With three days left for the exam, overcoming stress is one of the best possible ways to focus efficiently on the revision plan, says SAURABH KUMAR

After the confirmation of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and central Government’s decision to conduct the NEET UG examinations on September 12, aspirants are already ramped up for a cut-throat competition. It is evident from past years that around 15 lakh applicants enter for the pragmatic race for admissions into 1.5 lakh seats across various medical colleges in India.

With only a few days left, the medical aspirants are already on the verge of top-notch preparation strategies. Aspirants expecting a tougher competition this year, are at a forefront in preparing a smart work plan towards success by covering the entire syllabus on time. Provided the high stakes nature of the exam amid the pandemic, radar of nervousness and anxiety has clouded over the minds of the aspirants. Beating out stress is one of the best possible ways to focus efficiently on the revision plan.

What’s new this year

It is known by now that the NTA’s amendments towards this year’s exam, the pen & paper (offline) mode of the exam will consist of 4 sections (Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology). Each subject will consist of two sections A & B with compulsory 35 questions in section A to attempt, section B in all the subjects will have an option to attempt any 10 questions out of five, providing some sigh of relief. This make the exam a total of 180 questions combined, which need to be completed within three hours, the total marks being unchanged (720).

Comparatively, many aspirants last year suggested that the overall difficulty level was moderate with physics being the toughest of all sections for them with plenty of numerical and concept-based questions. In biology, Zoology was found to be easier than the botany section. Even though highly competitive scoring is necessary to get the college of choice, it is important to be prepared right from today and understand what and how to study within the given time. 

Physics — maybe a nightmare for many

Having a wide range of mathematical problems and theoretical questions, physics is still a nightmare for many NEET aspirants and find it hard to clear this section. When one opts for biology in class XI, the learning approach is of better assistance for the aspirants with the botany and zoology section but devoid of mathematics as a subject, understanding the application of concepts in problem solving and lack of practical edge towards the preparation plan may pull you back to successfully solve physics section. It is thus of very much importance to devote more time for this section while preparing and have a clear concept base.

Go for NCERT text books: Choosing the best and simple study material will assist in strengthening the concepts and NCERT text books are always the first priority instead of referring to too many books.

Cover the topics wisely: Since NEET syllabus for physics section has almost equal weightage from both Class XI and XII, in order to enhance the preparation outcomes, focus wisely to cover all the topics. Though mechanics seems to be a low soring topic (suggested by various experts) but carries almost a major 35 per cent share in terms of marks allocation, and thus is a must topic. Other scoring topics include electricity & Magnetism, Optics helping in betterment of the overall scores without any difficulty.

Learn and revise formulas consistently: As the physics section involves more mathematical and numerical questions, the best trick is to learn the formulas on a regular basis by making short hand notes. This will help the aspirants with an upper edge attempting concept-based questions in quick time.

Having a shorter span of time, aspirants need to quickly analyse their preparedness and focus for the Go for the upcoming NEET exam. The following aspects will assist them towards the betterment of their competitiveness during the D-day.

Consistent revision: Consistent revision is the key as of now, that will play a major role in deciding the performance. It is advised that aspirants must revise all the topics and chapters that they have already studied in order to remember them for a longer time. Weekly revision of all the subjects enhances the conceptual clarity thereby aiding them for a better performance and ranking.

Speed up on accuracy: Taking regular mock tests will help in betterment of completing the sections well within the stipulated time duration. After revising the topics, aspirants must take up as many mock tests as possible in order to improve their speed.

The writer is Academics Director, Vidyamandir Classes