1.Congratulations on achieving such an amazing feat. Tell us a bit about yourself. Please also tell us your individual marks in each subject.
Hi. I’m Amit Dashputra.
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?
In the beginning, when everyone is disoriented, it is important to GIVE TIME to the new subjects. Studying for around 1 hour is usually the most that can be managed for regular college days. It is essential to take a break at least on weekends. Apart from this it is essential to STOP COMPARING the “amount” or duration of study with other people. Adapting to new subjects extends beyond just textbooks. Ever heard about the Facebook page of The Awkward Yeti?
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 ?
No, I did not have a set schedule. A realistic timetable is useful to achieve short-term goals. Self-study is useful as long as it is HONEST. If you feel you have understood then go ahead, if not then its time to make efforts.
Clearing such small “arey ye kuchsamajhnahiaaya” goes a long way in having good concepts.
4. Did you have a different methodology of tackling the subjects? Any special notes that you prepared?
EXPLAINING to yourself and making a NOTE of all the “Eureka moments” in the textbook itself will help you recall and understand the same topic whenever you choose to read it again. Knowing concepts from teachers saves a lot of time and effort.
5. Do you have any special pointers for specific subjects? The do’s and don’ts of it?
For anatomy it is nice if you can RELATE to your own body. If something is recalled as “ye page ke left side petha” then it is likely to be forgotten. A lot of things in Physiology and Biochemistry are processes. Factual burden is reduced if the “why’s” can be reasoned by logic.
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.
Visual aids helped me in topics like Embryology. Developing a habit to LOOK UP on the Internet for confusing and intriguing topics makes the subject easy to understand and interesting.
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?
Question bank is crucial aid for exam-oriented preparation. It highlights the MUST KNOW portions of a subject. Noting down the previous year question at the beginning of relevant topic is good idea. There is endless knowledge available on any given topic. Hence, focused study is important. Basics first!
8.How do you propose the students study and what kind of discipline should be followed during exam time?
Exam time studies can be tackled by materializing on a realistic timetable. It is important to take adequate SLEEP. There will be no MBBS examination where you will be fully prepared. Improvise with what you have. An ALERT mind is the greatest asset in examination; be it written or practical.
9.Could you give some important pointers on Exam writing skills? And also how should one prepare for a practical exam?
In GENERAL, writing answers in points, drawing diagrams and underlining important words account for most of the presentation in a written examination. There is time crunch in Anatomy exam, so diagrams have special importance. Answers should be to the point. In Physiology exams flowcharts will fetch impressive marks. A lot of answers in biochemistry are based on topics related to previous years’ subjects. Relevant expansion of ideas is welcome here. Developing hands on SKILLS, if required is essential for practical examinations. Avoiding short forms, speaking in complete sentences, not wasting time will keep the examiner happy. Happy examiner is a lenient examiner.
10.Any special tricks and tacts for the students of your college who would be reading this?
Do not hesitate to approach teachers, they are there for you. Feel free to contact seniors in any matters you need advice on.
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 .seriously though..anything at all?
There is a lot more to college life than textbooks. Everyone needs an escape. Your life is worth all you can invest in it, and more. Let you purpose emerge in moments large and small. Feel its power as gives great benefit to your entire world. Live long and Prosper!
INTERVIEWER: Ananya Mathur