If you’ve just started your first year of MBBS, you’re probably hearing a lot about PG preparation platforms like Marrow, Prepladder, and eGurukul. Seniors, classmates, and even random online posts might be telling you to start prepping for PG exams from day one. There might be drives by these companies in your college campus offering ‘ONE TIME ONLY’ deals for subscriptions. It sounds intense, right?
You’ve barely read the anatomy handbook and people are already talking about NEET PG!
It is natural for you to question: Should you subscribe to these expensive apps in your first year?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, but don’t worry – I’ll break it down for you in this blog.
First Year: The Trial-and-Error Phase
If I had to describe the first year in one word, I would say ‘transition’. The first year of MBBS is about coming to terms with this new world. The weight of subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry will only keep you on your toes.
I strongly feel that you don’t need to rush into getting PG subscriptions just yet. PG prep can wait for another year.
You are new, and committing to a paid account of Rs 60,000 or more can backfire. You might not enjoy the services in the later years, and might feel like you should’ve opted for another platform.
Besides, the first year is non clinical: You’ll be dealing with subjects that have a lot of facts and some basic sciences. The departments (being non-clinical) usually have enough time to conduct good lectures and practicals. They will care about you and solve your doubts in the first year. Make sure you attend classes, engage with the faculty, and take full advantage of the teaching resources available at your college.
Even if the lectures at your university are not good enough, there are still a lot of options in the first year. The most common one being YouTube.
Is YouTube Enough for First Year?
For first-year subjects, YouTube is an essential. There are a lot of free resources available for anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Channels like Dr. Najeeb, AnatomyZone, and Ninja Nerd provide more than enough content to get you through your first year. Plus, many Indian PG streaming services often overlap with this free content—so why pay for something you can access for free?
Personally, I only joined the eGurukul half yearly plan for anatomy. Dr Ashwani Kumari made my life very easy when it came to anatomy. But again, this was a choice, you can also study anatomy without getting this subscription.
So then that eliminates the need to join PG subscription courses for first year subjects as well.
Now, if you still feel the FOMO and want to understand what the PG services offer, I have a few ideas for you.
Test the Waters First.
Instead of jumping straight into paid subscriptions, explore the free trials offered by these services. Most platforms like Marrow, eGurukul and Prepladder offer trial periods. The duration of this trial period often depends on your rank. If you have a better AIR you might get the trial period for longer, so keep an eye out and make sure to use this free benefit.
This way, you can test the quality of the content and see if it aligns with your learning style.
Another great trick is to request seniors for their unused subscriptions or login details. Many students in their clinical years (second, third, and final year) will have paid subscriptions that they’re not always using. Borrow their accounts for a bit or and see which platform works best for you.
This way, you can explore the content without committing for a long-term subscription. It’s a good way to understand what you’ll actually need before you start paying for it yourself.
You Have Time
Even if you find something interesting, try to spend some time exploring it before you commit to it. It’s tempting to feel like you need to start everything right now, but trust me—you have time. First-year is about laying a strong foundation and studying the first year subjects well.
Speaking from experience, if you do not focus enough on the first year subjects, you will have to study them from scratch during your final year. The deeper you understand basic sciences now, the easier your clinical years will be.
Use your first year as a trial-and-error phase. Experiment with different study resources, figure out what works for you, and slowly integrate PG prep into your routine in the next years; when you feel ready.
Final Thoughts: Take It Slow
The first year of MBBS is all about adjusting, learning, and figuring out what works best for you. Don’t feel pressured to subscribe to PG platforms right away. Some people will buy the subscriptions but it is up to you to rationalize the cost-benefit ratio and understand what’s best for you.
Use the free trials, borrow from seniors, and explore YouTube for all your first-year needs. You’ve got time. Take it slow and focus on building a strong base. When the time is right, you can get into serious PG prep. (if you want to)
Happy studying, future doctor!
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