As we know, under the new curriculum, the third-year professional exam consists of only two subjects: Community Medicine and Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (FMT). So, what can you do during this time to reduce pressure in the final year and be better prepared for NEET-PG?
Keeping the basics strong and looking through the curriculum for next semester can definitely help.
FMT is actually a really scoring subject however , tougher ones are yet to come so pre-preparing for the upcoming specialities and subjects can actually help to reduce the stress … And who doesn’t like ready-to-use pre-prepared notes and pointers🍃
Here’s what you can do during this time to make the most of it:
- Start Early NEET-PG Preparation (Light but Consistent)
Begin with short subjects like Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Anesthesia — they’re high-yield and not very lengthy.
Watch video lectures and make brief notes using platforms like Marrow, Prepladder, or eGurukul (whichever suits you).
Aim to revise these subjects at least once before the final year.
- Build Strong Basics in Medicine and Surgery
Use this time to go through clinical case discussions, attend OPDs/wards, and watch videos to strengthen your basics in Medicine and Surgery — they form the backbone of NEET-PG.
Reading Harrison’s simplified notes or standard case-based books can help a lot.
- Master Community Medicine and FMT
These are NEET-relevant subjects. Study them well now, so you don’t have to revisit them during final year prep.
Focus on MCQ practice side by side — this improves retention.
- Stay Regular with Clinical Postings
Take third-year postings seriously — especially Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, and Orthopedics.
Try to understand clinical reasoning, not just theory. This will help a lot in practical exams and NEET-PG.
- Build Good Study Habits
Follow a fixed routine: Even 2-3 hours daily of focused NEET-PG content is more than enough in third year.
Start using MCQ banks and learn how to analyze your mistakes — build smart strategies.
- Optional but Beneficial
If you have time and interest:
Do basic research, case reports, or poster presentations — adds value to your CV.
Join student groups, attend CMEs or workshops to explore your interest areas.
In Summary:
Third year is your buffer zone. If used wisely, it can make your final year smooth and give you a big edge in NEET-PG. Don’t go too hard, but stay regular and smart — and your future self will thank you!
Community medicine as a subject does not need rigorous studying. So is forensic medicine.
Do utilize this year to focus on clinical subjects too. Final year is flooded subjects and which are many.
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But In AIIMS as part of third year proff we have fmt ent opthal and CFM
So it actually lot of work to do for us here
Should we start doing 4 th year subjects?
Anyone ?
With only community medicine and forensic medicine in the university exams gives you a golden opportunity to lighten the load of final year and boost you NEET PG prep.
- master the basics of final ear subjects using standard textbooks or video lectures
- start NEET PG preparation lightly but consistently by solving MCQs and revising 1st and 2nd year subjects
- take both PSM and FMT seriously as both re high yield topics in NEET PG
- attend clinical postings actively to gain practical knowledge
PSM and Forensic medicine will hardly take 2 months to finish . The rest of the time should be utilized to study final year subjects .
I feel the best way to cover a major chunk of syllabus is during the postings . Postings of dermat , psyche and other short subjects are easy so you can have plenty of time to finish the theory simultaneously.
During the third year, use the lighter academic load to your advantage by strengthening concepts in core subjects like Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology, as they form the base for NEET-PG. Begin early exposure to clinical subjects such as Medicine, Surgery, and OBG through videos or standard books. Gradually revise short subjects like Dermatology, Psychiatry, and Anesthesia. Make it a habit to practice a few MCQs daily and start making crisp, high-yield notes for future revisions. Don’t neglect Community Medicine and FMT either—they’re scoring both in university exams and NEET-PG.