NEET PG is the most competitive medical entrance examination in India. But preparation for NEET PG is intensive, time-consuming, disciplined, and ongoing. The most frequent question of all medical student candidates is: When is the best time to prepare for NEET PG?
In this article, we will delve deep into this question, talk about the various points to be remembered while choosing when to prepare for NEET PG and provide an insight into how to prepare.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEET PG TEST
NEET PG is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination held by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Let’s have a broad overview of the NEET PG examination itself before finalizing the preparation schedule.
NEET PG is a national medical entrance examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). It is an online examination that tests the skills and ability of medical students to enter postgraduate programs like MD, MS, and PG diploma courses in Indian medical colleges.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing the Best Time to Begin Preparing
Current Level of Understanding and Knowledge
The first thing you need to do when choosing when to begin your preparation is to determine your current level of understanding and knowledge of the medical subjects. If you are already at your undergraduate stage, that is, in the initial years (1st, 2nd, or 3rd year), you would most likely have most of the foundation subjects that remain to be learned. In such a situation, beginning preparation during the advanced years (for example, 3rd year or 4th year) would be preferable.
Key Consideration
- If you are in the final year of your MBBS studies, by then you would already have had some idea about most of the topics, and your preparation could start more specifically and in a concentrated manner.
- If you are in your 1st or 2nd year, first establish your basic knowledge prior to venturing into specifics of some NEET PG subjects.
Your Academic Calendar
When you are at your medical college, your routine of studies will be the deciding factor on when to start studying for NEET PG. If you are in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year, your routine will be less stringent. You might even have time to dedicate more hours to studying for NEET PG. But when you are in your internship year (last year of MBBS), your routine tightens a lot because of hospital work and clinical obligations.
Key Consideration:
It is better that you have already done substantial preparation in your kitty when you are embarking on your internship year. Your final year must be largely revision and trying out mock tests.
1. Study Pattern and Time
Your study pattern and time to prepare for NEET PG depend on you. Some students may plan their study and NEET PG preparation from the initial years of MBBS, whereas others may have to spend a particular time in the final years on exam preparation.
- Coaching Facilities and Resources
Most NEET PG aspirants are reliant on coaching institutions, internet portals, and guides for preparation. There are various coaching institutions in India where they offer standard courses, crash courses, or online courses. Quality study material and counseling like the Nextillo app can actually be helpful in your preparation.
- Consistency and Focus
Even though it is best to study at an individual’s peak time, a reality is clear: hard work and determination are the slogans. Study as soon as you can so that you can divide your study into reasonable parts and do not make your brain complicated with a lot of things towards the later part of the last two months before the exam.Start with a plan, realistic goals, and scientific research
Ideal Time to Prepare for NEET PG
After discussing what affects the ideal time to prepare for NEET PG, now let’s discuss the ideal time duration for students of different categories.
For Students in the 1st and 2nd Year of MBBS
Start Early:
The sooner the better. 1st- and 2nd-year students may begin with a concentration on the establishment of a firm foundation in the core areas of the major medical disciplines (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology). You do not need to delve much into NEET PG-specific topics in the first two years but can begin adapting yourself to the fundamental principles that would be the groundwork for the future years.
For 3rd Year MBBS Students
Enhance Your Preparation:
At the 3rd year level, students have already finished a majority of the subjects forming the NEET PG syllabus. This is the appropriate time to start seriously preparing for NEET PG. You can start with subject-wise revision, practice questions, and attempting mock tests.
For 4th Year MBBS Students
Initiate Full-Fledged Preparation:
• This is the time when you should be completely devoted to NEET PG preparation. Start revising 1st to 3rd year concepts and start preparing clinical subjects to be completed in NEET PG in detail as well.
For Final Year MBBS Students or Interns
• You should have gone through the syllabus by now. Your final year or internship is the time to devote yourself to hard revision, constant mock tests, and solving as many previous year papers as possible. You may need to multitask studies with clinical duties, so ensure that you are utilizing your time in the best possible manner.
Don’t forget, NEET PG preparation is a matter of patience, discipline, and good planning. Whether you start early or late, hard work and sincere study will be the turning point towards your success. Always keep your goal in front of your mind, follow a regular study schedule, and don’t jeopardize your body and mind in the process. Best wishes for your NEET PG preparation! Top of Form
