The introduction of NEET in 2013 will scrap all State-level medical entrance tests and the All-India PMT exam. Most of the states have agreed to participate in this common entrance exam 2013 onwards.
However, institutes of national repute such as 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 do not wish to be part of a common CET.
A total of 271 MBBS colleges have been listed by the Medical Council of India (MCI), all of which will fall under the aegis of NEET 2013. These colleges will 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 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. This however, can easily be followed with a strategic approach and proper planning for the exam.
First of all, you should be aware of the changed pattern before implementing 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 , with 50 questions each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. The exam was of three hours’ duration, with 1/4th negative marking. Compared to AIPMT, the NEET will have a total of 45 questions each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology, totalling 180 questions.
Subject-wise strategy
Biology
1. Students should give special emphasis to diagrams.
2. A student must be aware of the weightage given to each portion of the syllabus and should revise accordingly. The class 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 the previous year exams from the same topic as it will give an depth insight into the topic .
3· Adapt a learning style that suits you — whether visual, auditory or tactile. Visual devices include drawing, pictures, charts, maps, graphs to supplement your learning. Use bright markers and symbols to identify important notes. This helps during revision. Students are known to retain knowledge when they can associate an image with the text. One should prepare a summary of important facts in every chapter and should keep on revising the list regularly. This will be helpful as the exam is objective. Try writing a few tests in an exam-like environment with focus on time management.
Chemistry
Chemistry is said to be the most scoring subject as weightage is given to organic and inorganic portions where no calculations are required and the paper can be covered quickly providing sufficient time for physical portion. However, expertise on these portions is attained only by solving a large number of standard problems and marking 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. Name reactions in organic chemistry are extremely important and must be done thoroughly with sufficient examples. Find quicker methods for chapters such as Stoichiometry, which may help you in outwitting your competitors. Coordination compounds have become increasingly important while 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
1. Mechanics and electrodynamics are the backbone of physics in any entrance examination. So, give maximum time to these two units.
2. Optics, modern physics, heat and thermodynamics oscillation and waves are relatively easy topics and questions already asked from these topics are formula or direct theory-based with a bit of concept. So, moderate efforts in these topics will give you a better output.
Cracking NEET
1. Most of the questions are found to be direct, formula-based. So, revise all the important expressions regularly by making a their list and solve the maximum number of questions based on them. You can solve last 10 years papers, keeping in mind the time limit. This will help increase your speed.
2. Analysis of old AIPMT papers from 2012 to 2010 shows the following pattern of questions asked in different units in different subjects.
3. As the exam is being conducted by CBSE, a thorough reading of NCERT books is a must. Students must solve the exercises given in the NCERT books. You should be able to create questions on your own from the NECRT books. This will judge your level of understanding on the topic. Try to read between the lines.
4. NEET will have 180 questions which need to be answered in three hours. You should learn to manage your time 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 the syllabi must be done.
5. Going through the previous year AIPMT exam papers will help as NEET is expected to be of the same level.
6. Always say to yourself that ‘I CAN and I WILL’— even in the examination hall. This will relieve the pressure.
7. Devote some time of the day to yoga or any physical activity, which will rejuvenate you for the entire day.
8. Fill the OMR sheets correctly; do not fill the entire OMR sheet at the end of the exam. Solve the paper in a minimum of two readings. Do not get stuck on questions which you don’t know, keep on moving through questions.
9. Try to underline the theme of the questions; it will keep you focused.
10. You should plan a minimum of two revisions of the entire syllabus before entering the exam hall.
Aakash Chaudhry is director, Aakash Educational Services Ltd
