Key preparation tips for MBBS

By: Jyoti Goel

Prepare each subject and cover all the topics to secure high marks in competitive exams like NEET. Understand the pattern of the exam and work on the weak areas to enhance time management during the exam.

MBBS is a degree for the aspirants who want to become a doctor. It is an undergraduate degree in medicine. In India, for taking admission in the course there is an entrance called National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).  NEET is an All India Common Entrance Exam for the course and through this students get admission in various government and private colleges depending on the rank acquired.

NEET exam is considered as a tough exam as the number of aspirants increases every year tremendously. Thus, the cut-off has risen too much over the years. In 2014, when I was preparing for NEET for a general category candidate, if they secure more than 450 marks then the admission was confirmed in a government medical college, however, in the present scenario even if candidate scores 550 marks then also might have to wait in the counselling process. These days the toppers score above 700 out of 720 marks which is highly appreciable. This sets the cut-off bar high. Hence, the candidate has to prepare and work extra hard to get a seat.

Few things that a candidate could follow to prepare for NEET exam are given below:

1. Read NCERTs thoroughly: NCERT books are the base for this exam. It very important that the candidate read them over and over again to get a good clarity of the basic concepts. I referred to NCERT books only as they form the foundation and in fact, direct questions come from the textbooks.
2. Practise more questions for Physics: The candidate must practise as many questions of Physics as possible. This would help in clarifying the concepts and would also help in solving the questions in less time. Do not forget to practise the examples given in the NCERT books. All the questions are based on them and these are given in the exam as well.
3. Understand the concepts of Chemistry: Chemistry consists of two parts that is Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. It is important to understand the concept with complete clarity and then practise as questions of both the parts.
4. Solve previous years question papers: Solving previous years question papers would not only give enhance the speed but would also give an overall idea of the pattern of the exam. Practising and solving previous years question papers gave a good boost to my preparations.
5. Give tests: Join some test series or give tests at the home itself. It is very important to practise time management while writing these tests as this would help in managing time in the exam.
6. Revise several times: Revision of all the topics is important. Without a thorough revision, no exam could be cleared. Hence, revise as much as possible. I revised my chapters at least two to three times which helped me a lot.
7. Focus on your weak areas: For most of the Biology students, the weak area is Physics. I was strong in Biology however my Physics was very weak. I did well in Chemistry too. So I would strongly advise giving focus extra on the weak subject or topic.
8. Study for at least eight hours a day: The level of competition would require the candidate to study for at least eight hours in a day. Finish the course before the exam and give regular tests.

Reference books for the preparation of NEET

The reference books for the preparation of NEET are as follows:

1. NCERT books
2. Dinesh for Biology (This is my personal favourite. This book includes information supplement from NCERT)
3. Pradeep’s for Physics
4. ABC Publication for Chemistry
5. Refer study material of a good coaching institute
6. Take test series from a reputed coaching institute. This would suffice for your preparation for the exam

About the Author:

Jyoti Goel is a final year law student at Kamkus College of Law. Her hobbies are listening to music, watching movies and cooking.