‘Avoid last-minute panic, stay focused’: Here’s how to ace NEET | Hyderabad News
HYDERABAD: With the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) just around the corner, Dr Chandrashekhar Valupadasu shares tips to help students stay confident, avoid panic and ace the medical entrance test. Around 23 lakh students, including nearly 70,000 from Telangana, are expected to appear for the exam, which is scheduled for May 4
Dr Chandrashekhar Valupadasu
Here are some helpful hacks to come out on tops
Trust your preparation
- Don’t let last-minute anxiety cloud your mind. You’ve studied consistently for years, and that effort is stored in your long-term memory. Walk into the exam believing you have what it takes. Confidence sharpens your recall and boosts performance.
Keep a calm, positive mindset
- Tell yourself: You’re ready. This exam is as much mental as it is academic. A calm, confident mind helps you think clearly and handle pressure better.
Let go of the full syllabus
- You don’t need to revise everything in the final days. Focus on the topics you know well as they’re your scoring zones. Trying to cram new chapters now will only cause stress.
Skim through key notes
- Don’t aim to learn anything new. Review your diagrams, formulas, concept lists and summaries. Your brain will ? recognise them in the exam, even if it doesn’t feel that way now
Use old question papers strategically
- The past 10-15 years of papers are gold. Even if exact questions don’t repeat, concepts often do. Use them to understand patterns and as mock tests to build rhythm.
Ignore what you can’t control
- Don’t worry about the weather, traffic, or rumours about paper leaks. They’re not in your hands. Focus on your mindset, your readiness, and your paper. That’s what matters now.
Practice mock tests
- Do one or two mocks to practise time management and rhythm. Don’t treat them as knowledge checks. Focus on pacing, switching between sections, and avoiding burnout mid-paper.
Take screen-free breaks
- Avoid excessive phone use, binge-watching or long hours on TV or the computer. It strains your eyes, mind and can even affect short-term memory. Instead, take a walk, stretch, meditate, or even nap. These activities recharge you better.
Don’t dwell on weak spots
- It’s okay if some chapters are missed. With 80-90% coverage, you can still score high. Focus on strengths as they’ll fetch more marks than last-minute attempts to cover weak topics.
Don’t attach your worth to NEET
- This is just an entrance exam. It is not about proving anything to others or yourself. Free yourself from unnecessary pressure. Treat it like any other exam. This mindset helps you focus better and reduces exam anxiety
Plan your exam day
- Follow the dress code. Pack your admit card, ID, pens, and water the night before. Avoid carrying anything unnecessary that might get flagged at the centre. Arrive at the exam centre at least 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress.
There’s always another chance
- If it doesn’t go as planned, it’s not the end. Even if NEET is your only goal, you can always appear for it again next year. This one day doesn’t define your future.
No last-minute revision
- Avoid going through books or notes until the last second. Let your brain stay clear and focused. It needs space to recall, not more input.
(Dr Chandrashekhar Valupadasu is the former principal of Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal)
