
– Rohit Gupta
For aspiring medical professionals gearing up for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET UG), tackling calculation-based questions efficiently is paramount. These questions constitute a significant portion of the exam and demand a balance of swiftness and precision, all without the aid of calculators. Excelling in this aspect can substantially elevate your overall score and bolster your chances of securing admission to esteemed medical colleges.
Here are some tips to master such questions without relying on calculators:
Like any other skill, mastery in calculations requires consistent practice. Allocate a portion of your study time to solving numerical problems across various topics.
During practice sessions, refrain from using calculators. If you feel tempted to verify your answer with a calculator, challenge yourself to solve the calculation again mentally.
Familiarise yourself with essential formulas and constants pertinent to the NEET UG syllabus. Memorisation will save precious time during the exam, enabling you to concentrate on problem-solving instead of recalling formulas.
Train yourself to perform basic arithmetic operations – such as multiplication tables, squaring numbers and finding square roots – mentally. Strong mental math skills expedite problem-solving during the exam, eliminating the need for calculators.
Acquire shortcut methods for common calculations like multiplication, division, squaring and finding percentages. Techniques such as vedic mathematics can aid in swift problem-solving, thereby saving time for other questions.
Memorise commonly used logarithmic values like log2 and log3, and approximate values like using 22/7 for π indivisible calculations. Knowing multiplication tables up to 20 can also facilitate quick calculations without relying on calculators.
When faced with multiple-choice questions featuring significant differences between answer options, opt for approximation during calculations. This strategy aids in quickly narrowing down potential answers without precise calculations.
Maintain a positive mindset and remain calm during the exam. Confidence in your preparation and abilities significantly impacts performance. Trust your instincts, stay focused, and approach each calculation-based question with composure and accuracy.
In conclusion, mastering calculation-based questions is crucial for success in NEET UG. By integrating these strategies into your preparation regimen and adopting a disciplined approach, you can enhance your speed and accuracy in solving such problems, all without the dependence on calculators, thus paving the path for a prosperous medical career.
(The author is the chief academic officer at Physics Wallah)