Introduction of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), in 2013, will scrap all state level medical entrance tests and the All-India PMT exam. The debate over the states participating is the hot topic in all the newspapers.
Most of the states have agreed to participate in this common entrance exam from 2013 onwards. however, institutes of national repute like AIIMS have declined to join NEET, in order to maintain their high standards. In terms of governance, the central government funded institutions have their own sets of rules and regulations and they do not wish to be part of a common CET.
A total of 271 MBBS colleges have been listed by MCI, which will fall under the aegis of NEET 2013. These colleges shall offer a total of 31,000 MBBS seats across India. The declared date for NEET 2013 is May 5 and the exam will be conducted by CBSE. The NEET syllabus was decided after reviewing various state board syllabi and that prepared by the CBSE, COBSE, and NCERT, considering the significance of various fields covered within medical education.
No doubt, with this notification, students will have to revamp their approach to their exam preparation, as, along with the concept, a new syllabus has also come into the picture. This however, can easily be followed with a strategic approach and proper planning for the exam. Preparing for NEET, strategy and awareness is all you require: First of all, you should be completely aware of the changed pattern to implement a proper plan for your preparation. So, let us have a look at the revised pattern before we go ahead with the formula to crack it.
Till last year, the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) had 200 questions in total, with 50 questions each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany & Zoology. The exam was of 3 hours duration, with 1/4th negative marking. As compared to AIPMT, the NEET will have a total of 45 questions each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany & Zoology, totaling to 180 questions. The paper will be of 3 hours duration and will carry 1/4th negative marking.
Subject-wise advice
Biology
* Students should give special emphasis to the diagrams, in as many times the questions come related to the diagrams.
* For competition, the student must be aware about the weightage of each portion of the syllabus and should revise accordingly especially, the XI portion needs to be taken care of. After completing any topic, the objective questions should be solved and one must go through the questions asked in previous year exams from the same topic as it will give insight to the depth of the topic to be covered.
*Adapt a learning style that suits you- whether visual, auditory, or tactile. Visual devices include drawing, pictures, charts, maps, graphs, etc to supplement your learning. Use bright markers and symbols to point out important notes. This helps during revision. Students are known to retain knowledge gained better when they can associate an image or demonstration referring to it. Auditory techniques include reading aloud in a silent place, making tutors or friends a sounding board to your understanding of concepts, use of mnemonics or music, verbal discussion of ideas etc. to support revision.
*One should prepare the summary list of important facts of every chapter and should keep on revising the list regularly. As the exam is objective type, it will be helpful.
n Reading is important but most important thing is revision, so you should have fortnightly revision program. Revision tests are recommended.
* Give mock tests in an exam-like environment with focus on time management.
Chemistry
Chemistry is said to be the most scoring subject as a good percentage is devoted to Organic and Inorganic portions where no calculations are required and paper can be covered fast, providing sufficient time to physical portion. However, expertise on these portions is attained only by solving a large number of standard problems and marking of those where difficulties are encountered. These must be done frequently to see if difficulties are still encountered.
* Repeat the exercise every week till you know the answer as soon as you see the question.
* Naming reactions in organic chemistry is extremely important and must be done very thoroughly with sufficient examples.
* Find quicker methods for chapters like Stoichiometry which may be outwit your competitors.
Qualitative testing of inorganic and organic compounds has never lost its importance in these competitions. So, how so ever difficult it may appear, the attitude of never giving up pays at the end.
Physics
Generally, the students are found to be having the phobia of Physics but it is a very fundamental subject and if you are good enough in this subject then definitely it will give you an edge over the others. It’s an advice to concentrate on following points which will be really helpful:
*In medical entrance examinations, most of the questions are found to be direct formula based. So revise all the important expressions regularly by making a list and solve maximum number of questions based on them. You can solve last 10 years papers within proper time limit in the same manner as you are solving in an entrance examination. It will increase your speed.
* Mechanics & Electrodynamics are the backbone of Physics in any of the entrance examinations. So give maximum time to these two units.
* Optics, Modern Physics, Heat and thermodynamics oscillation and waves are relatively easier topics and question already asked from these topics are more formula or direct theory based with a little concept. So, moderate efforts in these topics will give you a better output.
* Analysis of old AIPMT papers from 2012 to 2010 shows the following pattern of questions asked in different units in different subjects.
Here are a few ways to help you out towards last minute preparations:
* As the exam is being conducted by CBSE therefore, thorough reading of NCERT is a must. The content of NCERT books should be read completely and figures given should be understood minutely. Students must solve the exercises given in the NCERT. You should be able to create questions on your own from the NECRT books. That will judge the level of understanding you have about the topic. Try to read between the lines.
* NEET will have 180 questions with 3 hours time, so accordingly time management practice should be done by writing mock tests. A student would be required to solve each question in a minute’s time, so regular practice of at least 15-20 full length tests before taking the actual exam would prove to be most beneficial.
*Make your own summary chits of important facts; it will help you in remembering them. And do read them often so that you create a picture of it in your mind.
* There are some differences in the CBSE syllabus for class XI and XII compared to NEET. A close comparison of syllabi must be done.
* Going through the previous year AIPMT exam papers will help as NEET is expected to be of the same level.
* Always say to yourself that I CAN and I WILL, even in the examination hall. It will relieve the pressure.
* Give some time of the day to Yoga or any physical activity, which will rejuvenate you for the entire day.
* Fill the OMR sheets correctly; do not fill the entire OMR sheet in the end of examination. Solve the paper in minimum two readings. Do not stick over the questions which you don’t know, keep on moving through questions.
* Try to underline the theme of the questions, it will keep you focused. Read carefully to avoid confusion.
* Discussion with quality friends is a good technique to revise quickly.
*You should plan minimum two revisions of the entire syllabus before entering the examination hall. It will boost your confidence.
(The writer is the director of an
education service agency.)
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