How I prepared for my NEET PG- PART 1

Ah, NEET PG—the ultimate boss battle for medical graduates in India. You’ve conquered MBBS, and now, this exam stands between you and that coveted postgraduate seat. Strategy? You’ve got to eat, sleep, and breathe question banks, master mock tests like they’re your jam, and figure out how to balance caffeine-induced late nights with bursts of panic revision. But don’t worry, with enough practice, that big, scary syllabus will start looking like a manageable molehill.

So, if you’re gearing up for NEET PG, know this: It’s tough, but you’re tougher. And after all, what’s a doctor without a few battle scars from exams?

1. Study Plan and Time Management

• Create a Study Schedule
  • First things first—grab a calendar, a notepad, and maybe a cup of coffee because we’re about to dive into some serious scheduling!
  • Step 1: Assess Your Time
    Sit down and count the number of days you have left until the NEET PG exam. Break this time down into manageable chunks based on major and short subjects. Major subjects (like Medicine, Surgery, and OBG) need more time, while short subjects (like Psychiatry, Forensic Medicine) can be covered quicker.
  • Step 2: Allot Time to Each Subject
    Divide your available days/weeks among all subjects. For each subject, allocate time for question banks (QBanks)(focus on PYQs—previous years’ questions) and time for either reading notes or watching video lectures. Try to hit the PYQs first to get an idea of the high-yield topics, then dive into notes or videos for in-depth understanding.
• Daily Hours
  • First 6 Months:
    I began by studying around 10 hours a day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself initially, building a strong foundation.
  • Last 3-4 Months:
    As the exam date approached, I ramped it up to 12-14 hours a day. Yes, it’s intense, but remember, this is the final stretch! Focus more on revisions, QBank practice, and mock tests in this period.
• Time Management Tools
  • Pomodoro Method:
    This method saved me! Break your study time into 25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks in between. After four sessions, take a longer break. It keeps you sharp and prevents burnout.
  • Productivity Apps:
    Use apps like Forest, Trello, or Todoist to track your progress and stay on schedule. These apps help you focus, keep your goals organized, and give you a sense of accomplishment when you check off tasks!
  • Plan the Night Before:
    Every night, I’d spend 10 minutes planning my next day. It helped me wake up with a clear focus, knowing exactly which topics to tackle and when.

2. Resources I Used

• Books and Notes -When it came to studying, I stuck to Marrow for both notes and question banks. Their notes are well-structured, concise, and designed for efficient learning. I found that sticking to one source helped me avoid confusion and maintain consistency. But honestly, you can study from whichever platform works best for you—whether it’s PrepLadder, Marrow, or Speed, they all provide almost the same content. The key is to stick to one source and not jump between too many materials.

• Online Platforms-In addition to Marrow, You can use BTR from the Cerebellum App for quick and efficient revisions. It’s an excellent resource when you’re in the revision phase and need to brush up on key concepts quickly. The structured approach of BTR made it super easy to revise and helped reinforce what I had already studied.

3. Mock Tests and Question Practice

• Mock Tests
  • Mock tests are absolute game-changers for NEET PG preparation. They aren’t just about testing your knowledge but also about familiarizing yourself with the exam format, managing time, and identifying weak areas. Here’s how I used them effectively:
  • Start Early: I started taking mock tests early in my preparation, even when I hadn’t completed the entire syllabus. This helped me understand the pattern and build my stamina for sitting through long exams.
  • Frequency: Initially, I took mock tests every two weeks, but as the exam date neared, I increased the frequency to once a week in the last 3-4 months.
  • Review and Analyze: Taking mock tests alone won’t help unless you analyze them thoroughly. I dedicated as much time to reviewing the test as I did to taking it. For each wrong answer, I identified whether it was due to lack of knowledge, silly mistakes, or misreading the question. I also kept track of repeating mistakes and weak areas to focus on during revision.
• Question Banks (QBank)
  • QBank practice is another vital part of NEET PG preparation, and focusing on previous years’ questions (PYQs) is a must. Here’s how I made the most of QBank:
  • PYQs are Key: Previous years’ questions give you a clear idea of what topics are frequently asked and where to focus. They help you understand the weightage of different subjects and types of questions you’re likely to face. I prioritized solving PYQs as part of my daily routine.
  • Daily QBank Practice: I set a daily goal to solve a minimum of 100-150 questions from the QBank. Initially, I focused on specific subjects or systems, but later on, I shifted to mixed QBank to simulate real exam conditions.
  • Understand the Concept: Rather than just memorizing answers, I made sure to understand the concept behind each question. For wrong answers, I would go back to my notes or videos to reinforce my understanding.
  • Time Yourself: While solving QBanks, I always timed myself. This helped improve my speed and accuracy, which is crucial during the actual exam.