The Day Before the NEET-PG Exam—what should you do?

Hello, NEET-PG aspirants! We understand that you have been putting in a lot of effort to prepare for your exam. As the exam day draws near, it's natural to feel a bit anxious. This article is about how the day before the exam should be spent. So without further delay, let's begin!?

First things first, don't doubt your preparation: We have all felt nervous and anxious before exams, and we know how overwhelming it can be. But do not make this exam a matter of life and death. When you take the exam under stress, you will not be able to do your best. In our experience of working with students for so many years, we have always seen that when students appear for exams with a calm and relaxed mind, their scores are at least 25-30% higher.??

Having said that, the last 24 hours before your exam should are crucial! Trust in your abilities and be confident in your preparation. You have worked hard to get to this point, and soon you will be able to reap its rewards. It is also important not to compare yourself with other aspirants. Remember that everyone's journey is different, so focus on your strengths and do not worry about what others are doing.??

Make the last day a no cell phone day – Besides talking to parents and urgent calls, avoid any distraction and set aside the phone for one day. The main source of anxiety, distraction and often sleeplessness is spiraling from the phone. You can do this and see how calm it makes you feel.??

Practice recall by following the 10-10 block question solving rule – You may have heard past NEET-PG toppers emphasize that the exam is a test of your ability to recall everything you have read during your preparation days. Therefore, the day before the exam, take previous year question sets and divide them into blocks of 10 and try to answer them. This will help in strengthening your recall ability which will come handy during the exams.?

Revisit mnemonics: Remember those mnemonics, flashcards, or notes you made to help you memorize the key points? Now is the time to revisit them. Do a quick refresh on your high-yield topics, important formulas, and concepts. This will help you boost your confidence and recall during the exam. Do not worry if there are some things you are unsure about—leaving those out is fine. Revising the volatile stuff at the end—such as the developmental milestones in Pediatrics—is always a good idea.??

Manage your anxiety and seek support: Managing your exam jitters a day before the exam will be critical. Do not be afraid to seek support from your close ones. Talk to your family and friends about your anxiety and let them give you the emotional support you need. You've got this!??

Relax and revise: When it comes to preparing for a test, some of us tend to cram everything in at the last minute. But let us tell you, there are better strategies than that. You will end up overwhelming yourself and getting confused. Instead, it is better to focus on the most important topics and go over them thoroughly. You do not need to try and learn anything new. Just consolidate what you already know.??

Take breaks between your revision: Resting your brain, especially in the last 24 hours before your exam is important. So, take a breather—go for a walk, meditate, listen to music, or do something else that relaxes your mind. But be careful not to get too distracted by unnecessary things—you want to use your time wisely. Focus on reviewing the concepts you have already studied and take those breaks to give your brain some much-needed rest; it'll be worth it!?

Avoid mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and Facebook: Saying this again. You should set the phone aside totally. In case it’s not possible, you should definitely stay away from social media. We all love scrolling through reels and watching stories. Some of us even use them as relaxing tools or a means of taking a break from studying. However, the last 24 hours before the exam are extremely crucial, and you must not get distracted by mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and Facebook. Trust us—you will have more time to do this after you take the exam.?

Eat healthy and stay hydrated: We advise avoiding all kinds of experiments the day before your exam, including your diet. Stick to what you know is good for you—a home cooked nutritious meal is your best bet. Say no to junk food and sugary drinks, as they can make you lazy and lethargic. Instead, drink plenty of water to refresh and hydrate throughout the day. After all, you do not want to get a headache or feel drowsy while taking the exam.?

Get sufficient sleep: It is absolutely essential to get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep before the test day. We know it can be tempting to stay up late cramming, but trust us, it won't do you any good. Your mind cannot function properly when you do not get enough sleep. You will not be able to recall as much as you would if you get proper rest. You might also find yourself struggling to concentrate during the exam. That is why it is crucial to prioritize sleep in the days leading up to the test. Your brain needs time to rest and recharge. Getting proper rest will help you wake up feeling fresh and ready to tackle whatever the exam throws your way.?

Organize your exam essentials: It is always a good idea to be prepared and avoid any last-minute chaos in the morning. Take a moment to double-check that you have all the essentials, like your admit card, ID proof, and any other necessary items. Utilize the last 24 hours before the exam to sort out everything you need for the next day.??

Everything we have mentioned above comes from aspirants who have been in your shoes and gone through the same experiences. The day before the NEET-PG exam is critical to ensure you are ready to perform your best the next day. Get organized, eat healthy, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, avoid cell phone, and manage your anxiety. Familiarize yourself with the material and take time to relax. Remember to stay positive and believe in yourself.??

With all the preparation and planning, you would have already set yourself up for success in becoming a specialist in the field of your choice and achieving your dreams. Good luck! We are rooting for you!?