Viva sessions can feel terrifying — trust me, I’ve been there too. As a medical student, I often wondered whether I chose the right course whenever I walked into a viva room. But over time, I realized that vivas don’t have to be nightmares if you approach them smartly. Here are a few practical tips to help you survive — and even excel in — your viva.
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Understand Your Examiners
Yes, you heard it right! This doesn’t mean memorizing the external and internal list. It means knowing what topics your teachers usually focus on, and the areas they consider important. The best way? Ask your seniors — their insights are gold. -
Start With High-Yield Topics
Most medical students makes the mistake of beginning with topics skipped during theory preparation. Instead, prioritize the areas that carry the most weight and the ones that can seriously affect your score if left unanswered. Remember, not all viva questions are valued equally. -
Work on Your Presentation
Both your appearance and your style of answering matter. Dress neatly and modestly. Be honest — never bluff. Maintain a calm, pleasant demeanor, and try not to let your nervousness show; examiners often misinterpret it as lack of preparation. -
Sleep and Eat Well
This is the most neglected part. Get at least 5 hours of sleep, and don’t skip your meals. Your brain needs rest and fuel to think clearly — especially during a viva.
So what’s one viva experience ( good or bad !) that taught you something important?
