Doctors are perceived as rescuers. Comes as no surprise why medicine is deemed as a highly reputed and rewarding profession providing lucrative career opportunities to young aspirants.
Typically, the first quarter of the new year seems quite nerve-wracking for students pursuing their class 12. As the pressure from the class 12 board exams (considered to be a milestone) was already not enough that the added pressure from competitive tests looms over. Managing both these examinations can be a Herculean task until effectively managed.
Trending: NEET 2023 exam
Academic pressure is soaring at this juncture as a student’s career and a possibility of a bright future are at stake. The conjoined challenge of cracking board exams and competitive tests along with obtaining competitive scores is truly alarming. However, with the right tools from your toolbox in the form of robust strategies coupled with effective time management, you can get into the momentum.
Preparing For Class 12 Board Exams and NEET 2023
Overview
More students than ever are contemplating to become healthcare professionals. It is a highly ambitious career option demanding perseverance and dedication. The same values are required to prepare for class 12 exams and even NEET.
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a one-tier medical entrance test conducted annually by the NTA (National Testing Agency). In order for students to pursue a career in medicine in India, young aspirants take this test, typically after appearing at their class 12 board exams.
NEET 2021 witnessed the registration of more than 16 lakh students, competing for nearly 1.2 lakh medical seats across the country. With such fierce levels of competitiveness, the preparation for the same must be given a head start.
How Does Preparation for Board Exams and NEET Vary?
Undeniably, managing both these exams can be an uphill task. The difficulty level, parameters of assessing and depth of the curriculum of both exams vary. Striking balance, however, is key.
Board exams are designed to evaluate the knowledge acquired by students, varying across different learning capabilities of students. An average student following the prescribed books and curriculum is capable of getting through the board exams.
Cracking NEET, on the other hand, is a different ball game altogether. It is much more complex and way ahead in terms of the questions appearing compared to board exams, given the similarity of the syllabus. Entrance tests, in addition to testing knowledge acquired, also test the theoretical application and reasoning capabilities, aptitude levels and more. This requires more than average preparation.
In other words, preparation naturally for both these tests varies given the difference in the syllabus, in-depth learning, format of questions, exam pattern, marking scheme, etc. Juggling between both is not easy. Consequently, board exams are usually held in the month of March followed by competitive exams a month later.
See: NEET Syllabus
Managing Class 12 Exams and NEET 2023 exam
The best time to start preparing is as early as possible, say from class 10 onwards. Building upon concepts from that juncture is necessary, saving all the last-minute rush. If not, it can hinder both performances of board exams and NEET. Studying along with class 12 syllabus will provide an effective retention capability.
Listed below are some pointers to consider managing both these exams effectively:
1. Planning – Set goals, frame a time table
- Framing a time table considering preparation for both the exams is crucial
- Dedicating slots especially for NEET is important while also simultaneously preparing for board exams
2. Execute plans
- Do not sideline board exam preparation while preparing for NEET
- Follow the time table and stick to the plans
- Perform a daily, weekly and monthly check for adherence to the set time table. Analyze the performance
- It is suggested to start out with weekly plans inculcating preparation for both tests
- Dedicate weekdays for studying and learning concepts and weekends for revisions and practising
3. Subject-wise preparation
- Take a subject one at a time rather than studying all subjects together
- Identify weak areas in all subjects and devote more time to improve in such areas
- Understanding the preparedness for each subject of NEET makes it easier for students to plan their course of action
4. Syllabus
- Though the syllabus more or less remains the same for both tests, the test varies in the skills in which students are assessed
- For this, particularly NEET, requires in-depth learning rather than mere learning from the surface or rote memorization tactics
- Work out a syllabus plan for common chapters. While studying the chapter, prepare thoroughly so as to be able to answer for both tests
- Interlink similar topics between different chapters
- Choose the right mix of books to get hold of course material. Study from related sources to be able to answer a few beyond NCERT questions of NEET. This is because NEET demands more than average preparation.
5. Practice Tests for the run-up
- These tests are extremely important for NEET. While starting out, ensure to take up at least one practice test under ideal exam scenarios
- Simultaneously also make slots to solve previous years’ question papers of NEET and board exams
Check: Study Time Table for NEET
Perks of Preparing for Class 12 Exams and NEET
There are innumerable benefits of preparing for board exams as well as NEET. At times though it becomes difficult to prioritize between both, as clearing both is essential. However, with a never-to-give-up spirit, it is certainly possible to ace both these tests. A testimony of which are previous years’ toppers. Here is a breakdown of the various benefits of preparing for both simultaneously:
1. Extension of topics
While you are preparing for board exams, the basic concepts even for NEET remain the same. Since NEET is comparatively a tougher test, it requires an extension of existing topics, already learnt from NCERT. This is known, as a major part of NEET syllabus is based on class 11 and class 12 NCERT syllabus. It serves as an added advantage as separate time need not be devoted to exclusively studying for NEET, given the similarity.
2. Nature of questions
Both these tests have numerical-based questions, wherein board exams require a demonstration of a step-by-step write-up. While NEET requires the correct response only. Hence, it becomes challenging in NEET given the time constraint. Therefore, the process of attempting questions in both tests remains the same, which is yet another benefit of preparing simultaneously.
3. Simultaneously preparing for NEET just requires minimum efforts and time while studying for board exams given the continuum. There is a flow, conducive for learning. This engages one in the groove laying an effective foundation and strong groundwork only fuelling NEET preparation.
Hope you found this article on cracking NEET with board exams helpful. For much such content on NEET, visit us at NEET BYJU’S.
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