How to Crack NEET in First Attempt: Do’s and Don’ts

Introduction

Cracking NEET in the first attempt may sound like a tough task, but with the right approach and dedication, it becomes entirely attainable. Each year, thousands of aspirants clear NEET in their very first try and get admitted to top government medical colleges. The common thread among these successful candidates is a smart study strategy, regular practice, and an awareness of what to do and what not to do throughout the preparation journey.

Deeksha Vedantu has mentored thousands of NEET aspirants, helping them develop efficient routines and learn proven techniques to maximize scores. In this detailed blog, we will walk you through a complete set of actionable do’s and don’ts to help you crack NEET 2025 in your first attempt.

Do’s to Crack NEET in First Attempt

Follow a Timetable

• Design a personalized daily and weekly timetable that includes all three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Divide time effectively for learning new topics, revising previous ones, practicing mock tests, and breaks.
• Ensure your schedule is practical and flexible enough to accommodate school timings and coaching hours.
• Review and adjust the timetable based on your progress every two weeks.

Prioritize NCERT Textbooks

• For Biology and Chemistry, NCERT is the single most important resource. Around 85–90% of NEET Biology questions are directly picked or paraphrased from NCERT.
• Make your own NCERT-based notes with highlighted keywords, labeled diagrams, and fact pointers.
• Solve NCERT exemplar questions to deepen understanding.

Understand the Exam Pattern

• NEET has a fixed paper structure. Familiarity with it helps in time management and identifying scoring areas.
• Practice with previous year question papers (PYQs) to know the nature of repeated and trending questions.
• Identify the subject areas where you can score fastest and strategize your exam approach accordingly.

Revise Regularly

• Develop a revision strategy that includes weekly chapter-wise revision, bi-weekly full subject review, and monthly grand revisions.
• Use flashcards, concept maps, and one-page summaries for quick reviews.
• Revise difficult topics more frequently and mark confusing concepts for extra attention.

Practice Mock Tests

• Mock tests are your performance indicators. Take at least 2 full-length mocks per month in the initial phase and increase to 1 every week as NEET approaches.
• Simulate exam-day conditions, including time limits and OMR filling.
• Maintain a test performance journal to track progress, common errors, and accuracy improvement.

Strengthen Core Concepts

• Don’t memorize formulas or facts blindly. Understand their application and background logic.
• In Physics, build conceptual clarity using real-life examples and solve application-based questions.
• For Chemistry, understand reaction mechanisms and interlink concepts across Organic, Inorganic, and Physical.

Maintain Physical and Mental Health

• Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. Ensure 7–8 hours of rest each day to support retention.
• Eat nutritious food, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive caffeine.
• Schedule short breaks, hobbies, or light exercise like yoga or walking to refresh your mind.

Take Help When Needed

• If you’re struggling with a topic, ask for help from a teacher, mentor, or classmate without delay.
• Use online platforms like Deeksha Vedantu to get structured concept explanations.
• Attend doubt-solving sessions and make a habit of clearing doubts daily.

Don’ts to Crack NEET in First Attempt

Don’t Ignore Class 11 Syllabus

• Almost 50% of NEET questions come from Class 11, and skipping it means skipping half the exam.
• Plan to integrate Class 11 revision every month even while covering Class 12 topics.

Don’t Rely Solely on Reference Books

• Reference books are supplementary and should only be used after mastering NCERT.
• Too many resources can lead to information overload. Pick one or two per subject and stick with them.

Don’t Skip Mock Tests

• Avoiding mock tests due to fear of poor performance is a major mistake.
• It’s better to fail a mock test than the real exam. Mistakes in mocks help you improve.
• Review not just your wrong answers but also correct guesses and lucky hits.

Don’t Compare Yourself with Others

• Everyone has a unique learning curve. Focus on self-progress, not competition.
• Constant comparisons lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
• Track your improvement week over week, and set personal targets.

Don’t Procrastinate

• Delaying studies or revision sessions puts you behind your plan.
• Follow the 5-minute rule—start a difficult topic with just 5 minutes. Often, you’ll continue beyond that.
• Prioritize consistency over motivation.

Don’t Multitask During Study Time

• Avoid the trap of switching between subjects or tasks frequently. It reduces concentration.
• Put away mobile phones, mute notifications, and create a distraction-free environment.
• Use productivity timers like Pomodoro to maintain focus intervals.

Bonus Tips

• Mistake Log: Maintain a dedicated notebook to record mistakes made in mock tests or practice sessions along with their correct solutions.
• Micro-planning: Break down each chapter into sub-topics and allocate focused study time.
• Use Visual Tools: Diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and memory palace techniques work well for Biology and complex Chemistry reactions.
• Stay Positive: Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors who encourage progress, not perfection.
• Reward System: Celebrate small wins, like completing a unit or scoring high in a test, to stay motivated.

FAQs

Can I crack NEET in the first attempt without coaching?
Yes. If you’re self-disciplined and follow a structured plan with strong NCERT focus and regular mock testing, you can crack NEET without formal coaching. Online platforms and video lectures can supplement your prep.

Is one year enough to prepare for NEET?
Absolutely. Many toppers prepare for NEET in just 10–12 months. The key is consistency, concept clarity, and a smart study plan that evolves with time.

How many mock tests should I take before the exam?
Aim to take at least 30 full-length mock tests and 50+ topic-wise or subject-specific mini tests by the time NEET arrives.

Is it necessary to study every day?
Yes. Regular, focused study—even for 4–6 hours—is more effective than long study marathons once a week.

What if I fail a few mock tests?
It’s completely normal. Failing a mock is a learning opportunity. Focus on what went wrong and improve. Many top scorers failed in multiple mocks but refined their strategies over time.

Conclusion

Cracking NEET in the first attempt isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, mindset, and execution. Every NEET topper was once a first-time aspirant who made a plan, followed it with discipline, and learned from mistakes. If they can do it, so can you.

Deeksha Vedantu is here to support you at every step of your NEET journey. With structured content, expert faculty, adaptive testing, and mentorship, we make sure your first attempt is also your best.