How to Manage Time During Royal College Exam Preparation

Study Smart, Not Hard!

Are you getting ready for the MRCP, MRCS, or any examination conducted by the Royal College? Are you encountering difficulties in managing your time? This guide acts as your framework for successfully balancing clinical duties and exam preparation!

The Importance of Time Management for Royal College Exams

Royal College examinations such as MRCP(UK), MRCS, FRCS, and FRCR are internationally acknowledged qualifications characterized by extensive syllabi and intense competition. Many candidates are practicing doctors balancing:

• Clinical shifts 👩‍⚕️

• On-calls 📞

• Personal life 🏠

• Prevent burnout

• Thoroughly cover the entire syllabus

• Enhance the quality of revision

• Foster confidence on exam day

This is why effective time management is vital to:

Our Thirteenth Annual Foundation

The Thirteenth Annual Foundation lecture was given by Professor Sir Keith Porter (a
parent at Bromsgrove) at the Royal College of Physicians in London. It was lovely to see so many Old Bromsgrovians parents and friends of the School join us to hear Professor Sir Keith give a truly inspiring talk reflecting on his medical career, including collaboration with military and specialist teams in Birmingham. Royal College Exam Preparation in India

1. Comprehend the Examination Blueprint

Before commencing your preparation, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of the exam. Each examination administered by the Royal College possesses unique formats:

• MRCP Part 1 = Concentrates on theoretical understanding and clinical sciences

• MRCP Part 2 = Consists of case-based multiple-choice questions

• MRCS = Encompasses anatomy, surgical principles, and fundamental sciences

• PACES = Involves practical skills with real patients

2. Implement the 3-Block Rule (Daily Schedule)

Divide your day into three segments:

• ⏰ Morning (Study Theory – clear mind)

• 🏥 Afternoon (Clinical/Work Hours)

• 🌙 Evening (Mock questions + summary notes)

Example:

• 📘 6–8 AM: Review topics

• 🏥 9 AM–5 PM: Employment

• 📊 7–9 PM: Solve questions (Previous papers or question banks)

3. Select Intelligent Resources (Avoid Overloading!)

Recommended:

• Pastest / BMJ OnExamination / PassMedicine

• Roche’s Notes / Oxford Handbook / EMQs

• Clinical Partner / Geeky Medics for PACES & OSCEs

📁 Organize all resources in a single location (Google Drive/Telegram saved messages).

4. Implement the Pomodoro Technique

Engage in concentrated study sessions lasting 25 minutes, followed by 5-minute breaks. Upon finishing 4 cycles, take a longer break of 30 minutes.

📲 Recommended applications: Focus Keeper, Forest, or Notion widgets.

Advantages:

• Enhanced concentration

• Reduced mental fatigue

• Accommodates busy hospital shifts

5. Conduct a Weekly Self-Audit (Monitor Your Progress)

Every Sunday, take time to reflect on:

• ✅ Subjects covered

• 🔁 Areas needing revision

• ❓ Mock examination scores

• 🚩 Weaknesses

Utilize a checklist or Notion board:

Markdown

• ☐ Cardiology  

• ☐ Respiratory  

• ☐ Endocrinology  

• ☐ Clinical Ethics  

• ☐ OSCE Practice  

6. Integrate Study with Clinical Practice

Whenever feasible:

• Engage in discussions about cases with seniors or consultants

• Rehearse presentations during ward rounds

• Connect clinical experiences to examination topics

💡 Learning from actual patients enhances retention.

7. Reduce Distractions

Avoid:

• Endless scrolling on social media

• Watching lengthy YouTube videos that are not related to preparation

• Studying with numerous tabs open

8. Revise Regularly — Not Just Once

Utilize the Spaced Repetition method:

• Review a topic after 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month

• Tools: Anki, Quizlet, or your personal notes

📊 Retention increases from 40% to 90% with spaced repetition!

9. Take Mock Exams Under Timed Conditions

Replicate actual exam settings:

• Quiet environment

• Timer activated

• No notes allowed

Mock test schedule (Last 2 months):

• 📆 2 tests per week in Month 5

• 📆 4 tests per week in Month 6

Analyze mistakes thoroughly. Comprehend the reasons for errors.

10. Participate in a Study Group (Online or Offline)

Telegram groups, WhatsApp communities, and hospital peer groups have the ability to:

• Assist in group discussions

• Offer shared notes

• Encourage consistency

👥 However, do not rely solely on others — self-study is essential.

11. Prioritize Your Health

• 🛏️ Ensure you get a minimum of 6–7 hours of sleep

• 🥗 Consume light and nutritious meals

• 🧘 Engage in daily exercise or walking

A healthy body leads to a focused mind, resulting in improved scores!

✨ Keep in mind

The emphasis should not be on the total hours spent studying, but rather on the efficiency with which you utilize each minute.

📌 Summary Checklist (Make Sure to Save This! ✅)

🔲 Develop a 6-month study schedule

🔲 Employ the Pomodoro technique on a daily basis

🔲 Review subjects on a weekly basis

🔲 Engage in timed mock examinations

🔲 Participate in a study group

🔲 Monitor your progress every Sunday

🔲 Preserve your well-being and guarantee sufficient rest

🔲 Steer clear of information overload

🔲 Attain equilibrium between professional responsibilities and academic pursuits

🔲 Remain motivated and keep a positive outlook!

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