NEET 2022 Preparation: Expert Tips by Saurabh Kumar on How to Crack the Test

Exclusive Interview of Saurabh Kumar with Shiksha.com

Q: With approximately three months left to the exam, how should students prepare for NEET 2022?

A: Being one of the toughest entrance exams, NEET this year is expected to be highly competitive with the removal of the upper age limit. As per previous years, over 16 lakh applicants appear each year, with a limited number of seats to top medical colleges of choice.

Pertaining to such a competitive level, every aspirant must prepare with a well thought out strategy to execute perfectly and effective manner. Understand the syllabus and pattern well so that ample time is allocated to each subject and topic. Though the Biology portion (Zoology and Botany) may be a bit easier in comparison to Physics, which has a higher number of theoretical and numerical questions. Biology students need to focus and practice more in the Physics section.

Q: Please provide a brief month-wise preparation strategy and timetable.

A: It is not advised to completely dedicate a complete month to each subject, instead aspirants can make a weekly plan to cover the topics from each subject. The last month should solely be dedicated to revision and mock test practice. Make sure that the complete syllabus is covered in the first three months, which includes portions from both Class 11 and 12. Since aspirants might be fresh with the Class 12 portion of the NEET syllabus, the initial time should focus on covering the Class 11 portion to rewind things. And most importantly do not opt to study new topics/ concepts at the last moment.

Q: The duration of NEET 2022 has been increased by 20 minutes. What are the advantages to this? How should students manage time-based on the new duration on the day of the exam?

A: As per the official guidelines of the National Testing Agency (NTA), there are has been an increase of time by 20 minutes but In my opinion, the students should keep the same speed and pace which will help them finish their exam as per the old timings and the remaining 20 minutes can be utilised to go through their paper and rectify any error if noticed.

Or even the students can also use the extra 20 minutes time to carefully read and examine the questions before starting through which the students will have a clear picture of what and how to attempt the particular question.

Q: How should one balance board exams preparation with NEET 2022?

A: As over 50 per cent of the topics in the NEET 2022 is expected to come from the class 12 portion, choosing the topics wisely which are common to boards and NEET will be of great help as NEET 2022 syllabus is quite similar to that of the Class 12 board exams. While classroom studies can help in covering a major portion of the boards, the remainder of the time can be utilised in NEET preparations (But without panic or overloading).

Q: Now that board exam are conducted in two phases, how should students balance it with NEET Preparation?

A: The term-based examination conducted at the board level would have been of great help for aspirants appearing in any competitive exam (with MCQs in term 1). This itself will majorly assist them in simultaneous preparations for Boards and NEET 2022. 

Q: Is it difficult for state board students to prepare for NEET? What should be the strategy?

A: Irrespective of the boards, those preparing for NEET are clear in their mind about what topics has to be covered.

Q: What is your take on the removal of the upper age limit from NEET eligibility criteria? How would it impact NEET?

A: With the removal of the age limit, students in our country can take the exam as many times as they want, till they pass. Furthermore, the quality of education in India will remain high in this manner. This means that the NTA can pick candidates based on merit and those who do not make the cut can reapply.

Students will now have an infinite opportunity to pursue a career as a doctor. Because medical studies are linked to human life, people must comprehend why NEET selection is so low. It is not possible for everyone to become a doctor. However, they will now have more opportunities to pursue a career as a doctor.

Q: There would be students who would be taking NEET after completing graduation or after a gap of several years, owing to the age limit removal. How should they prepare?

A: Attempting NEET after a gap (without disciplined preparations) can be very tough and in such highly competitive exams, revamping the previously learned data and amending it as per the recent trend of exams will definitely not be easy. In my view, strictly dedicated efforts and thorough revision and practice may help such aspirants.

Q: What is your advice to NEET aspirants who had dropped a year for preparation?

A: For those who have dedicated (dropped) a year for the NEET preparations are already in touch with their studies and practice, thus in comparison to those freshly taking the exam or those taking the exam after a long gap (without preparations till now) such dedicated candidates are at an equitable potential of succeeding.

Read More:

NEET 2022 Practice Questions Live Updates

NEET 2022 Time Management Strategy: How to Best Utilise Extra 20 Minutes Added to Duration

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