Fresh dates for NEET 2021 are on the anvil. Saurabh Kumar, National Director Academics, Vidyamandir Classes, shares with MUSBA HASHMI tips that can help keep the students motivated and achieve a perfect score
Not only Class XII Boards, but several competetive exams including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) was postponed many times earlier this year, owing to the pandemic.
Now, while the revised dates for NEET is expected to be out soon, students want the exam should be further deferred, till October at least.
However, experts believe it is time for students to pull up their socks and start brushing up their skills to be better prepared for the exam.
“One thing every student has to realise is that exam will be conducted sooner or later so running off is not a solution obviously when dates are extended it is difficult to keep yourself motivated but there is no choice as if you will not continue working hard somebody else will take your seat. We must see this as a blessing in disguise and utilise this time to strengthen your weak topics and do more revision and make your preparation robust,” Saurabh Kumar, National Director Academics, Vidyamandir Classes, says.
He advises that students should also focus on their speed and accuracy as the exam is like race against time.
“NEET is race against time as we have to do 180 questions in 180 minutes. So, students should focus on speed and accuracy and have to maintain a right balance between them which can be obtained by giving regular mock tests and analysing and focusing on weak areas. Secondly, medical students find physics as the most difficult subject so they need to revise, focus and practice it. Also, don’t forget to read NCERT carefully,” Kumar says.
To make the student’s life easier in this time of difficulty, he shares some quick tips that they can use to prepare for the upcoming entrance exam at home.
“Start with making an effective timetable. Now that you are at home, you can easily divide your timetable in a better manner and increase the pace steadily for a strong preparation. Follow NCERT books for chemistry as they are the best for your preparation. Keep your study material precise and follow it completely. Don’t go for too many books as you might get confused. Two, make best of online classes. As the course batch timings are convenient, so students can take classes as per their comfort and at a suitable time. Hence, students are advised proper time management at home to make the best of their online tutorials. They should not hesitate to ask questions wherever required. They should also make short notes to gain a hold of important concepts. They should always get their doubts cleared,” he advises.
Three, take mock tests. Take a mock test daily and if you don’t have the current mock tests, attempt previous year papers. It is strongly advisable to stick to the notes and resources which you have prepared during the past two years or so. Do not fall prey to free resources provided online as they will only confuse you further and could also give misleading information.
“Four, subject wise study is key. Choose the subject which needs more preparation first and focus on your weak points. Spend more time on the weak topics and solve questions on a daily basis to overcome the challenging topics. Five, revision. Revise the formulas, method of calculations; and test your speed according while timing yourself in order to prepare for the exams,” Kumar tells you.
He lists few subjects and concepts where students generally end up making mistakes.
“In Biology: Genetics and Evolution, Diversity in Living World, Reproduction, Plant Physiology, Biotechnology and Its Applications, Biology and Human Life, Human Physiology are some of the topics that need special attention.
“In Physics: Physical World and Measurement, Current Electricity, Laws of Motion, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Gravitation, Dual nature of Radiation, Thermodynamics, Atoms and Nuclei often confuses students and hence, students should focus on these,” Kumar tells you.
While in Chemistry, he says, some basic concepts of Chemistry, Surface Chemistry, Thermodynamics, States of Matter, Equilibrium, Block Elements, Coordination Compounds and Hydrocarbons Polymers should be studied thoroughly.
With that being said, many students tend to take too much pressure on the day before the exam. Some often leave the difficult topics for that day and it adds to the pressure. Others try to go through all the topics in one day and also resort to skipping the night’s sleep in order to revise. However, this is not a wise thing to do at all.
“A day before the exam has to be relaxing. Take a sound sleep of seven hours. Eat light food and antioxidants and do not study till late night or talk to your friends about their preparation. This may lead to anxiety. Also, keep a firm belief that every student preparation is equivalent to you and you will win,” Kumar advises.
Tips for aspiring students
Pick the right coaches: Coaching institutes provide the additional ammunition, support and confidence that is required in the preparation of medical examination.
Attend all classes: Students, who cleared the medical examinations with flying colours in previous years have proven that regular attendance and attentiveness in classes is a must. So, we suggest you attend all the classes on a regular basis. In fact, if possible, try to reach five-10 minutes before the class begins because the first few minutes of every class is crucial to get the basics of the topic which will be discussed in the upcoming sessions.
Stay healthy: We all have heard of idiom—healthy mind resides in a healthy body, so it's advised that you take good care of your health. A healthy routine, which comprises exercise and a healthy diet helps in creating energy which further leads to improved concentration. We suggest that you avoid eating junk food as it can cause excessive tiredness and in some severe cases, it may also lead to stomach infection.