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Basic Sc. MBBS Exams

MBBS Basic Science Study Guide and Tips : Daily Study Plan

  • September 27, 2010
  • 4 min read
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MBBS Basic Science Study Guide and Tips : Daily Study Plan
Exam tips
MBBS Exam a Time of Burden

Updated on July, 2016

Since the subjects and the subject matter studied in MBBS is entirely different from the intermediate level, students in the beginning may find difficulty in studying, as the topics and terminologies are completely new to them. But as you go on and with keen interest, it will eventually be interesting and fun to learn. Consulting the seniors will have very valuable role. Through out the 1st 2 years of MBBS you should follow these guidelines and tips.

The first and foremost is to know the right books. Here is the Medchrome’s Recommended books for MBBS

MBBS Study Tips

Attend classes regularly: Missing the classes means missing several important points, experiences and tips that teachers share in their lectures. They are seldom found in any books. Moreover, one who misses the class will not be well acquainted with the topic and probable questions that may be asked.

Know the lesson plan: Go through the topic beforehand to have a rough idea. This will help you to pick up what the teacher is mentioning in his lectures easily. You can do this only when you know the lesson plan.

Be keen to learn: You must have a keen interest to go through a medical dictionary whenever you find a new medical terminology. This will help you a lot in understanding different topics.

Regular studies: Study regularly 4-6 hours a day even when there are no exams arriving. In this time, you should concentrate in making notes, highlighting important texts in book, creating mnemonics and every other things that can be done to make studying easier for future. You can take a break on a friday or saturday night but utilize the morning for studies as brain has higher ability to catch things then.

Choose your study time according to your control over sleep. Are you an owl or a early bird? In MBBS life, it doesn’t matter till you can study. I couldn’t wake up timely in the morning so I used to sleep late at night.

Spend your time on Understanding topics: Understanding makes memory sustainable compared to mugging up.

Increase your study speed and writing speed.

Revise frequently: First time when you read a topic, it may take you an hour. The second reading may take you 45 minutes and you’ll notice that the third reading won’t take you more than half an hour.

Discuss subject matter and questions with your friends and recall.

Make a habit of making notes and charts of important units, standard values and formulas and stick it in front of your study table or wall of your room.

Free yourself from stress between your classes and study time by listening to music, playing games or going out.

Avoid wasting time on unnecessary topics that will only create a load on your brain.

Utilize the technology:  Specially for anatomy, embryology, physiology and pathology, video animations and mnemonics can be of great help.

Besides textbook, studying from reference books helps a lot. Make a habit of comparing things while studying. Example: Differences are easier to remember

condition PG exam

MBBS Study plan according to the subject:

  1. Start with anatomy to know about normal human structures.
  2. Then physiology to understand body mechanisms and adaptations.
  3. Then pathology to know about the diseases.
  4. Then go for pharmacology for the treatment of the diseases.
  5. Then microbiology and biochemistry should also go hand in hand.

Anatomy Study Tips:

  • Refer Atlas
  • Create Mnemonics
  • Practice figures
  • Creating algorithms
  • Studying organ models and bones
  • Frequent revision
  • Study plan on Anatomy

Physiology Study Tips:

  • Read, understand and understand

Pathology Study Tips:

  • Follow standard textbook like Robbins and create short notes.
  • “Illustrated Pathology” and “Harshmohan” can help you in drawing gross and microscopic features.

Pharmacology Study Tips:

  • Mug up the classification of drugs
  • Understand the mechanism of actions
  • Create mnemonics
  • Practice reasoning questions
  • Detail plan on studying pharmacology

Microbiology Study Tips:

  • Create a pattern for writing lab diagnosis (eg. Specimen, Microscopy, Culture, Antibiotic sensitivity, etc)
  • Understand classes of organisms
  • Learn lab procedures

Biochemistry Study Tips:

  • Practice diagrams of metabolism and cycles
  • Create mnemonics

These are Routine study tips.

For Crash Course Self Preparation during exams- Study Guide just before exam

At the same time, don’t feel ashamed of going through guides and past questions ans they are equally important from exam point of view (passing the examinations). If you have any more study tips please comment and feel free to share your experiences.

Article By Dr Shrestha

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192 Comments

  • Dear sir,
    I am a student studying at grade 12 in a college of Butwal. I was really a hardworking student till SLC where I even secured good marks. However, in +2 all my talent friends went to kathmandu unlike me. I was not given such opportunity by my Dad rather I was compelled to study in Butwal. The college where I study is renowned here but the teachers so bad. My 11 class exam was also not good. I am always frustrated towards the college from the day I started to study here. I consider my Dad’s decision to be totally wrong. Now after +2 he wants me to be a doctor by donation. But I am not interested in it.As a matter of fact I want to be a genetic engineer.But such course is unavailabe here. So I request you to tell me all the fields that a Science student can study after +2 taking biology with extra maths along with sound knowledge on them. I would also be grateful to you if you could provide me some information to study Genetic engineering( should do bachleor biotechnology) in foreign country especially under scholorship…Moreover I want some inspiring things at the moment as I am planed to do good in study from now.
    Looking for your prompt response.

    • Dipendra, u r a +2 student and u r checking the site like medchrome.com means u r really fascinated to ur career. U might have watched 3-idiots. Dont just go to what ur dad, mom, or ur frens says. Take ur decision urself and bravely. Dont just go for a rush. Think vigilantly one more time. Is genetic enginneering really ur aim? If ur heart and mind replies, yes it is, then dont go for what ur paa says. Becoz, i m sure that u will blame ur father at last and u will curse ur life in next coming years.
      I m not sure that those kind of subjects exists in Nepal. But India will be ur best option for it. Have a happy life. Cheers. And also wait for the comment from administrators. I just kept a reply coz I think I have these words to share wid u. Bye bye. -siddhartha Barnawal (MBBS student)

      • Thank you for your Opinion Siddhartha.
        You’re opinion is very true. If you are really very passionate about the Subject and want some difference from others, go for it.
        Dipendra ,
        There are lot of countries that provide Study opportunity in the subject you mentioned. But I think the opportunity in Nepal is less because they are high tech subjects and you must be knowing there hasn’t been much advancement here. I think India is good destination but I haven’t heard of govt. Scholarship on the subject. You should check internet and inquire in embassy or consultancies about the subject.
        We do not have much idea on Genetic engineering and Biotech , as we are focused on Medical studies.
        Best of luck for your future.

  • hi i m sid from nepal. I have joined mbbs this year in kathmandu medical college. Can i clear it nicely. I want to top the college from the very beginning. Is this possible?

    • Hello Sid,
      Work hard and don’t expect, You’ll get what you deserve.
      Start studying from Day1 of the college and regularly and you’ll find yourself in the heights.
      Best of luck.

  • i really need a tutor …..
    its getting real bad..
    weeks before exam …help
    semster II.MBBS

    • Second semester MBBS, is merely a preparation for Finals.
      relax and put your best effort.
      Anxiety to an extent will help you in my experience, but when its disabling spoils your exam.

      Go for past questions and consult your seniors for important topics.

  • hello sir,
    i am studying inter now .. i am curious about my future .i wanted to do m.b.b.s. now i study maximum for 3 hours daily.
    give me suggestions required in m.b.b.s.and the mentality required to study m.b.b.s…

    • oh well …extend ur study time…dont hang out much with friends ..only study ….
      switch off phones..n facebook bye …goodluck

    • To study MBBS and if you wish to be a real successful doctor,
      You must be able to sacrifice everything else and devote your time on books and patients..
      Its hard at times and is often frustrating, but if you are really interested, in long run you’ll enjoy it.

  • Thanks a ton for ur reply! I really appreciate it!

  • Hello sir,
    My college is starting within a week and I know that the life of an mbbs student is really tough and I am ready to work hard. But I was wondering that do mbbs students have fun or time to go for a movie (like once or twice in a month)?? Can we go out of station (traveling) during winter or summer vacations?? And how many hours do we have to study during regular college days?? hoW much time do we get to relax during weekends?

    Thanks ,
    Eagerly waiting for a reply.

    • Hello Shandi,
      Joining MBBS does not means end of Fun, you can always and must always keep time for relaxation and fun else life will be a misery.
      You will have time for a movie every weekend unless the exams are near.
      MBBS students do go for trekking, hiking, picnics, dance parties and Tours so I must say you will get time for all these.
      Its just that other time you have to keep up with studies and study as eagerly.
      Relax.

  • plz reply fast

    • Peter, we do not have adequate fact data about which college is better among two. And it would be against our policy to do so in Medchrome. Sorry for that. What you can do is go to the Facebook fan page Medical online magazine on the sidebar and post a Question on the page. Hopefully some people who have idea well can help you.

  • sir, i would like to know your opinion…plz dont deny!!!
    which is a better college? terna (nerul) ot NDMVP(nashik)…?????
    both are pvt medical colleges

  • Respected Sir

    I am bhagyashree my college has been started from last 5 days and im confused alot plz solve my some queries about which way we should study ? How many hours per day i must study apart from routine colg? Should we start studying from 1st day itself? In 11 n 12 i used to study alone but in MBBS i should Prefer group study or continue individual study?
    Do we get time for written practice or not?and how to study during exam time..?

    • Hello Bhagyashree,
      Starting from the first day itself is nor necessary but its a good idea. You’ll set the momentum right from the first day as well as relieve pressure that may arise later. I recommend you to free your self on night before weekend and Utilize the Weekend for intensive study ( about 4-8 hours), I promise there is nothing like studying freely and without pressure and with great deal of enthusiasm on weekends.
      But important thing is , it is you who will have to review your study plan at last, tips are just a guidance, Recognize the best study time and plan that suits you.
      Its better to have a Study partner or better a study group as you’ll benefit from discussions and group may stimulate a competition that will increase your thirst for knowledge as well as speed.
      For Exam preparation-
      http://medchrome.com/basic-science/mbbs-examination-preparation-tips-just-before-exam/
      Any further quesries, I’ll be happy to answer. Best of Luck.

  • Gud evening sir,iam 2nd prof student and have wasted my 7 months of it completly ! I performed gud in ist prof. but immediately after result caught in bad habits and compltly forgot to study. Iam in very tension now because of huge syllabus ,initially seeming normal and few months(5) are there before exam. Microbiology is seeming very difficult as i confuse with the toxins and other specific bacterial stuff very easily.pls help me. Also tell me about the use of internet for education,i.e, any site or anyother way. Thank you

    • Hello Deepak,
      I understand your problem.
      5 months is a lot of time, you can catch back if you give an extra hour or two for the subject, working hard.

      Make notes of the chapters in short hand and make sure you first remember headings and subheadings before the content.

      You can discover leaning process as fun with books like “Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple” by Medmaster. It is available in the internet.
      For quick summarizing go through First Aid Microbiology to Get the basic idea ( USMLE prep book)

      Make your course book your Base of study and notes your back up for exams.

      And See that comparing between two bacteria or groups will help you remember both and more easily.

      Relax, 5 months will be enough for you to pick up with it if you work a little harder.

  • sir,
    thanks for your reply…
    i have been receiving messages from my friends of 1st yr mbbs that the syllabus is vast and difficult..their college has just begun..
    i would surely like to know your advise and tips on how to cope up with such pressures during first few months of mbbs..
    and wat are the tentative dates of our 1st exam in mbbs?

    thanking you.

    • Beginning days of medical education is indeed difficult to everyone. It is because you will be introduced to completely new subjects like pathology, pharmacology,etc. that you have nerver been taught before in school and college. And the course is also vast.

      But it is really necessary to have patience and cope up. At the beginning you will be taught about the general concepts of every subject which will aid you in further study of the systems. The general concepts for microbiology, pathology and pharmacology are quiet vast and difficult.

      So, spend a little more time and effort. Study regularly and relax on weekends. Discuss the topics with your friends in groups. It is impossible to know every detail about everything. The topics which teachers stresses on while teaching is always really important.

      There is something called “must know area” in medicine which every medical student needs to know. Ask your teacher about it.

  • Dear sir,

    My college has been finally started! So just wanted to ask that is ” Social Preventive medicine” important???
    Please inform me that what all does this include!

    Thank you
    Mohit

    • Hello Mohit,
      Community medicine is often felt unnecessary and neglected by the medical students during early years but it is important because:
      a. Epidemiology teaches about the natural history of disease, methods of prevention, modes of transmission, immunisation and many more things about disease processes.
      b. Biostatistics is a tool to carry out medical researches and clinical trials in future.
      c. Nutrition teaches you about the nutrient requirements, components of food, malnutrition and more.
      d. And last but not the least you need it for PG entrance examination.

    • For the basic science, Community Medicine include 7 small subjects in it.
      1. Epidemiology
      2. Biostatistics
      3. Demography
      4. Environmental Health
      5. Nutrition
      6. Sociology
      7. Health Education

  • dear ADMINISTRATOR,
    I am waiting wagerly for your reply to my above query.

    • Hello Peter, pardon the delay…

      It is a very good idea to start preparing for PG entrance from the 1st year of MBBS. If you can manage time, you should surely go for it.

      Since, the way of preparation would be different for MBBS and PG entrance. You should make sure that you don’t just prepare MCQs but understand the topics by going through the textbooks thoroughly.

      Reviewing the texts for a system and practicing MCQs (eg. musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, etc.) from the entrance exam books after completing the study of a particular system from the textbooks would completely make sense for now.

      Good Luck.

  • Hi, firstly i would like to thank you for offering advise to medicine aspirants in this forum. i am going to join a foreign med school this year. I completed my school 5yrs ago, but could not study then coz of financial problems. Since the huge gap, now i really need detailed advise on exactly what all selected portions would i need to know b4 hand to be able to follow what is being taught there?? Physical, organic,inorganic?then in physics what topics do i need to be aware of ? I ask bcoz i have almost forgotten every thing and i’d need to brush up again. Thanks in advance.

  • sir,
    thanks for your suggestion.

    i would also like to know that do we need to start preparing for PG entrances right from the 1st year of MBBS? i read ur previous post in which you said a student that preparation for PG should begin during Internship itself, but i have heard that PG CET syllabus has all the 4 & half year syllabus of MBBS.
    so shouldn’t we start our studies for PG from the beginning itself?

    • No Peter,
      You should focus on building a strong foundation instead for targeting PG from the 1st year.
      Believe me, If you have a strong base in MBBS, PG preparation will be a lot easier for you. 4.5-5 yrs of MBBS is not a waste, every chapter you read counts, every case you see adds, and you’ll have it somewhere in your mind that just needs to be recalled or refreshed.

  • sir,
    should we read each and everything given in our reference books or textbooks during our preparation for MBBS…lyk i hav heard that in higher studies it is not possible to read each and everything thoroughly due to vast portion and shortage of time..but i wud lyk to wether skipping sum topics have a major impact on PG preparations?

    • Peter,
      If you look for easy way out in MBBS, you’ll have to give some extra effort during PG preparation.
      If you can study atleast your textbook completely once or twice, It will certainly broaden your knowledge. Skipping topics certainly means the one who doesn’t will know more than you.
      To Simplify, Skipping can be done before exams, when time is short. I don’t recommend to skip topics from early onwards. Because what you read in MBBS really matters. It is the Core upon which the PG-residency will build up. Skipping some rarer topics for 5 years will heap up to become 2 or 3 books that you’ll not have covered.
      So You understand my point, If ” Diamond Blackfan syndrome ” is not important for MBBS atleast know that It is a cause of Pure red cell anemia. This much will later ease your PG preparation.

      • sir,
        thanks for your suggestion.

        i would also like to know that do we need to start preparing for PG entrances right from the 1st year of MBBS? i read ur previous post in which you said a student that preparation for PG should begin during Internship itself, but i have heard that PG CET syllabus has all the 4 & half year syllabus of MBBS.
        so shouldn’t we start our studies for PG from the beginning itself?

  • hello sir
    i want to know that how much sallibi of 1st year mbbs resembels with 12 & 11 class plz do infom me

    • Hello Kazima
      First year syllabus in no way resembles 11 and 12 class course.
      MBBS in a completely new topic.
      If your syllabus in 11 and 12 covers human, it may be a little helpful.

  • Dear sir,

    Thank you for the tips that you have given! I really appreciate your quick response! Now I am confident hat i will be able to cope ! Please let me know what all are the basics involved in medicine ! Is chem of 11th and 12th important for mbbs.
    Thanking you
    Mohit

    • Nice to hear back from you Mohit,

      As the course begins, you will be able to discover that the chemistry of Grade 11 and 12 is not really important for MBBS. Only thing that can matter a bit in biochemistry is some basic concepts of aminoacids, carbohydrates, lipids, alcohol. But that wouldn’t make much difference.

      Best of luck.

  • Sir,
    Firstly i would like to thank you for the tips. They will surely help me perform better.
    Sir, i just wanted to ask that as per ur tips we need to study for 4-6 hrs by ourselves. i just wanted to know how should we distribute those hours amongst the subjects? Now that il b entering my first year, n we have 3 major subjects (Anatomy, Physiology n Biochemistry); which of these requires more input generally?
    And one more question, when is the right time to start preparing n thinking seriously about the PG(MD/MS) entrances?

    • Hello Niharika,
      Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry all there are equally important subjects.
      Distributing time among subjects unless before exams in not advisable, Take your time to understand, take an interest and read thoroughly when you are doing it for the first time. Make sure you will need less time to read those topics in the second reading.

      Initially Anatomy will need more time, Physiology needs understanding so don’t hesitate to spend time on it. Later on as Biochem gets tougher, you’ll need to spend good time on it.

      And about PG preparation, you should start it right from the start of Internship, do not let the knowledge you gained during MBBS fade away in your internship. Intensive study is needed and go for preparation books as well.

  • Hi I am mohit! Will I be able to cope up with the course????
    I feel nervous as i constantly hear that ” Its tough and difficult as there are lots of terms to memorize ….!My college is going to start and i want to be the best in my course so please help me out …….

    • Hello Mohit,

      Of course you can cope up with the course of medicine. When you have an intense interest in a subject, learning is easy.

      To excel in your course, you need to spend a lot of effort in your studies. Both understanding and memorizing is important.

      If you can follow the tips listed above, we hope that you can do best in the course.

  • hi im neha,my college is going to start but still im trembling,is it harder to understand meanings of particular subjects verified ,is there any chemistry physics included in it ….plz help me out of this and if i hv further queris can i refer u once more.

    • Neha, You do not have to tremble.
      It does not include Physics and Chemistry. But there is a subject called Biochemistry which needs basic chemistry concept.
      Now Understanding various Subjects- Simply you can understand them as-
      Anatomy- deals with structural aspect of human body
      Physiology- deals with functional and mechanism within the body
      Pathology- deals with disease process and findings
      Microbiology- deals with causative agents and lab diagnosis
      Pharmacology- deals with drugs and their mechanism of action
      Community medicine- deals with preventive and curative medicine in community.
      These are the Basic subjects. You will learn that Major subjects are merely and elaboration of basic subjects.
      So relax.
      Study and understand and memorize, you won’t fail it.

  • Hi i’ve joined the mbbs course since 3 days only… i wnt to be good at it as i did at secondary level but iy seems impossible. the work load seems tremendous!!! help!!!

    • Mincev,
      It’s just been 3 dyas and I think it’s too quick to panic.
      In MBBS all you need is hard work and cosistency in study.
      The terms become easier as you go. Chapters become interesting and fun as you start understanding them. For that you need to attend lectures regularly and revise repeatedly.
      It’s not a piece of cake but it’s not steel gate either.
      Just take the pressure off and enjoy the subjects.
      Best wishes.

  • hi.. i am zubia from pakistan..
    i am doing bsc (hons) in physiotherapy.. should i try to get admission in mbbs next year or is it a good field.. plz help

    • Zubia,
      It depends upon your interest, how what you want to make of your life and honestly saying ” What you want”
      Physiotherapy is a promising field as well, if you can be innovative there is a way more to do in this field than MBBS.
      while if you want to devote your life in studies and service, and have a keen aptitude for treating patients, go for the MBBS.
      Still the decision is yours.

  • How about for NRI’s how should they study, i am an NRI and i know that i will not be able to compete with people that are there going to MBBS, i plan on going next year, that is why i got the MBBS book and am studying now, are there any tips for me as in what to study do the professors go through ever chapter or do they skip around, and the biggest thing is how do i take EXAMS there are only i ive heard of how is that so?

    • Hello Venkat,
      It seems you are Interested to join Medical line. In Nepal, there are donation or Paid seats for Foreign students in Institute of Medicine, KU affiliated Medical colleges and many other colleges. You can contact them.
      If you are talking about India, we have not much idea of what you must do.
      Well, there is nothing called skipping in Medical subjects, You have to know everything atleast basic knowledge.
      So you have to be Mentally prepared to be dedicated before you join.
      Well wishes.

  • In order to create a steady stream of meangful mnemonics
    it is necessary to have some type of mnemonic software generator. People in general lose interest real fast when
    they try in create a complex mnemonic. In fact sometimes your mind just goes blank. Good mnemonic sentences/phrases can cut memorization time in half.

    • Frank,
      Nice idea, Is there any mnemonic generating software already available?
      If yes do tell us the name of the software as well.
      Thanks for sharing your idea

Comments are closed.