How to Do PG Preparation Parallelly with the Nepal MBBS Syllabus?

For many medical students, the ultimate goal after completing MBBS is to secure a postgraduate (PG) seat in their desired specialty. In Nepal, MBBS is a rigorous program that requires immense dedication, but ambitious students often aim to start PG preparation simultaneously with their MBBS studies to save time and enhance their chances of success. Doing this parallelly is challenging but achievable with proper planning, discipline, and strategic learning.

Understanding the PG Entrance Examination

PG entrance exams differ depending on the country or board. For Indian students pursuing MBBS in Nepal, the NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – PG) is the primary exam.

Key features of NEET-PG preparation include:

• Focus on MBBS subjects with emphasis on clinical knowledge

• Multiple-choice question (MCQ) format

• Questions derived from pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects

• High competition, requiring early and continuous preparation

The first step in parallel preparation is to understand the PG exam pattern, subjects, and weightage so you can align your MBBS study with PG prep.

Synchronizing MBBS Syllabus with PG Preparation

Nepal MBBS syllabus is structured year-wise:

• 1st Year: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry

• 2nd Year: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine

• 3rd Year: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Introduction to Clinical Subjects

• 4th Year: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics

• 5th Year: Advanced clinical rotations, final professional preparation, and internship

Strategy: Start PG preparation with topics you are studying in MBBS. For example:

• While studying Pharmacology in 3rd year, start solving MCQs related to that subject from NEET-PG prep books.

• During Medicine rotations in 4th year, integrate PG-level practice questions for faster application and retention.

This method ensures simultaneous learning, reducing last-minute cramming for PG exams after MBBS.

Time Management Strategies

Managing MBBS studies and PG preparation requires careful time management:

• Daily Study Split: Allocate 70% of time for MBBS syllabus and 30% for PG preparation.

• Weekend Focus: Dedicate weekends to PG-level problem-solving and revision.

• Micro-Sessions: Use small breaks for MCQs or flashcards.

• Avoid Overlap: Do not compromise MBBS internal assessments or university exams for PG prep.

Consistency is key—short, focused, and daily preparation is more effective than last-minute marathon sessions.

Subject-Wise Parallel Preparation Tips

A. Pre-Clinical Subjects (1st & 2nd Year)

• Anatomy: Use diagrams for NEET-PG concepts; focus on clinically relevant anatomy.

• Physiology: Understand mechanisms rather than rote memorization.

• Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Begin with high-yield topics like enzymes, metabolic pathways, and drug mechanisms.

• Microbiology & Pathology: Solve MCQs along with lectures; integrate disease mechanisms with pathology for PG prep.

B. Para-Clinical Subjects (2nd & 3rd Year)

• Focus on linking pharmacology with medicine and surgery.

• Use question banks to practice application-based scenarios.

• Start memorizing common pathogens, treatment protocols, and diagnostic methods for PG relevance.

C. Clinical Subjects (4th & 5th Year)

• Medicine & Surgery: Daily case discussions and MCQ practice.

• Obstetrics & Gynecology / Pediatrics: Solve clinical scenario questions parallelly.

• Community Medicine: Focus on statistics, epidemiology, and preventive medicine questions.

Tip: Integrate clinical rotations with PG question solving—this reinforces learning and improves application skills.

Using Quality Study Materials

Selecting the right resources is crucial:

• Textbooks: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, Robbins Pathology, Lippincott Pharmacology

• MCQ Books: Arihant PG books, Rapid Review for NEET-PG

• Online Resources: Digital video lectures, question banks, and apps for daily practice

• Flashcards & Notes: Create personalized notes and high-yield flashcards for quick revision

Using multiple sources ensures comprehensive coverage and keeps you ahead in PG preparation without neglecting MBBS syllabus.

Regular Revision and Testing

• Monthly Revision: Revise topics taught in MBBS and solved in PG-level MCQs.

• Mock Tests: Take regular timed tests to simulate PG exam conditions.

• Identify Weak Areas: Focus on weaker subjects for both MBBS exams and PG prep.

This ensures steady retention and reduces last-minute stress.

Balancing Practicals and Theory

• Attend all MBBS practicals as they are critical for university exams.

• Simultaneously, solve clinical MCQs based on practical knowledge.

• Create a correlation chart: link theory topics with practical application and PG exam questions.

This method strengthens both conceptual understanding and application skills.

Maintaining Mental and Physical Health

Parallel preparation can be stressful. Students must focus on:

• Adequate Sleep: At least 6–7 hours to retain memory

• Healthy Diet & Exercise: Boosts concentration and stamina

• Breaks & Leisure Activities: Prevents burnout

• Peer Study Groups: Discussing complex topics improves retention and reduces isolation

A healthy mind and body are essential to sustain long-term preparation.

Effective Note-Making

• Maintain two sets of notes: MBBS exam notes and PG prep notes.

• Highlight high-yield facts, common clinical scenarios, and frequently asked MCQs.

• Use flowcharts, tables, and diagrams to simplify complex concepts.

Well-organized notes save hours during revision and make simultaneous MBBS and PG prep manageable.

Time-Specific Study Plan

A suggested plan for MBBS students preparing for PG:

• 1st & 2nd Year: Build conceptual basics and start MCQ practice for pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects.

• 3rd Year: Strengthen pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology; integrate NEET-PG questions.

• 4th Year: Focus on medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and pediatrics; solve applied MCQs daily.

• 5th Year & Internship: Revision of complete syllabus and intensive NEET-PG preparation; focus on weak areas and full-length mock tests.

This phased plan ensures consistent learning without overloading any single year.

Online Tools and Apps for Parallel Preparation

• Question Banks: AMBOSS, PrepLadder, Marrow

• Video Lectures: YouTube channels and paid PG prep portals

• Mobile Apps: For MCQs, flashcards, and daily quizzes

Using digital tools allows flexible, on-the-go learning, complementing MBBS studies without compromising university performance.

Benefits of Parallel Preparation

1. Early Mastery of PG Subjects: Students gradually gain familiarity with high-yield topics.

2. Reduced Pressure After MBBS: Less cramming required before PG exams.

3. Better Conceptual Understanding: Linking MBBS subjects with PG-level questions improves analytical skills.

4. Competitive Edge: Students become confident and disciplined, performing better in PG exams.

5. Time Optimization: Efficient use of MBBS years to cover PG syllabus.

Common Challenges

• Balancing MBBS internal assessments and PG prep

• Avoiding burnout due to long study hours

• Maintaining consistency over multiple years

• Managing clinical postings and hospital duties alongside PG study

Solutions: Prioritize topics, use micro-study sessions, and regularly assess progress.

Success Stories and Motivation

Many Indian students pursuing MBBS in Nepal have successfully cleared NEET-PG by starting preparation from the 2nd or 3rd year, using the strategies outlined above. Consistency, planning, and proper guidance are key factors.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q1. Is it possible to prepare for PG exams while studying MBBS in Nepal?
Yes, with proper planning, time management, and integrated study strategies, students can prepare for PG exams alongside their MBBS syllabus.

Q2. When should I start PG preparation during MBBS?
Ideally, start from the 2nd or 3rd year, beginning with pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects and gradually moving to clinical subjects.

Q3. Which subjects should I focus on for PG preparation?
Focus on high-yield pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects including Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology.

Q4. How much time should be allocated daily for PG preparation?
Start with 1–2 hours daily in the early years and increase gradually to 3–4 hours during clinical years, alongside MBBS studies.

Q5. Can hospital postings affect PG preparation?
Hospital postings enhance clinical knowledge and can actually benefit PG prep if combined with daily question practice.

Q6. Are MCQs sufficient for PG preparation during MBBS?
Yes, solving MCQs regularly, along with concept clarity, helps reinforce knowledge and prepares students for PG exams.

Q7. How can I manage stress during parallel preparation?
Maintain a balanced schedule, take short breaks, exercise regularly, and engage in recreational activities to avoid burnout.

Q8. Should I make separate notes for MBBS and PG prep?
Yes, maintain concise, high-yield PG notes alongside detailed MBBS notes for efficient revision.

Q9. Is online preparation effective while doing MBBS in Nepal?
Absolutely, online videos, apps, and question banks provide flexibility and allow focused PG prep without affecting MBBS performance.

Q10. What is the main advantage of parallel PG preparation?
It builds early mastery of subjects, reduces last-minute stress, enhances understanding, and increases chances of securing a PG seat.