How to prepare for NEET along with Class 12 board exams?
If you are one of the many students appearing for NEET 2025 along with the board examinations, this article is for you. Read on to learn the art of balancing both boards and NEET preparation. NEET 2025 will be conducted on May 4 and Central and State Board exams of Class 12 were scheduled before that. Know the tips here.
How to manage NEET and Board exams is a pertinent question among students appearing for both exams in the same year. While the NEET syllabus is similar to the Board exams, the NEET exam pattern and marking scheme vary with that of the Class 12 Board exams. Hence, a common preparation for NEET and Board exams may be sufficient, but the exam taking plan and strategy will be different for both. NEET total marks is 720, whereas that of the Board exams is 500 or 600. Moreover, students take one subject test at a time in the Board exam, whereas NEET is an exam of three subjects to be completed within 200 minutes.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Balancing the preparation of NEET and Class 12 board examinations is difficult for a lot of medical aspirants. In a country like India where many compete for a single mark, the pressure to score good marks in Class 12 boards is immense. Thus, the candidates need to know how to manage Boards and NEET efficiently.
Maths is not compulsory for NEET. You have numerical in Physics but you do not required Maths in Class 11 and Class 12 to solve those. If you studied Maths in class 10, then you can solve the numericals in Physics. Since NEET has Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects, it would be advantageous for you if you are a PCB student. Moreover, in case a candidate has studied PCM and not Biology, even as an additional subject, then he/she will not be eligible to appear for NEET exam. Hence, Maths is not compulsory, rather not required for NEET. But having basic mathematical knowledge and skills would be an added advantage.
This article on ‘how to prepare for NEET along with Boards’ aims to help candidates prepare for both these examinations simultaneously. NEET 2025 will be held on May 4, 2025, whereas the Board exams were conducted between February and April. Needless to say, a student who prepared for both these exams needs to balance it out well to ensure high scores in both NEET and Board exams.
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Several students do not pay heed to the Board exam preparation or do a common preparation for Physics, Chemistry and Biology and leave out other subjects like language. Although it may result in a high NEET score, on the flip side, your Board exam result would only be average or skewed. Hence, it is important to balance out the preparation for NEET and the Class 12 board exam.
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How to Manage NEET and Board Exam Preparation?
Read on to know the preparation tips suggested by experts and toppers, compiled together for the candidates wanting to appear for both NEET and Class 12 board examinations in the same year.
What should be the main focus?
To score maximum marks in a competitive exam like NEET you need to make sure following points:- Firstly, having the knowledge of all the concepts. Secondly, you've practiced a good number of questions in specific time so that you can manage to complete your exam within given time. Thirdly, attempt the paper strategically - avoid negative markings by attempting only those questions for which you know the answer - don't waste your time on questions you don't know - attempt short questions first and also the scoring subject should be solved first.
I will not say, it is impossible. It is possible, but you have work very hard and must give your 200% effort to crack these competitive exams. In my opinion, it is better to take coaching for NEET exam. Coaching makes your exam preparation easier. Sometimes, if you get lots of doubt then you can get it cleared by your tutor who has got the subject knowledge.
Students get individual attention at coaching institutes and they focus on learning and development of students as per their requirement. Coaching centers also teach you a lot of tips, tricks and time management that help you to crack NEET exam. But, you have to be careful in choosing a right and resourceful coaching center, as there are many fraud coaching centers that works for money and not for delivering knowledge to the students.
In general, a score of 600+ is considered to be good for NEET which will ensure a high rank. However, given the high level of competition, if you wish to get admission to one of the top 10 colleges, then you must score above 700. But if you wish to get an MBBS seat and any of the decent medical colleges in India, then a score of 600+ is required. At the same time, a score of 550 or above may also fetch you an MBBS seat at a medical college towards the end of the counselling rounds. On the other hand, if you are aspiring to pursue a BDS or a B.Sc. Nursing, then a score above 500 should be able to fetch you a seat at a good Dental or Nursing colleges in India. Having said this, by if your score is lower than the marks mentioned above, you need not feel demoralised or demotivated. There are a lot of other medical specialisations or courses through NEET scores and you will always have a good option according to your score. To know more, read the article given below: https://www.shiksha.com/medicine-health-sciences/articles/what-after-neet-blogId-37499.
The difficulty level of NEET 2025 was very tough. As compared to last year, the difficulty level of the exam was much tougher. Physics was the toughest section. Chemistry was of moderate level of difficulty. The Biology section consisted of Botany and Zoology, was the easiest section. Botany questions were tougher than that of Zoology. The majority of the questions were NCERT-based, which were of easy difficulty level. There were some analytical questions, which were tough. Overall, the difficulty level of NEET 2025 subjects was moderate and the paper was manageable according to the candidates.
Overlapping syllabus
A lot of students ask, is NEET easy for CBSE students? The answer is yes to a large extent. A misconception that has been carried forward for a long time; the syllabus for the board examinations is only what you have been taught in Class 12. This is not true. Whatever is being taught in class 11 builds a foundation for the topics to be covered next year. To score good marks in Class 12 boards you need to be thorough with the topics that were covered in Class 11 also. Hence, barring a few topics, the syllabus of Class 12 boards and NEET examination is the same for the core subjects, that is, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Last year, the NEET syllabus was revised by the National Medical Council (NMC). According to this, some of the topics or chapters have been removed in each subject and a few topics have been added, to make the syllabus attuned to some of the State Board syllabus. This year the NEET syllabus has remained the same as last year.
Also Read:
- NEET Syllabus 2025: Know Reduced/Deleted Chapters by NMC
- NEET 2025 weightage of Class 11 and Class 12
NCERT books lay the foundation for NEET preparation
NCERT books are the first books that one must choose for NEET preparation. These books are the core of NEET preparation and experts have emphasised their importance time and again. The same books will help you with Class 12 board preparation. Overlapping study material will save both time and effort.
Both have numerical-based questions
Clarity in the concepts helps with MCQs
The questions asked in the board examinations require clarity in concepts. Since these questions are subjective, a candidate with superficial knowledge of the subjects will not be able to write enough content in the examination.
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest – Benjamin Franklin
Even if you are preparing for topics keeping NEET 2024 in mind, the knowledge you gain can always be used while attempting the Class 12 board examination. Do not hold on to unresolved queries, try to find out logical explanations for the answers.
Also Read: NEET 2025: 5 Expert Tips to Excel in Your Preparation
Dividing the time left for self-study
For example, a week before your pre-boards, you can switch to the timetable which focuses on Class 12 boards. Shift back to the NEET preparation-oriented schedule after the examination is over.
Making notes and revision
Sample papers
The exam pattern of NEET and Class 12 board exams is different from one another. Hence, it is important to attempt sample papers of both examinations. The aim should be to attempt at least one sample paper of each type every week. To be more familiar with the NEET pattern and structure, students should go through the previous years' NEET question papers and take ample mock tests.
Prepare a Timetable
To have a disciplined approach, it is important to create a timetable and abide by it. Setting a routine will help bring a rhythm to your lifestyle. In the timetable, allot more hours for NEET preparation, followed by the core subjects in Board exams followed by the other subjects. Allot adequate time for revision and taking mock tests or solving question papers. Also, remember to include time for physical activities and hobbies to keep your mind and body relaxed.
How often should you pick reference books?
Reference books are not of much value when talking about Class 12 board preparation. However, these books are essential for NEET preparation. Make these books a part of your routine. Dedicating a single day to these books will not suffice, nor will it help if you just stick to these books. Thus, it is important to give equal importance to both NCERT and reference books.
Revise Other Subjects of Board Exam Syllabus
Apart from the core subjects, the Board exam syllabus consists of some other subjects as well such as English, Hindi/regional languages, as well as elective subjects. You must not shun those to prepare for NEET. While you need not spend hours in a day on those subjects. you must ensure that you revise at least one of these subjects daily and in the later stages, practice question papers as well. This would keep you abreast with these unimportant subjects and would not create unnecessary stress before the exam.
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Sreetama has over a decade of editorial experience in the higher education beat. A wanderlust by passion, she is also an avid reader and a music lover. Among friends, she is popular for her sense of humour.
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