NTA (National Testing Agency) will conduct the assessment for the upcoming NEET 2022 exam. This national eligibility-cum-entrance examination decides the candidature of medical aspirants into the best medical institutions across the nation. Approximately 16 lakh candidates register for this exam every year. Thus, we can imagine the immense competition. Aspirants must give their full effort in order to clear this exam on the first attempt. Let’s look at some preparation tips to clear this exam.
Study Planner
Curating a personalised study planner should be the first and vital step for NEET preparations. NEET covers three subjects – biology, chemistry and physics. One must focus on all three equally to achieve the desired results. There are around 97 chapters that are to be given due importance. Analyse your stronger and weaker areas and focus on them accordingly.
Pomodoro Technique
It is one of the best techniques to crack competitive exams. It involves a balanced study planner with enough breaks. First, plan your task and divide the topics into smaller portions. Focus on a single portion for 25 minutes and take a break for 5 minutes. Repeat the cycle for 4 such portions or tasks and then take a longer break. Likewise, take longer breaks (20-30 minutes) after every 4 cycles. This will help you cover a lot of portions with full concentration in a short span.
Solving Question Papers
After mastering the basic concepts, move on to solving question papers. This will help you to level up your conceptual understanding. Solving the NEET previous year question paper is a vital step that is not to be omitted. The past question papers will cover a vast majority of the NEET concepts. Also, aspirants who do not have ample time for preparation can directly jump to this step of solving question papers. Moreover, NEET question papers are available in 13 languages. So, choose your language option wisely.
NEET highlights
Below are some highlights from the NEET 2022 notification that every aspirant must be aware of.
| Exam Date | July 17, 2022 |
| Duration | 200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes) |
| No.of MCQs | 180 MCQs out of 200 are to be attempted |
| Marks | 720 marks (each question carries +4 marks, and an incorrect answer carries -1 mark) |
| Mode of Examination | Pen & Paper based (OMR sheet) |
Resources
The best and the most underrated study material is the NCERT textbooks. Always start with Class 11 and 12 NCERT concepts, and once mastered, move on to the standard textbooks for each subject. Maintain separate hand-written short notes for each and every subject. This will help during last-minute revisions. Practising questions and timely revision of concepts are important for a wholesome preparation.
Mock Tests
Allocate enough time to practice online mock tests. At most times, they might introduce you to new questions and concepts that were not previously asked. Also, the most important aspect of online mock tests in developing time management skills. 180 questions are to be answered in 200 minutes. Remember, every incorrect answer costs you a negative mark. Thus, practising mock assessments will help you to choose your questions wisely and manage the time during the day of the actual examination.
Assess your performance
The main aim of attempting mock tests and solving question papers is to analyse your weaker areas. Focus on the mistakes and rectify them from time to time. After practising a handful of NEET sample paper, monitor your performance. The mistakes must be reduced gradually instead of increasing. This denotes that your preparation has been laid right. Also, it will boost self-confidence and reduce exam fear in candidates. The final and most important aspect of any exam preparation is personal care. Taking care of your diet and sleep schedule is a must during preparations. Get enough sleep but avoid naps during the timings of the examination (2 pm to 5.20 pm). A well-rested and healthy mind is vital to crack NEET.
