NEET 2019: 7 tips to cap off preparation

New Delhi, April 13: NEET 2019 admit card goes online on April 15, signalling the countdown for the exam has really started; NEET 2019 will be held in pen-and-paper-based mode on May 5. It is the last stage of exam preparation, as candidates looks to give finishing touches, plug gaps and mentally prepare for the exam. A unique feature of this late stage is stakes are the highest, so there is more to gain or lose. Missteps are costly, for example, taking up new topics may sometimes mean missing out on easy topics. All these dualities can lead to a lot of anxiety and pressure on the candidate.

Given the pressure-cooker like situation, one needs to plan very smartly so as to maximize study time while avoiding missteps. Here are some useful advice that would help the NEET aspirant not only keep a cool head, but give the required thrust to one preparation.

NEET 2019 - 7 tips to cap off preparation

1) Study time table - The plan is to put in place an actionable plan encompassing revision, solving sample papers, tackling mock tests, and working on weak spots. It is generally a wise idea not to take up new topics at this stage as time is limited. However, if you have made up your mind to take up a new topic, ensure you don’t go beyond a set time frame.

2) How long to study - Most students can easily manage 7-8 hours. If you body allows, you can even study up to 10 hours a day; just make sure there are sufficient breaks in between. If you follow this routine rigorously, you will be in sync the demands of the exam and so won’t get stressed out.

3) Picking study material - At this stage, it is better to stick to books you are already referring to. It is because you will find the same topic/concept is treated a bit differently in another book; meaning you spend valuable time interpreting it. Another issue is with old books you know your way, where to find a statement/problem. No such liberty will be forthcoming with the new books.

4) Revision - Questions in the exam will be multiple-choice type. So, for revision, you may pick MCQs from each chapter and solve them. It is important that you solve all types of problems, and not just go on solving the same type of problem over and over again. In addition, you also need to read your notes and textbooks.

5) Sample papers - They contain similar types of questions to the ones asked in the entrance exam. So, by solving these papers you will get a very useful SWOT analysis. What is more is some concepts may be repeated in the exam; and if that happens, you can earn some easy marks.

6) Taking mock tests - Mock tests are simulations of the real thing, so one can get an exam like environment to practice in. In fact, by taking full-length tests in the same time frame as the exam, i.e 2-5 pm, one may also align one’s body clock with exam day timings.

7) Stress management - Thinking too much or too far ahead can put unintended pressure on you. Also, avoid social media and other distractions when you are studying; you can indulge in them in your downtime. Eating healthy, sleeping the full quota of hours, and doing some form of exercise will help keep stress under control.

On the day of the exam, apart from the NEET admit card 2019, the candidate must also bring with them a valid photo ID proof. Or else the candidate will not be allowed inside the exam hall.