How to Prepare for NEET

Regarded as the successor of the All India Pre-medical test, The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is an entrance exam for students aspiring to study bachelor’s degree programs from the top medical colleges of the country. Previously administered by CBSE, this exam is now conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Due to a large student base, NEET has become very competitive. If you are searching the best tricks and tips on how to prepare for NEET, here is a complete preparation guide comprising the syllabus as well as useful techniques you can employ in order to ace this exam with high scores.

All you need to know for NEET 2021

• NEET [National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test] 2021
• MCAT VS NEET – Which One is More Difficult?
• NEET Marks vs Rank
• NCERT Books for NEET
• NEET Eligibility – Complete Checklist
• Unhappy with your NEET scores? Here are the things you can do!
• Importance of NEET Mock Test
• Best Books for NEET
• NEET Preparation Tips
• How to Study Physics for NEET

Exam Syllabus

Before elaborating the answers to the question of how to prepare for NEET. NEET is mainly designed on three subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology and the concepts for these disciplines are taken from the syllabus of 11th and 12th standard.

NEET Entrance Exam Pattern

Preparing for NEET would be insufficient without knowing about the structure of the question paper. The pattern comprises of details such as :

• Mode of paper
• Language
• Duration of the exam
• Question type: Multiple choice questions
• Marking scheme

NEET Exam Eligibility

Students who are taking the NEET Exam must know the eligibility criteria of the exam. Only students above the age of 17 years can take the exam. Students above the age of 25 years cannot take the exam either.

How to Prepare for NEET: Tips & Tricks

Before sitting down to plan your preparation for NEET, it is important to explore the useful techniques that can help you learn the concepts better and ace the exam successfully. Here is a list of best tips and tricks on how to prepare for NEET that can assist you in cracking the code:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern

The exam pattern of NEET is the first thing you should comprehend before starting your preparations for the exam. Note down the type of questions asked in the exam, its marking scheme, key concepts covered as well as the exam duration. Grasping the essentials of the exam pattern, you can efficiently plan the whole process of how to prepare for NEET.

2. Identify your Strengths and Weaknesses

For every competitive exam, you should first analyze your weaknesses and look for plausible solutions to strengthen the concepts you are lagging behind in. Segregate the topics you find easy and those that seem relatively difficult. Then, strengthen your weaker concepts first while revising the easier topics alongside which will help you balance your preparation.

3. Create a Top-notch Timetable

The syllabus of NEET is vast and spread across the extensive disciplines of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. For this exam, you need to study the entire higher secondary school syllabus of the three Science subjects. Thus, having a well-framed timetable is essential for keeping a track on your progress and to ensure that you are finishing your set goals on time. To further answer your question of how to prepare for NEET, here are some key tricks to keep in mind while creating a timetable:

• Give more time to the topics you find difficult.
• Either keep a plan ready for a week or set daily goals regarding the concepts you will be covering.
• Set realistic goals. If you can study for only 5 hours then don’t set goals which will take more than that.
• Keep some spare hours to relax and spend some time outdoors.

4. Begin with NCERT Books

Before moving on to reference books, it is important to go through the NCERT books. These books can assist you in strengthening the basic foundational concepts of every subject. Further, the questions and examples mentioned in NCERTs are also helpful in revising the syllabus of the exam.

5. Practice, Practice and Practice!

The best way to strengthen your weaknesses is to regularly practise questions from topics that you have covered. Once you are through with a unit or chapter, you can attempt different mock tests. This will help you in identifying and improving the areas where you still lag.

6. Solve Full-length Mock Papers

As the exam comes closer, anxiety and fear invariably increases. You can ease this fear by solving sample papers. Full-length mock tests not only help you build confidence but assist you in finding important concepts which you may have missed. However, it is advisable to stop taking mock exams a day or two before the final exam.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes

Another significant tip for the question of how to prepare for NEET is to avoid the common mistakes in your preparation schedule. Here is a list of the key mistakes that we often make while preparing for competitive exams.

• Don’t compare your progress in terms of the number of hours you have devoted. Instead, focus on how many chapters you were able to cover or how many questions you could solve in an hour. It is better to study in a focused manner for 4 hours than spending 8 hours crammed in books and with no concentration.
• You are bound to get confused if you are reading from too many resources. Restrict yourself to NCERTs and only take one good reference book. It is advisable to design a simple strategy for how to prepare for NEET. Always remember: Minimum books, Maximum revision!
• While preparing for a competitive exam like NEET, it is important to take adequate rest at regular intervals. Apart from 7-8 hours of sleep, devote at least 1-2 hours on recreational activities. To increase your concentration, substitute junk food with healthy alternatives.

8.Prepare Notes

One of the best ways to keep a structured revision is to prepare notes while learning. This will help you clarify what is important and what is not and you can prepare accordingly. Make sure you write them clearly and are able to easily skim through them in any given time.

9. Don’t Underestimate the power of Revision

Revising your chapters regularly will not only help you memorize them better but also solve the doubts you had initially. While you are revising, make sure that you emphasize on your weak areas, but do not completely ignore your strong points. Go through reactions, formulae, etc

10. Have a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is crucial in general but when you are preparing for such important exams, a healthy diet becomes even more crucial with respect to it. You need to gain energy for being able to concentrate better.

11. Take Regular Breaks

Just because the exam is tough, you don’t need to always be preparing all the time. Take regular breaks between your preparation routine and then go ahead with preparing again.

12. Follow Proven Study Methods

There are several study methods that help prepare better. Here are some of the study methods you must know:

• Method Study
• Feynman Technique
• Pomodoro Technique
• Spaced Practice
• SQ3R Method

13. Exercise Timely

A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and if you want to study in peace and grasp more in less time, exercise regularly. Avoid eating junk and oily food that can create health problems.

What not to do in NEET Preparation?

Preparing for NEET exam, you must be aware of what you should do and what you should not do. So, let’s check them out:

Ignoring NCERT

NCERT is the book that has answers to most of the questions in the NEET Exam. Even if you have been told that NCERT is not worth it, or not enough, do not ignore it. Especially the questions in NCERT. A large part of the questions in NEET arises from NCERT.

Not Adhering to Time Table

If you have created a time table, stick to it like it’s your religion. A proper time table can help you prepare well for the exam and manage other chores in your free time as well. If you do not stick to the time table, you will end up with failed targets, and a lack of personal time.

Following Too Many References

There are a lot of books for NEET Preparation and surely all of them are great in their ways but referring to different books for preparing with unlimited number of books can only confuse you

Not Taking Enough Rest

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So, if you are planning to pull multiple all-nighters, you are deemed to fail at your goal as after a point your body will not be able to understand anything.

Prep Tips by Toppers

Know the Prep Strategy of NEET 2020 Topper Soyeb Aftab

Know the Prep Strategy of Om Surwase who ranked #38 in NEET without Coaching

We hope that this blog provided you with helpful tips on how to prepare for NEET. The rank you will get in NEET can not only help you get into the top medical college in India but you can also seek admission in international medical universities. If you are planning for any competitive exam and need help with preparation, you can always reach out to our Leverage Edu experts and we’ll guide you with the best tips and tricks for acing any competitive exam and getting into your dream course and university.