Is MBBS 1st Year Tough? Why Most Find it Difficult to Pass [Reality]

Is MBBS First Year Tough? There’s no doubt that seniors have been asked this question innumerable times by the juniors, just after getting started with medical college. In this post, let’s discuss why most MBBS students find it really difficult to cope up with the vast syllabus of the first year of med school.

Is MBBS First Year Hard?

First year MBBS is tough and requires hard work. Though 1st year is a lot to take in as a novice, the syllabus isn’t impossible to learn, it’s just lengthy and if underestimated, MBBS becomes difficult to cope up with. But with a systematic approach to the huge and lengthy syllabus, the challenging task of passing the exam becomes relatively comfortable.

Every year, about 15% of students fail in one or more subjects on their first attempt (the percentage varies depending on the college). Among these, the majority of them then clear it in the supplementary exam.

To pass the exam, you need 50% marks in both paper 1 and paper 2, individually and in aggregate. The answer to the above question totally depends on you and how you’re going to approach the upcoming subjects. If you put in sincere efforts and work hard by consistently studying at least an hour or two every day, you will definitely pass with flying colours.

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Moreover, the medical field is supposed to be difficult. If everyone could do it, wouldn’t everyone be doing it?

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The pressure in the first year is enormous because we are not adapted to the system. The teachers know this, they are very generous and they always give you more marks than you deserve.

So, you don’t have to get stressed out, you are going to pass. Just follow along, approach it with a practical study plan and give it your best shot.

Why Is MBBS First Year So Difficult?

1. Perception about the course

A lot of students find 1st MBBS difficult because it has been force-fed to us that once you finish your 12th standard and clear the competitive NEET exam, it’s all good. Life set ho gayi hai.

One of the greatest lines by Indian parents, as we all know, is,12th ke baad toh aaram hi aaram hai.

Due to this, plenty of students enter MBBS with a very laid-back attitude about the course, thinking it’s very easy which is totally not the case.

2. Change of syllabus

Another reason why most medical students find 1st year difficult is that it is significantly different from what you have been studying in 11th and 12th.

There are 3 subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry) to cover in the span of a year. It may seem a lot of time but that’s not the case, the syllabus for each subject is humongous.

Studying one night before the exam doesn’t really work here because these topics are very volatile and need constant revision.

3. Homesickness

If you’re away from your home, you can relate to this.

Adjusting to a new environment is hard and takes time, and if you’re a hostelite, being away from friends and family just makes it even worse.

4. Lack of interest

Given the freedom you have got being away from home, it’s obvious that most of us are always enjoying ourselves even after NEET and joining the college because now, we’ve got the chance to do things we’ve never done.

A temporary lack of interest is bound to happen. And that’s alright, we worked really hard for the competitive exam and deserve a handsome amount of enjoyment.

But just make sure to be back on track, before it’s too late.

No one’s asking you not to have fun, just draw a line and enjoy your first year of medical school.

5. Trying to be a perfectionist

The problem with trying to read and remember everything (as you would do in your 11th and 12th) is that it’s impossible here.

Most medical students tend to memorize each and every detail of the textbook when actually all they have to do is read, understand, revise, and remember.

The syllabus is just never-ending. The more you have on your plate, the better for you but please don’t try to have everything on your plate.

Your approach should be to understand the concepts and learn to recall them, giving more importance to previously asked topics. A lot of the questions are repeated so going through the past year’s question papers is a must.

Also, I’ve made a list of the best and most widely followed books in first year MBBS (MCI recommended).

6. Taking teachers and seniors for granted

First year is a year of transition. To just pass, you have to put in a lot more effort than what you did in 11th and 12th.

Do not take the teachers for granted. They’re not your enemies and they do not want to fail you by any means.

Follow their methods, take advice from seniors, keep calm and study and you will sail through the first year.

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I just want to conclude with 1st mbbs toh sirf trailer hai, final picture toh abhi baaki hai mere dost.

Seriously, there’s a lot more things to worry about, like the cut throat competition for PG seats and the upcoming NEXT exam.

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Good luck Medicoholics! Until next time.