10 preparation tips for NEET-PG

NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) is the most talked about entrance exam in the field of medicine. Replacing various other medical entrance tests, it is a common entrance test to be conducted by the Medical Council of India (MCI) for admissions to under graduate and post-graduate medical courses across the country.

With NEET just around the corner, Madiha Jawed of shiksha.com spoke to Dr MM Singh - director, National Institute of Higher Education (NIHE) to get some insights on this new entrance exam.

Q.Can you give an overview of NEET-PG in terms of its syllabus?

A.The exam pattern is basically MCQ (multiple choice questions) but without images. The syllabus is of a UG standard but there is no negative marking. The test duration is 3 hours and will be conducted in a single session. There will also be an additional 15-minute tutorial prior to the start of the test. Candidates will also need to accept a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before beginning the test.

The subject-wise MCQ break-up is given below along with marks:

Q.With only few days left for the exam, what important topics would you suggest the students to brush up?

A.With the examiners having different mindsets, I think students shouldget back to notes and not the question bank of AIIMS and AIPG.

Q.Any overall revision tips for students so that they do not miss out on any section?

A.Overall revision for students should include special emphasis on Pre and Para subjects. Though I certainly agree and advise that medicine, surgery, OBS & gynecology, and pediatrics are of prime importance, but the Pre/Para subjects would be of high importance and merit making this time.

Last minute revision courses or short books would certainly help students in cases where they have missed on some subject topics.

Q.According to you, what should students do to attain success in the new entrance exam?

A.Those who read notes/books will be able to crack the exam but those who mug up guide books will not be able to. I suggest students to attempt every question considering the fact that there is no negative marking!

Q.What are the top 10 preparation tips for NEET-PG?

1. Don’t waste too much time on medicine as there are just 21 MCQs from there.
2. The first and second part subjects are probably more important as most people don’t study them.
3.  As usual the small and tricky subjects will decide the ranks, so study these carefully.
4. Please stop mugging up guide books’ answers. Not only are they wrong but the question bank has changed. This is true, especially for small subjects.
5. Take hands-on training for computer too. This may range from 30 mins to 1- 2 hrs training. Make sure you consult some computer literate person. He will surely be an asset.
6. The best thing you can do for yourself in this crucial time of preparation is to boost your answering capability on computers. You have the content in your brain; it should be appropriately translated as answers to the MCQs. So go ahead, give online tests; virtually wherever you find a chance. There are many websites/institutes that offer free of cost online tests, including www.niheindia.com. So, that’s where you hit the right target!
7. A quick glance at Pathology (initial 5-6 chapters from Robins small book), Medicine (CNS, Endo), PSM (changes in NHP’s, recent advances, vaccines) and Pharma (recent drugs) could be on your due chart for some days before the exam.
8. I always advise – Don’t go deep, try to swim as far as possible. Read little of everything!
9. Know the venue and please do not panic! There are high chances of stranger anxiety; courtesy the online testing platform.
10. Keep your mind cool on the day of the exam! Be rest assured that you will clear the exam, if you have worked hard for it.

“These are the Golden 10 tips. Gear up and take the battle head on,” concludes Dr Singh.

Dr Swathi , an intern at Dr Ram Mahohar Lohia Hospital says, “Even though the NEET pattern is the most talked about thing nowadays among interns, nobody knows what exactly this pattern is all about. We have vague ideas regarding the differences in the NEET pattern from the earlier format, but we will know for sure after this set of exams.”

“As a PG aspirant, I am studying the same books people used previously for the earlier pattern, and so are many others, as far as I know. As we hear it, the questions are more clinically oriented, and if this is true, then it is a good change that our system is bringing about, “ she adds.