1.Congratulations on achieving such an amazing feat. Tell us a bit about yourself. Please also tell us your individual marks in each subject.
This is Deeksha Sharma, basically from Haryana selected through All India rank in IGGMC in 2014
I was selected fresher for the course of MBBS.
Sorry, but I don’t remember my individual marks but I got a 79.5%.
2.So, when all of this is new and the rest of us are still busy figuring the head and tail of the subject, how did you tackle and master the syllabus?
It was tough to start and figure things out. Initially even the subjects were very confusing, but I started my trip with BD Chaurasia (Anatomy)and Ganong (Physiology).
I was scared as all seniors used to say that first year is the toughest year. But I must say this is the best year to strengthen your basics, best year to form a solid and stable base for your future years.
3.Did you have a set schedule,a time table that you stuck to? What were the daily hours that you put in self study ?
The aim for each day was to get quality not quantity and that was my key to success. I think 6-8 hours a day is sufficient. One must have a schedule for the day as it allow one to know how they are progressing and I think by making a proper schedule one can manage one’s studies more efficiently.
4.Did you have a different methodology of tackling the subjects? Any special notes that you prepared?
I don’t know if it is good or not but I always make my notes in the book itself. Notes, if one wants to make, should contain key points only. But for me reading a single book many times is much better as every time you get to know some thing new from it. But if you only read your notes again and again you will remain stuck to the same matter and will never be able to know new things. And you know our field demands updates and things keep changing .So I prefer books over notes.
5.Do you have any special pointers for specific subjects? The do’s and don’ts of it?
Every subject was equally important for me. But for anatomy I must mention that Dissection Hall timings is really important to know how complex and interesting our human body is and I am sure after that you need not to cram even a single word of anatomy.
6.Was there any help that you acquired while exam preparation? Like any visual aids any professional guidance? Or those little tit bits that the professors tell us but none other than the toppers pay attention to? Please share with us
Nothing special, but one of my anatomy sir told me once that ” beta do remember that at the end of this year you must be able to visualise each anatomical structure of the patient in front of you by simply closing your eyes” and this was what I followed.
7.How vital is the Question bank during exams? Does it come highly recommended or you advice thorough reading of the text and having confound knowledge of the subject?
I think if you are thorough with the books, you can prepare very well for the exams by using the question bank. It’s really helpful during exams but one must refer it only during exams and not make it a habit.
8.How do you propose the students study and what kind of discipline should be followed during exam time?
Have a schedule and don’t panic.
9.Could you give some important pointers on Exam writing skills? And also how should one prepare for a practical exam?
Be specific in writing exams and I think half of the preparation for practicals get covered in theory and rest you can cover in group studies in hostels, that is the best for practicals.
10.Any special tricks and tacts for the students of your college who would be reading this?
Work harder, start competing , be passionate about things you do, and lastly the most important REMEMBER WHAT YOU STARTED FOR.
11.So, do you have any parting thoughts? Like disclosing that secret mantra that you chanted or that special brand of energy drink you savoured? Just kidding.. seriously though.. anything at all?
I have pretty much summed up every important thing which helped me, but at last it all depends upon individual’s comforts and ways.
