Experts’ Speak: Tips to revise NEET 2020 Syllabus

By Adarsh Rajvir V.

Know your capabilities, be positive and stay calm. Do not burden yourself with anything that’ll make you doubt your ability.

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a doorway to enter the field of medicine and it is, yes, one of the tough exams to crack. But nothing is impossible, right?

NEET 2020 is a multiple choice question (MCQ)-based examination which comprises subjects:

• Biology: 360 marks
• Physics: 180 marks
• Chemistry: 180 marks

These subjects can be studied from Class 11 and 12 NCERT books along with the books you used for your Boards. So it is a bit easier for CBSE students to study but other students can also keep up with the pace if they put that little extra effort.

Which material to refer?

 If you’re more of a “books” person, then you can buy or borrow NCERT text books and make notes out of them. Some students prefer more updated versions of learning who can opt for ebooks and PDFs along with the videos and online classes that are really interesting and helpful. Certain applications and websites do really offer a variety of attractive methods such as video-based learning and online mock tests and discussions with the experts. Any of this requires you’re dedication and concentration, so stay motivated.

How do I start?

Let’s start with the anxiety that prevails widely among the NEET aspirants. It is natural and when in healthy amounts, pushes you to work harder and increases your performance. But don’t be hard on yourselves. Start by making plans. Create a timetable and set up small and easier goals to begin with. Know your capabilities, be positive and stay calm. Do not burden yourself with anything that’ll make you doubt your ability. Do not compare with anyone if that disturbs your progress and keep believing in your self. Start slow and gradually add to your efforts and you will get there eventually.

Since we are concerned about revision here, it is very obvious that time here is a limiting factor. There is a really vast portion to cover in a very short period of time. But trust your adrenaline rush, it will make you do wonders.

Begin with studying the topics that you feel are complex and focus on the subjects that you’re struggling with. Simultaneously work out the questions that belong to the topic and test your memory. You can also start working out easier topics if you have got a good amount of time which will boost your confidence. Avoid sticking to one subject for a longer time. Allot few hours to each subject or do two subjects per day having one easy and one tough subject. You can alternate with subjects every day or you can allot time for all three subjects in a day and complete a good amount of the topics.

Biology: Try to revise the new topics you study for the first time on the next day, again on the weekends and again on the month ends. It will take a small amount of your time but make a great difference in remembering those topics. Use pnemonics to remember a list (eg. Bones of the hand or hierarchy of the animal kingdom) but don’t overdo it. Be strong with the basics.

Physics: This subject terrifies the most. Know the concepts. Remember the formulae and the values. Write them down and revise them almost everyday. As far as direct questions are concerned, it is easy. But the problem based questions need to be worked out again and again. Practice is very important.

Chemistry: Physical chemistry is more like physics. Numericals and formulae need to be worked out frequently. Inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry are full of reactions. They need to be remembered as well. So you can write them down and repeat them as much to remember them.

So, repetitive practice is a must to overcome the difficulty of the volatile subjects. Get done with the concepts faster as you need to work on the questions. Spend time to workout problem based questions. Apply your own strategies to remember formulae and values.

Once you’re done with the concepts, the most important part of your revision is solving sample papers. No matter how much you study, it is the paper solving that will help. Solve full model question papers with time allotment. Solve them as much as possible. Also take time to evaluate and learn from the mistakes you’ve made. Study the questions you struggled with. Seek help from the people who might help you clarify your doubts. Keep solving atleast one or 2 papers a day and try to solve atleast 30 papers before it is time for your exams. This will provide you a holistic approach towards the exam and will add to your memory and confidence.

A day before the exam

Revise things that you feel you’ll forget. Use your notes rather than text books. Avoid learning new topics in this time. This will not only consume your time but it will also lower your confidence and memory. Do not panic. Stay relaxed. Keep yourselves hydrated and well fed. Make a list of things to take to the examination centre and keep them ready. Sleep well for at least 6-7 hours. Avoid studying anything on the day of your exam. Reach the hall with a positive mind. Once your question paper is issued, read the questions properly with a sound mind. Understand the question well to avoid falling for the twists. Solve the direct questions fast and keep with the time. Avoid answering questions you’re doubtful of and try to solve them later when you’re done with all the questions you know. Be confident, you’ll do well.

About the Author:

Adarsh Rajvir V. is pursuing MBBS from IRT Pendurai Medical College and is a final year student. He is a Bollywood fanatic who loves to socialize and dance. He takes interest in doing chores and cooking.