What Is Stopping You from Getting the Best Rank in NEET?

Hello, future doctors! If you are putting in the hours of work everyday, solving hundreds of MCQs, attending classes regularly, and still lagging behind, it is natural to think : “Why am I not at the top?” 

Sometimes it’s not because you’re not working hard enough. The gap between where you are and where you want to be isn’t about hard work but about knowing what you are doing wrong.

Let’s break down the common mistakes that might be holding you back from getting the best rank in NEET. 

1. The Biggest Culprit: No Consistency.

Most NEET aspirants study hard for one day and then slack off the next. This is the biggest mistake you can make. Your class teachers say it, your mentors say it, your parents say it. And I am going to say it too: The key is consistency. 

Study regularly, even if it’s for short durations. Don’t just get up one day and cram up the material to remember it for an exam the next day. 

• Why this is a problem: Irregular study patterns might help you understand but they can’t help you retain. The concepts don’t stick because your brain isn’t revisiting them enough.
• How to Fix It:
  • Make a schedule to work everyday.
  • Track your chapters. Schedule them for revision every once in a while.

2. Overloading Without Prioritizing

Do you try to do everything at once? Covering all subjects/topics in one go might feel productive, but it always leads to burnout. You need to schedule smartly and dedicate your time to one difficult and one simple task each day.

• Why It’s a Problem: Overloading different tasks creates stress and leads to anxiety. You might find yourself knowing a little about a lot but not mastering anything.
• How to Fix It:
  • Identify difficult and easy topics. Also check out their weightage and give them time accordingly.
  • Divide your time between revising high-yield topics and weaker areas.

3. Not Analysing Mock Tests

You might be solving 100s of mock tests, but they are useless without proper analysis. Solving mock tests is only half the job. If you’re not actively understanding your mistakes, you’re missing out on the actual learning.

• Why It’s a Problem: Repeating the same mistakes in actual exams will make you feel very angry at yourself. Mock tests are meant to teach you what NOT to do in the final exam.
• How to Fix It:
  • After every test, spend time analyzing your mistakes.
  • Categorize your mistakes: conceptual errors, silly mistakes, or others.
  • Understand what chapters you are weak in and then revise them before the next test.

4. Not Balancing Theory and MCQs

Most students get stuck in the theory vs MCQs debate. Focusing entirely on either one while ignoring the other can be a problem. You need to understand your learning style and understand what proportion works best for you.

• Why It’s a Problem: Without theory, you don’t know the concepts. Without MCQs, you can’t apply what you’ve learned during the NEET exam.
• How to Fix It:
  • Ideally you should dedicate more of your time to theory in the initial period of learning a concept and then gradually shift the focus to MCQs.
  • For each topic, read the theory first and then solve related MCQs right after you are done with theory
  • Understand your learning style and understand what proportion works best for you.

5. Procrastination: Your Biggest Enemy

This is the worst possible thing that you can do as a student. Scrolling through Instagram throughout the day, binge watching series, and telling yourself, “I’ll study after this.” 

The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to start.

• Why It’s a Problem: Procrastination steals valuable time, and leads to last-minute cramming and anxiety.
• How to Fix It:
  • Use the Two-Minute Rule: start by studying for just 2 minutes.
  • Change your study space, sit somewhere other than your bed.

6. Poor Time Management

If you know everything but are unable to complete the exam within time, then you are just as doomed as someone who knows nothing. 

You should be able to complete the mock tests in time and you should be able to complete the entire syllabus without skipping topics. If not, it’s time to revisit your time management strategy.

• Why It’s a Problem: Poor time management leaves gaps in your preparation and creates panic during exams.
• How to Fix It:
  • Use timers while solving mock tests to replicate exam conditions.
  • Create a revision calendar leading up to NEET, ensuring you cover all topics from all subjects.

7. Low Confidence and Mental Blocks 

Sometimes, the biggest barrier is our own mind. As someone who constantly struggles with imposter syndrome, I know how bad self doubt can be. It makes you feel like you’re not good enough, even if you’re very well-prepared.

• Why It’s a Problem: Low confidence leads to anxiety, which can cloud your thinking and cause silly mistakes during exams.
• How to Fix It:
  • Practice positive affirmations: Remind yourself daily that you’ve worked hard and that you are worthy of your achievements.

8. Unrealistic plans

You cannot blindly copy someone’s NEET prep schedule. Your preparation will definitely falter if you’re not following a strategy tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. 

• Why It’s a Problem: What works for others might not suit your pace or style, leading to frustration and inefficiency.
• How to Fix It:
  • Understand your learning style: Are you a visual learner? Do you retain more through discussions? How long does it take for you to learn a chapter?
  • Keep your plan dynamic, make changes to it when you notice changes in your study patterns. 

Final Thoughts: What’s Stopping You?

Like it’s commonly said: Hard work is nothing without smart work. Identifying and solving these problems can take you from average to topper. The next time you feel stuck, ask yourself: What’s stopping me from achieving my best? What am I doing wrong?And remember, future doctor: You’ve got this.