Hello future doctors. NEET is a scary exam and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure about what exactly is expected from a NEET aspirant.
So today, I’m here to share a comprehensive guide that pulls together an ideal schedule, study resources and other tried-and-true methods to boost your NEET prep, directly from my own experiences and those of other MBBS students.
Choosing the Right Coaching
Before thinking about books and resources, let’s discuss something critical to your NEET journey – choosing the right coaching institute. 11th-12th will be the turning point of your life and good coaching will be the cornerstone of this turning point. You should look for a place that checks all the requirements on your list.
I would highly suggest opting for an integrated course. This combines your school with coaching prep, reducing stress and leaving you ample room for self-study.
Another thing you should keep in mind is that cost is not equal to quality. Sometimes, less popular coaching centers can offer more. The difference can only be found out by a lot of research and visiting every class in your vicinity.
Always remember, it’s not just about finding a class; it’s about finding the anchor for your journey. This is a very important step in the NEET process.
Even if you cannot afford a coaching class, you can still crack NEET. All you have to do is refer to free online youtube resources and put in an extra leg of effort, more than someone who has all the resources.
Books and Resources
Here are some free and some paid resources that can help you crack NEET. I have included everything from videos lectures that will help you understand the material, question banks that will reinforce your knowledge and revision resources that will help you retain what you have learnt.
Physics:
Your journey in Physics should start with foundational courses like those from PhysicsWallah sir, coupled with the in-depth material from NEET Physics Kota and Physics Galaxy Kota. For revisions, lean on your own notes and a reliable formula booklet. Don’t forget to use books like Cengage and Errorless for questions.
Chemistry:
Start with the NCERT textbooks as they are your best source for Chemistry. Supplement with Youtube resources like Physicswallah and NEET Chemistry by BeWise Classes for a good understanding. For revision, again refer to your NCERTs, particularly for Inorganic and Organic sections. Include a good formula booklet and use question banks like the NEET Prep Question Bank to test your knowledge.
Biology:
Nothing beats NCERTs here; they are absolute gold for Biology. Augment this with lectures from Physicswallah to deepen your understanding. Use the ‘PW 45 Days NEET Most Wanted Biology‘ for drilling important concepts in your head as the exam approaches.
Revision Techniques
Understanding the material is half the work, retaining it is the other, more difficult part. One of my favorite techniques, which I swear by, is the creation of personalized revision sheets. You can include formulae, important reactions in organic chemistry, and examples in biology. But this is just the usual stuff that you can find anywhere. So why all the effort?
When you create your revision material yourself, you can make sure that you include the material that you routinely forget, instead of just the usual. Keep these sheets handy, maybe on your study desk or stuck to your cupboards, so you can take a quick look throughout the day.
Every time you pass by the cupboard, you get a quick review without extra effort. Think of it as a hack that doubles the benefits: you add a bit of physical activity to your routine, while also giving yourself a mini revision session each time.
Mock Tests and the Tally Register Method
Now that we have talked about understanding the material and retaining it, the next step is mock tests and analysis. You’ve probably heard it a million times, but let me say it again – practicing mock tests is indispensable. They prepare you for the exam stress and also point out your weak points. How, you ask?
Well, using the Tally Register Method. Here’s how it works: after each mock test, you record the questions you got wrong, along with the reason for incorrect answer and corresponding topic in a register. Over time, this method helps you identify patterns in your mistakes.
Are you messing up the calculations? Are you weak in a particular chapter? Are you making silly mistakes? You will find out after just 3-4 tests.
This method will make sure that you’re strategically targeting and working on your weak spots. This not only makes sure that you use your time correctly but also that you improve your mock test scores gradually.
Remember, attempting mock tests is nothing without careful analysis.
Developing Your Personal Routine
With so many things on the table, it becomes overwhelming to decide what to do when, then you start procrastinating. The best way to avoid this is by –
Planning Your Day:
A good rule of thumb is to balance new topics with review sessions. If you spend two hours learning something new, dedicate at least three hours to solving problems and revising old topics. This makes sure you’re retaining the material.
Break down your big goals into smaller, daily objectives. You need to have a checklist that you complete by the end of the day, don’t just wing it.
Resting Enough:
Make sure to include 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep, on a stretch, in your schedule. I have seen students who are smarter and more hardworking than me, failing to clear NEET, just because they did not rest enough. Your brain needs rest to be able to perform well, don’t be stupid.
Instead of compromising on sleep, compromise on processed carbs and social media usage. Include more proteins and healthy fats in your diet. Keep drinking water throughout the day. And cut your timepass to a minimum.
Make Your Study Area Inviting:
You can achieve this by setting up a study space where you enjoy spending time. It should be clean, well-organized, and free of distractions. Do not sit on your bed to study.
Remember, the goal here isn’t just to study hard but to study smart.
Other Tips:
Now that I have given you a basic overview of the NEET journey, here are some other tips.
Memory Tricks
Do not shy away from creating stupid or disgusting mnemonics by yourself. For Biology, use mnemonics from Vipin Sharma’s biology videos – they can be lifesavers for remembering details, especially from sections like Morphology of Flowering Plants or Animal Kingdom.
Don’t stress too much over board exams
You’re already preparing for NEET. And a solid NEET preparation covers a lot of the board syllabus as well. Spend some time (1 hour a week) studying your other subjects eg English, IT, PE, etc. But do not waste any more time.
Conclusion
I hope you now have a basic idea about the NEET prep journey. Every NEET aspirant’s journey is obviously going to be different, but these are the crucial steps that are the same for all
After that, don’t be afraid to carve your own path and use these strategies in your study style. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to clearing NEET; what works for one student may not work for another.
Stay flexible, stay dedicated, and keep going. All the best 🙂
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