The competition to qualify for NEET is rising each year. Over 23 lakh students appeared for NEET in 2024, and the number will increase next year. Students will need determination and hard work to perform well amidst the fierce competition. There is a need to adjust the preparation strategy according to the changing NEET landscape. With determination and the correct way to approach NEET preparation, students can gain confidence to do well in the exam.
The first step in the NEET preparation journey is building a strong foundation. NCERT textbooks are the best tool to lay the bedrock of your preparation. Your knowledge base can be built from class 11th and 12th NCERT textbooks of biology, chemistry, and physics. The NEET syllabus borrows heavily from the concepts discussed in these NCERT textbooks, which makes them crucial for preparation. A thorough understanding of the topics in these textbooks will help you feel confident in your preparation. It will allow you to build your knowledge gradually to excel in NEET.
Getting familiar with the entire NEET syllabus is a good way of starting the preparation. Studying the complete NEET syllabus initially has many benefits. You will know your strengths and weaknesses. Familiarizing all NEET topics lets you differentiate between the easy, moderate, and difficult topics. You can create your study plan based on your strengths, the difficulty level of the topic, and the weightage. While covering the syllabus, make a list of essential topics based on their weightage and devote ample time to them.
Scheduling your studies smartly can have a huge impact on your preparation. The most important thing is to avoid burnout. You can lose interest if you study for long hours without breaks. The best way is to plan multiple short breaks to revitalize yourself. Short breaks also help in maintaining focus and concentration. It is better to schedule your studies by allocating time to topics based on their importance and difficulty level. Mix the strong and weak areas for a balanced study schedule.
Online courses and coaching classes can be helpful in NEET preparation. Experienced faculty can provide tips, tricks, and insights for cracking NEET. Structured learning modules help you organize your learning while notes and readymade study material ease the burden. Online courses and coaching classes offer personalized guidance and doubt-clearing sessions to keep your preparation up to the mark. Test series and mock tests help you test your knowledge in a competitive environment. Please note that online courses and coaching classes demand extra discipline for the best results.
Previous Year’s Questions help you understand the exam pattern and uncover the recurring themes. You will also know about the question types and get a feel of the NEET paper by doing the previous year's question papers. Solve the PYQs after studying each topic. The last 10 year’s papers are an invaluable resource for preparation. PYQs help you test your knowledge at the NEET level, analyze your performance, and find your weaknesses.
Start solving sample papers and mock tests after reaching the advanced stage of preparation. Once you have studied the entire syllabus, make a routine of solving full sample papers and mock tests. They will simulate the NEET environment and provide an exam-like experience. If you are taking an online course or coaching classes, you will get sample papers and mock tests from them. By incorporating solving sample papers and mock tests into your schedule, you can develop an exam temperament, and learn to manage time during the exam.
To master the vast syllabus of NEET, you can employ smart learning techniques. Begin by developing a deep understanding of all the concepts. Avoid rote memorization and encourage the habit of taking notes. Use mind maps, flowcharts, flashcards, and mnemonic techniques to retain information and cement the concepts and information in your mind.
Confining yourself to solitary study sessions can be counterproductive. Forming study groups allows you to share knowledge, problems, and experiences. Discussing topics with your peer groups helps in retention. Try studying complex topics with your friends. Explaining concepts will strengthen your understanding and help you identify weak and strong areas.
Regular revision solidifies the concepts and helps in recalling facts. Retaining a vast syllabus is difficult and only regular revision can help you perform well in NEET. Make a revision strategy to keep the topics fresh in your mind. Revise daily and create slots in your study schedule devoted to revising what you have studied. Don’t rely on plain revision and use different revision techniques. Summarize notes, solve past year’s papers, and use flashcards depending upon the need.
A positive mindset goes a long way in ensuring NEET success. Cultivating a positive mindset from the outset helps you tackle self-doubt. There may be many failures while preparing for NEET. A positive attitude helps maintain consistency in preparation, regardless of failures. Another way of staying motivated is to set realistic goals and small targets. Rewarding yourself for small successes keeps you going. Surround yourself with positive people and avoid individuals who discourage you while preparing for NEET. Think of yourself as a winner and always believe in your abilities.
Maintaining health is important for good performance in the NEET exam. Eating nutritious meals and sleeping well helps you prepare with full vigor. Regular physical activities like running, Yoga, or sports can reduce stress and improve cognitive functions. Engage yourself in activities that you like. Don’t give up on your hobbies. Keep a healthy lifestyle to boost your focus, maintain a positive attitude, and enhance your learning abilities.
You can succeed in NEET by preparing strategically. Focus on building a strong foundation, revising the study material, and practicing to excel in NEET. To ensure consistency in preparation, maintain a positive mindset and keep yourself healthy. Choose online classes or coaching to support your efforts. Create your schedule with revision slots and use smart and active ways to master the syllabus.
