As a professor, I have seen innumerable students successfully negotiate the difficult path of juggling board exams with NEET UG preparation, so I am aware of students' difficulties. The pressure to perform well on both tests can cause stress and exhaustion, even if they are crucial in determining your academic destiny. However, it is feasible to handle this dual task well with planned and focused implementation. Here’s how you should go about doing this task.
1. Organise your syllabus: Combining your NEET UG syllabus with the board exam is one of the best tactics. There are a lot of physics, chemistry and biology topics that are covered in both tests. Prioritize these frequent areas in your study plan when you’ve identified them. By becoming an expert in these related subjects, you will improve your understanding for the NEET and get ready for your board exams.
For instance, knowledge of subjects like genetics, chemical bonding, and thermodynamics is essential for both the NEET and board exams. Make sure you master the in-depth information needed for board examinations as well as the conceptual understanding needed for NEET by concentrating on these initially.
2. Use a conceptual learning approach- NEET places more of an emphasis on objective, application-based questions, whereas board exams frequently demand comprehensive, descriptive responses. To succeed in both, change your emphasis from memorization to a thorough mental grasp of the material. Using this method can help you improve your critical thinking abilities, which are crucial for NEET, in addition to preparing you to answer any question.
Think to yourself during your study sessions, “Why does this principle work?” and similar queries. and “How can this concept be applied in a real-world scenario?” These kinds of questions aid in clarifying your comprehension and getting you ready for the many kinds of inquiries you’ll come across.
3. Time management: The Skill of Beneficial Planning – Finding a balance between preparing for the NEET and board exams requires effective time management. Rather than just planning out your days, concentrate on energy management. Whether the work involves tackling complex NEET questions or going over tough board exam chapters, set aside your most productive hours for the most difficult assignments.
By using the technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, one can improve focus and avoid mental tiredness. To keep your brain active and prevent boredom, think about switching up your topic matter.
4. Make use of a variety of learning resources- You can gain a deeper understanding and a wider perspective by broadening the scope of your study materials. For board exams, textbooks and lecture notes are necessary, but you should also think about adding NEET-specific study resources like question banks, online lectures, and reference books.
5. Frequent assessment: Feedback and Self-Evaluation- It is essential to regularly evaluate oneself to pinpoint areas of strength and progress. Take practice exams every week for the NEET and board exams. After every exam, take some time to evaluate your performance. Find out why you answered a question incorrectly and become familiar with the right strategy.
6. Mindfulness and stress reduction- It’s simple to ignore your mental wellness when you’re engrossed in your academics. On the other hand, persistent stress can cause burnout, diminish recall, and decrease cognitive performance. You may effectively manage stress by incorporating mindfulness activities into your everyday routine. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided meditation are a few methods that can greatly lower anxiety and increase focus.
Additionally, keep your life balanced by participating in interests-driven hobbies or pastimes. Reading, painting, or playing sports are all great ways to take a mental vacation and come back to your studies with new energy and dedication.
7. Prioritise the process over the results- It is normal to concentrate on the final product, such as passing your board exams and cracking NEET. On the other hand, an obsession with outcomes might cause needless stress. Instead, turn your attention to the procedure. Appreciate the small achievements along the way in your preparation, such as finishing a challenging chapter, becoming better on an exam, or just sticking to a regular study schedule.
It is certainly difficult to juggle board examinations and NEET preparation, but it is completely possible with the correct tactics. You may get through this tough phase without going through burnout by incorporating your syllabus, using a conceptual learning strategy, efficiently organizing your time, making use of a variety of resources, and taking care of your mental health. Recall that learning and self-discovery are integral parts of the road towards success, not only the end product. Remain optimistic, stay focused, and have faith in your capacity for success.