NEET is a pen and paper-based objective examination taken by lakhs of medical aspirants. Every year, approximately 16 to 18 lakh students register for this exam. The numbers might increase in the forthcoming years. This means the competition might also increase. Thus, it is a must for every aspirant to put in their maximum effort and give their best. 10 to 11 hours of preparations during the last 2-3 months of the exam do not signify ‘maximum effort’. Most toppers start their preparations right after Class 10. A minimum two years of slow and intense preparations are required to crack the exam with ease.

The basics for Classes 11 and 12 are covered in Class 10. Thus, it is mandatory to learn and revise all the Class 10 science chapters before moving to the Class 11 and Class 12 biology units. The transition from Class 10 to Class 11 is a huge jump from basics to in-depth concepts.

Hence, it should be traversed smoothly.

Success becomes confirmed if the initial steps are set right. Here, let us look at the steps to start preparing for NEET biology (botany).

Know Your Syllabus

It is important to know the curriculum and blueprint of the exam, before starting the preparations. Every NEET aspirant is aware that the syllabus covers Classes 11 and 12 NCERT chapters. But what they might not know is that the learning process starts in Class 10. Let’s see how.

Class 10 NCERT Chapters

In terms of botany, the Class 10 chapters cover the basics like the life processes in plants (transportation, respiration, nutrition and photosynthesis). Also, the plant hormones, reproduction and tropic movements of plants are explained.

The basics of Mendel’s pea plant experiments are also well explained here. The human eye chapter is a blend of biology and physics. Also, to top NEET, aspirants must be strong in all science subjects (biology, physics and chemistry). Finally, one of the easiest chapters is ‘Our Environment’ which sets the foundation for ecology and environment (Class 12).

NCERT Biology Class 11

Class 10 gives a small peek into what Class 11 is to offer. From here, the learning process should gradually shift to the understanding phase. The two years of Classes 11 and 12 are a vital preparation phase for a NEET aspirant. Class 11 comprises 5 Units which include 22 chapters.

NCERT Biology Class 12

Class 12 also has 5 units which encompass 16 chapters. In total, the 10 biology units have 38 chapters that are to be covered in 2 years.

The biology section comprises 50% of the questions (90 questions). Thus focusing on it is a comfortable way to score 360 marks in NEET.

Schedule

In these 2 years, students would spend the majority of their time in school. Students who prepare for competitive exams like NEET should have an independent schedule excluding school hours.

Start your preparations by designing a two-year study planner comprising all important chapters. Focus on understanding the NCERT concepts in the first year of preparation. Then schedule revisions and mock tests in your final year of preparation. It is important to practice question papers to strengthen your knowledge. It will also help you to get familiarised with question patterns.

Explore: NEET Biology Flashcards

Study Materials

As mentioned earlier, NCERTs are the chief manuals to clear the NEET exam. If the language and concepts in NCERT are difficult to understand, then make self-study notebooks based on them. Decrypt each chapter and maintain separate hand notes for each of them. The notes shouldn’t be like extensive explanations. It should be in the form of pointers that help in last-minute revisions.

Here are some additional reference materials to enhance your preparations.

Around 85% of questions can be easily answered with just NCERTs. The additional sources will help aspirants tackle questions that are beyond the range of school textbooks. Thus, if one wants to clear NEET with a top score, it is essential to read beyond NCERTs.

Practice

Towards the final stage of preparations, it is mandatory to change from subjective to more objective type of questions. This can be achieved by solving NEET question papers that are available online. There are also many chapterwise DPPs (Daily Practice Problems) available that help in a dynamic preparation for NEET.

During the last few months of the exam, try solving online mock tests with a timer. This will help in time management.

Teachers/Tutors

It is important to maintain a good relationship with your teachers or mentors. A large part of the preparation phase will be spent in schools. Thus, aspirants must be attentive in Class and clear their doubts instantly. For those who choose online tutoring and coaching programs, make sure your tutors are accessible. Everyone needs an interactive and trustworthy tutor who gives the right feedback.

Mindset Planning

Whatever you do in your life, do it with passion. This will also apply to NEET preparations. Before starting the NEET journey, it is important to set clear goals with a positive mindset. Surround your study table with positive and motivating quotes. Keeping an optimistic mindset will eventually drive you toward your goal.

These are some preparation tips to follow in order to ace the NEET biology (botany) section. Explore similar NEET content, at BYJU’S.

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