Dec 23, 2025
High-Weightage Subjects (Focus on 60% of Your Time)
Medium-Weightage Subjects (Focus 25% of Your Time)
Lower-Weightage Subjects (Focus 15% of Your Time)
Month 1 (December - January):
Month 2 (January-February):
Month 3 (February to March):
Month 4 (March-April):
Month 5 (April - May):
Month 6 (May - June):
Month 7 (June to July):
Medical High-Yield Topics
High-yield surgery is associated with complications and thyroid disorders.
Pathology high-yield topics
High-Yield Pharmaceutical Topics
PSM High-Yield Topics
Recommended GT Schedule
Per-Section Strategy (40 questions in 42 minutes)
Section-Wise Approach
Daily MCQ Targets
MCQ: Quality Over Quantity.
The Revision Methodology
Developing Effective Revision Notes
Mistake 1: Treating all subjects equally.
Mistake 2: Reading without answering MCQs.
Mistake 3: Avoiding GTs Until "Ready."
Mistake 4: Ignoring Analysis Following GTs.
Mistake 5: Last-minute subject hopping.
Mistake 6: Neglecting Image-Based Questions
Standard textbooks (for conceptual clarity)
Review books (for MCQ-based preparation)

At 11 p.m., a final-year intern enters my office following a demanding emergency duty. "I have eight months until NEET PG, sir. Everyone says it's impossible to work 650+ hours during an internship. Is this right? This is a question that I've heard frequently. And I consistently receive the same response. 650+ is certainly possible, but only if you begin working methodically rather than randomly. People who achieve scores of 700 or higher are not superhuman. They simply understand that NEET PG prefers intelligent preparation over extensive reading.
QUICK ANSWER
To achieve a score of 650 or higher on the NEET PG, you must correctly answer approximately 165 of 200 questions. Using a +4/-1 marking scheme, this equates to attempting 180-190 questions with 85%+ accuracy. Prior to the exam, the strategy entails focusing on high-weightage subjects (Medicine, Surgery, PSM, Pathology, and Pharmacology), completing 3-4 full revisions, answering 30,000+ MCQs, and taking 30-40 grand tests.
NEET PG 2026 RELEVANCE:
NEET PG 2026 will be conducted in a 200-MCQ format with +4/-1 marking and a duration of approximately 3.5 hours. The section-locking system, which prevents you from returning to a previous section, remains. The exam is increasingly focused on case-based and integrated clinical questions. NExT has been officially postponed for three to four years, with NEET PG serving as the sole entrance exam for MD/MS admissions in 2026.

Before developing a strategy, you must first understand what you are preparing for. NEET PG is not about knowing everything; rather, it is about knowing the right things and applying them under pressure.
| Parameter | Details |
| Total Questions: | 200 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 800 |
| Sections | 5 timed sections (40 questions each) |
| Time per Section | 42 minutes. |
| Correct Answer | +4 marks. |
| Wrong answer | -1 mark |
| Unattempted | 0 marks. |
| Mode | Computer-based (English only). |
The section-locking system means once your 42 minutes for a section end, you cannot return to review or change answers. This fundamentally changes exam strategy compared to traditional papers.
Let's break down precisely what 650+ requires.
To score 650 points:
This translates into:
The margin for error is thin. Random guessing destroys scores. Strategic preparation builds the confidence to attempt more questions accurately.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Not all topics deserve equal attention. NEET PG rewards strategic study hour allocation based on weightage and scoring potential.
Subject Approx. questions Priority General Medicine (including Dermatology, Psychiatry) 40-45 Highest General Surgery (including Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia) 40-45 Highest PSM/Community Medicine 20-25 Very High Pathology 20-25 Very High Pharmacology 18-20 Very High Obstetrics & Gynaecology 25-30 Very High
Subject Approx. Questions Priority Pediatrics 15-18 High Microbiology 18-20 High Physiology 15-17 Moderate Anatomy 15-17 Moderate Biochemistry 12-15 Moderate
Subject Approx. Questions Priority ENT 8-10 Moderate Ophthalmology 8-10 Moderate Forensic Medicine 8-10 Easy scoring Radiology 5-8 Variable
Key Insight: General Medicine and Surgery alone comprise 80-90 questions—nearly 45% of your paper. Mastering these two subjects can single-handedly push you into 600+ territory.
Assuming you start studying in December 2025 for an August 2026 exam, here's a month-by-month breakdown:
Goal: Complete the first reading of all 19 subjects with conceptual clarity.
Goal: mastering high-weightage clinical subjects.
Goal: Third revision, peak performance, and exam simulation.
Final month (July-August)
Also Read: Master the Art of Solving NEET PG MCQs
Examiners enjoy certain topics in each subject. Mastering these guarantees easy grades.
The Grand Test Strategy is pledged by top performers:
You always have an edge if your MBBS basics are clear. Time is important, but the quality of the research is more important. Low GT results are not a source of anxiety for top scorers, who view them as teaching opportunities.
When to Launch GTs
The Protocol for GT Analysis
Do this four-step analysis following each GT.
Also Read: How to Evaluate Mock Exams for NEET PG Preparation
Months Before Exam GT Frequency 6+ months 1 per 2 weeks 4-6 months 1 per week 2-4 months 2 per week Final month Daily or alternate days
Target: Complete 30-40 full-length GTs before exam day. Toppers consistently emphasize that attempting 30–40 full-length tests and analyzing mistakes is non-negotiable for top ranks.
NEET PG's 5-section format with 42 minutes each requires specific time management:
Consistently practicing MCQs was the game-changer in toppers' preparation—they swear by it. You won't ace NEET PG by just knowing facts; you must know how to apply knowledge effectively in a time-restricted exam.
Preparation Phase Daily MCQs Foundation (Months 1-3) 100-150 Clinical Phase (Months 4-5) 150-200 Revision Phase (Months 6-7) 200-250 Final Sprint (Month 8) 200+ plus GTs
Not all multiple-choice questions are equal. Prioritize:
It is recommended that at least three to four full revisions be completed before the August 2026 exam window. Memory consolidation requires repetition; there is no shortcut.
First Revision: Complete and thorough; fill knowledge gaps.
Second Revision: Faster—focus on weak areas of GT analysis.
Third Revision: Rapid—high-yield topics and personal weaknesses.
Fourth revision (Final Week): Lightning revision—one-liners, mnemonics, images.
Medicine and surgery deserve three times the time of ophthalmology. Make strategic allocations.
Passive reading creates the illusion of preparedness. Active recall using MCQs results in actual retention.
You will never feel completely prepared. Begin GTs early—they reveal weaknesses you didn't know existed.
Taking GTs without analyzing errors is a waste of time and effort. The analysis teaches more than the test does.
Stick to your available resources. Changing books or videos in the final months causes confusion, not clarity.
NEET PG places a greater emphasis on visual recognition. Practice histopathology slides, X-rays, electrocardiograms, and clinical images.
For NEET PG 2026, how many hours a day do I study?
Quantity is inferior to quality. Instead of 12 hours of aimless reading, aim for 6–8 hours of concentrated, distraction-free study. Even four to five productive hours a day during an internship can result in 650+ if the plan is right.
Can I get a score of 650 or above while interning?
Of course. During their internship, several NEET PG 2025 top scorers prepared. The secret is to make the most of the time that is available—audio lectures while driving, multiple-choice questions during breaks, and concentrated study sessions in the evenings. Waiting for "free time" is not a good idea.
Before NEET PG, how many GTs should I try?
At least thirty to forty full-length major exams are required. Toppers frequently finish 50+. The objective is to develop exam endurance, time management abilities, and the ability to recognize patterns in your errors rather than merely practice.
When preparing for NEET PG, which courses should I start with?
Pre-clinical courses like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry should be studied first since they lay the groundwork. Before beginning clinical topics, proceed to para-clinical (pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology). Integrated understanding is developed as a result.
Is coaching required to achieve a score of 650 or above on the NEET PG?
Although not required, it is advised. Self-study cannot match the organized content, QBanks, GTs, and doubt resolution offered by reputable online platforms. Make sure you have trustworthy materials and a rigorous self-evaluation plan if you are self-studying.
What happens if my GT scores are constantly below 500?
Don't panic. Analysis, not simply repetition, improves GT scores. After every GT, analyze errors for two to three hours. Through methodical error correction, several top scorers raised their scores from 350–400 to 650+
Clinical Pearl
"There is no one ideal plan; each person must develop their own. However, the non-negotiables never change: begin GTs early, complete more than 30,000 multiple-choice questions, revise three to four times, and never give up, even if GT scores fall short. Working intelligently, consistently, and having faith in the process are the keys to achieving 650+, not working harder than everyone else.
Download the PrepLadder app now and unlock a 24-hour FREE trial of premium high-yield content. Access Smarter Video Lectures also in हिंglish, Game Changing Qbank, Audio QBank, Structured Notes, Treasures, Mock test for FREE to excel in your NEET PG preparation.
Elevate your study experience and gear up for success. Start your journey with PrepLadder today!

Access all the necessary resources you need to succeed in your competitive exam preparation. Stay informed with the latest news and updates on the upcoming exam, enhance your exam preparation, and transform your dreams into a reality!
The most popular search terms used by aspirants
Avail 24-Hr Free Trial