Students’ Speak: One month preparation tips for NEET 2020

By: Kanishka Bharti

Students have started shifting gears for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2020. In such a scenario, it is advised to have a well-worked out exam preparation strategy. Today, I will share some tips and tricks that worked for me during my NEET preparation.

Have a look at some of the important NEET preparation tips:

• If you are just one month away from your exam, the first and foremost thing to do is not to panic. Just stay calm and focus on the resources available to you.
• Do not study straight from bulky books in the last month; go through the notes, which you must have prepared beforehand while studying. Do not make bulky notes, just make short concept notes which help to remember the important topics.
• I used to read only NCERT books thoroughly and I would suggest you read NCERT books of every subject thoroughly, especially Biology. Learn all named reactions from Chemistry NCERT book. Solve all the exemplar problems given in NCERT books.
• Be very regular in solving question papers. I used to sit in an isolated room and set the timer accordingly. Do it diligently as if you are appearing for the main exam.
• Join test series courses, online or offline, according to your convenience. They will help you to know your preparation compared to your peers with whom you have to compete. Good ranks in test series boost your confidence but a lower rank does not mean that your preparation is not going well; you get to know your weaknesses and where your preparation is lacking. Then work on them to improve them and finally be fully prepared by the time of examination.
• Do not jump to new topics in the last moments. If some minor topics are left then instead of learning them try to strengthen those topics, which you have previously studied. Do not get attracted or distracted by seeing books that you have not studied. Just have faith in yourself and whatever you have studied. If you have studied diligently then you will surely get through.
• My focus preferences during preparation were Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the last. However, it varies from one person to another as per the subject they feel confident about. But the most scoring subject stays Biology as 50 percent (90 questions) of your paper in Biology and 25 percent (45 questions) each is asked from Chemistry and Physics.
• Go through the syllabus and you will get a blueprint of the weightage of questions of each subject according to the latest guidelines on NEET website.
• One of the most important things - learn to leave questions unanswered rather than making a wild guess.
• Negative marking is something that will make you lose your marks, which you may have otherwise scored and got a better rank. Do not make wild guesses. Bring it in practice from the test series and every paper you give. Do not give up the marks you can score by doing this nuisance. Be wise enough to make your choices. Don't fill the bubbles in a hurry. While marking the answers first mark on the question paper not straight away on the OMR sheet. Spare the last 20-25 minutes for filling the bubbles only. Adjust your time accordingly.
• Stay away from myths, it’s not necessary to study for 18 hours. Just study with concentration for as much time you are studying and stay regular. Divide your time topic-wise. I tried to study for around 10 hours a day but didn’t spend all 10 hours in my studies. I also took breaks for around 20 to 30 minutes to do some meditation to calm myself and regain focus.
• Stay away from distractions, especially in the last month. Do not waste your time for long hours on social media. Do not get attracted by the various study or preparation groups. Those are nothing but just a waste of time. Have confidence that your resources are sufficient and you have prepared well.

About the Author:

Kanishka Bharti is currently pursuing MBBS at King George's Medical University in Lucknow. Kanishka plans to become a successful cardiologist and be of service to the nation in every way possible. Besides studies, she harbors a deep interest in serving society and catering to the needs of those in pain by utilizing her knowledge and skills.