which can help them to assess how much time is taken to solve a question. This will help them devise strategies to improve their speed and accuracy.

5) Revision Strategy

The trick to crack one of the coveted medical exams lies in the right revision strategy. Students should practice a time bound subject-wise and topic-wise MCQs to enhance their speed and accuracy which is utmost required for cracking NEET. This strategy will help them cover the syllabus and strengthen their conceptual clarity.  Apart from that, students should go through the NCERT textbooks which contain effective and in-depth knowledge of every topic. Besides these, they can go through their notes, refer to coaching modules if any and revise all the formulae and diagrams.

6) Reach out to teachers

If you still have doubts or if there is any concept that is still not clear to you, then reach out to your teachers. Don’t be shy of asking questions and clarifying your doubts as it is an important part of your preparation. Whenever you get stuck or have questions, just pen them down and approach your teachers immediately. Their guidance and tips can help you crack the tough nut with ease.

7) Keep stress at bay

Apart from preparing for the exam, it’s important for students to deal with the exam stress so that their preparation doesn’t get affected by it. They should keep anxious thoughts at bay and not let them interfere with their learning. With that, they can indulge in regular exercise or do yoga to help calm the mind.

Having said that, in order to succeed it is important for students to have faith in their abilities. As Martin Luther King, Jr puts it, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Reflecting on his achievements, one can determine that it was his belief in self that made it possible for him and many others to indelibly impact the world in positive ways.

Apart from that, it is recommended to have a silent, clutter-free zone and an environment with minimal distractions while studying. Students should maintain a healthy diet, exercise and sleep well, and adopt a positive attitude towards the impending exam.

Things to keep in mind on NEET exam day:

• Avoid heavy meal before the NEET exam as it tends to make you lazy and lethargic.
• Do not study just before the exam. Try to give your brain at least a 2 hour break from studies before you leave for the exam. This will restore the alertness and energize your brain.
• If you feel anxious and stressed before the exam, try listening to some light music as it can have a soothing effect on your mind.
• As NEET 2019 will be conducted in the afternoon, make sure you are enough hydrated. Keep sipping water, lemonade or fresh fruit juice.
• Do not learn anything new at this point as it will only further confuse you and waste your time.
• Read the questions carefully and do not rush through them.
• Manage your time well. Do not get stuck on a particular option.
• In case of doubt, shift your focus from locating the correct answer to eliminating the wrong options first. This will save your precious time.
• Be cautious while marking your answers. Do not leave it for the end.
• Be confident and positive.