The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the most important exam for aspiring medical students in India. It is the gateway to admission to MBBS courses in various medical colleges across the country. Considered one of the hardest national entrance exams along with JEE and UPSC, lakhs of students line up each year for NEET, trying to crack it to get admission to MBBS colleges in Mumbai and other parts of India.
But where does the MBBS course fit into the picture? In this blog, we try to find out as we explore the MBBS course in more detail and provide you with tips on how to prepare for NEET.
Table of Contents
1. Understand What MBBS Entails
MBBS, which stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate medical course that includes one year of compulsory internship. The MBBS course trains students in clinical skills and ethical principles required to practice as a doctor in India.
For more information about this course at MBBS colleges in Mumbai and elsewhere, check out the table below.
| Course Name | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
| Duration | 5.5 years (includes 1 year of internship) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Eligibility and Admission | NEET |
| Common Subjects | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopaedics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology, etc. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 4 – 50 Lakhs |
2. Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The first step to preparing for the NEET is to know the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. Its syllabus is based on the topics covered in classes 11 and 12 of the CBSE and state boards in three subjects: physics, chemistry, and biology (botany and zoology). The NEET exam pattern consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (45 from each subject) that have to be answered in three hours to have a chance of admission toMBBS medical colleges in Mumbai or the rest of India. The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper) and has negative markings for incorrect answers.
3. Make a Study Plan and Stick To It
The next step to clear the NEET and get one of the limited seats at MBBS colleges in Mumbai is to make a realistic and effective study plan that suits your learning style and schedule. A study plan should include the following elements:
- A list of topics to be covered in each subject
- Time allocation for each topic based on its difficulty and weightage
- A revision strategy that includes regular mock tests and previous year’s papers
- A daily routine that balances study time with breaks, sleep, exercise, and hobbies
- A contingency plan for unforeseen circumstances such as illness or emergencies.
A study plan should be flexible enough to accommodate changes and feedback. It should also be reviewed and updated periodically to track your progress and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
4. Focus on Concepts and Practice
The key to ace the NEET is to have a clear understanding of the concepts and principles of each subject. Rote learning or memorisation will not work in the long term to get you a seat in MBBS colleges in Mumbai or other Indian cities, as the exam is notoriously infamous for wording the same questions differently. Hence, try to diversify the sources you study from as much as possible (this may include coaching notes, reference books, online platforms, etc on top of NCERT books).
5. Revise Regularly and Smartly
Revision is an essential part of your preparation that helps you retain what you have learned and recall it during the exam. You should revise regularly and smartly by following these tips that were shared with us by an MBBS student at Terna Medical College:
- Revise the important topics and formulas first
- Revise from multiple sources such as notes, flashcards, charts, diagrams, etc.
- Revise in short sessions with breaks in between
- Revise with the help of mnemonics, acronyms, songs, stories, etc.
- Revise by testing yourself with quizzes, puzzles, games, etc. so that you can get the seat in MBBS colleges in Navi Mumbai or elsewhere that you worked so hard for.
6. Always Remember that Health Comes First
Since the NEET is such a high-stakes entrance exam in our country, lots of students overwork themselves and succumb to stress and other lifestyle illnesses while preparing for it. We understand that your future is at stake here, but you must also think about which course you’re going to take. MBBS is notorious for working students to the bone, so it’ll be a waste if you fall sick during NEET or after getting a seat at MBBS colleges in Mumbai or elsewhere.
The end result for these scenarios would be the same – you’ll not be able to continue studying at government orprivate Medical colleges in Navi Mumbai or elsewhere, that you worked so hard to get into. Hence, we advise a regimen of restraint and mindfulness to take care of both your physical and mental health while preparing for the NEET:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water to always stay hydrated
- Avoid junk food, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive substances.
- Never skimp on a good night’s sleep – at least seven to eight hours
- Exercise regularly to keep fit and energetic
7. Be Confident and Positive
The final tip that we can give you to prepare for the NEET and get one of the limited seats at MBBS colleges in Mumbaior elsewhere is to take it easy. Assuming that you’ve followed all the tips that we’ve shared until now, there is no reason to give in to negative emotions like fear, anxiety, or doubt. Try to believe in yourself, and your preparation and stop worrying about the outcome. You should also have fun and enjoy the learning process.
Also Read: 5 Major Benefits of Having a Business Administration Degree
Conclusion
The NEET is a challenging but rewarding exam that can open up many opportunities for you in the medical field. By following these seven tips, you can prepare for the NEET effectively and efficiently. You can also achieve your desired goals of becoming a doctor, earning a lot, and contributing to the welfare of people once you complete your MBBS from medical colleges in Navi Mumbai or elsewhere in India.
And if that doesn’t feel enough then, you can always go for an MD or MS course to specialise in a field of medicine, earn higher salaries and be able to contribute to medical research at MBBS colleges in Mumbai.
FAQs
1. What is the best strategy for NEET?
The best strategy to prepare for NEET is based on 3 principles – understanding the syllabus, question pattern, etc, sticking to a solid study plan, and taking care of your physical and mental health.
2. Can I crack NEET on the first try?
Yes, many people crack the NEET on their first try even though it’s very hard, so there’s no reason that you can’t too if you prepare well.
3. Who conducts NEET?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is in charge of conducting NEET every year.
4. When is NEET in this year?
This year, the NEET 2024 exam is scheduled to be held on the 5th of May, 2024.
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