How to Manage School and NEET Preparation

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For a large number of students from classes 11 and 12, preparing for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) alongside regular school sessions remains one of the biggest academic challenges. 

In fact, a lot of students often struggle to manage their school course when preparing for competitive exams like NEET. Most students are overwhelmed by the relatively difficult academic course and often feel the pressure to perform well in both their school exams and the NEET exams. At times, this pressure leads to mental or physical health issues amongst students and aspirants. 

However, students and aspirants can easily achieve success in both school and NEET exams, without having to compromise on their mental or physical health by a disciplined academic schedule, strategic planning and well-rehearsed time management skills. 

Understanding the Syllabus Overlap

It is important for students preparing for NEET while attending school to understand that the syllabi for class 11–12 board exams and NEET overlap substantially. Most topics and questions from Physics, Chemistry and Biology that are covered in NEET exams are already a part of the school academic curriculum. This overlap can significantly help students prepare well for both their school board exams and NEET exams simultaneously, without having to lose their mental or physical health. However, it is important for students to adopt an integrated approach to studying to manage both school and NEET courses well.

Here’s an example: 

“Human Physiology” is a topic that is extensively covered in the 12th class, students can do well to dive a little deeper into the same topic and understand the same from the perspective of NEET that often involves a little more depth and application-based understanding of the topic. By doing this, students can easily maximize their efficiency and understanding of the topic. Remember, incorporating your school academics into your NEET preparation can help you easily understand and retain the various concepts.

Creating a Realistic NEET Study Schedule

One of the key elements to successfully manage school and NEET is to develop a robust NEET study schedule. But make sure that your NEET study schedule is realistic and flexible. Do well to ensure that your NEET study schedule squeezes in enough time to accommodate your school hours, time for homework, time for revision, mock tests, and adequate rest time. Also, do well to create a daily and weekly timetable that focuses on each subject to ensure consistent progress. 

Here’s how to build an effective routine:

• Morning Revision: It makes sense to start your day by revising the previously studied topics. This will help you retain topics and will keep concepts fresh.
• School Time Utilization: Do well to actively participate in class, and always clarify your doubts. Use free time in school to skim through your notes or solve quick MCQs.
• Afternoon Practice: After school, do well to spend at least 2–3 hours practicing NEET-level questions and revising school lessons.
• Evening Mock Tests: It is important to dedicate at least 2 evenings every week for full-length mock tests. Do well to create exam conditions for maximum benefits. Analyze your performance after the mock tests to identify and improve upon your weak areas.
• Night Revision: Before you go to bed, do review what you have learnt through the day as bullet points to improve retention of concepts.

Following a NEET study plan like this will help you stay on track and will help you make steady progress without stressing you out.

Setting Goals and Tracking Progress

Chalking out short-term and long-term goals is important for staying consistent and motivated. For example, you must aim at completing at least one chapter from each subject in one week. Do keep track of your progress to understand what’s been accomplished and what still needs your attention.

Setting short term and long-term goals will also help you break the huge NEET syllabus into easy chunks. Remember, goal setting makes the task less daunting and easily achievable. In fact, productivity experts say that a goal-oriented study plan often increases efficiency and reduces procrastination.

Leveraging NCERT Books Effectively

Don’t overlook the value of NCERT books for your NEET preparation. NCERT books remain the foundation for both school exams and NEET. In fact, a vast majority of NEET exam questions are directly or indirectly from NCERT books. Therefore, it is important for students to thoroughly understand every topic and concepts of NCERT books.

To make the best use of NCERTs:

• Read each chapter carefully and highlight key points.
• Solve all in-text and end-of-chapter questions.
• Make notes for quick revisions.

Staying Healthy and Managing Stress

Managing school and NEET syllabi alongside is not just exams, it is also about maintaining sound mental and physical health. Very long study hours, academic pressure, and sleep deprivation may lead to burnout if not managed well.

To stay healthy:

• Sleep for at least 7–8 hours every night.
• Ensure a balanced diet.
• Take regular short breaks during study sessions.
• Do light exercises daily to reduce stress.

Meditation can also help students improve concentration and reduce stress. Remember, a healthy body harbors a sharp mind, and a sharp and focused mind is essential for ensuring success in NEET and school exams alongside.

Conclusion

Managing school and NEET preparation requires students to ensure smart planning, consistent efforts, and solid self-belief. By ensuring a well-structured NEET study schedule, integrating schoolwork with NEET preparation, and regular, consistent practice, students can easily achieve success in both school and NEET exams.

FAQs on How to Manage School and NEET Preparation