‘Didn’t make notes for NEET UG,’ says Shashank whose journey to crack medical exam was never easy

NEET: A day in the life of a medical aspirant 

“My day started at 6 am with some exercise, after which I attended coaching classes that went on till 1 pm. Post-lunch and a short rest, I divided my study time into three shifts. This routine helped me cover all subjects and revise what was taught in class,” Shashank Jopose told indianexpress.com. “Initially, I would go over the day’s lessons and solve multiple-choice questions, then revise previous topics, and finally read ahead to stay ahead in class.”

The 20-year-old is now studying MBBS at Grant Medical College, Maharashtra. Living in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, since his childhood, he preferred medical colleges that were in the state. “My preference was Maharashtra only because I was able to study without any extra living expenses, and could also support my parents,” said Jopose.

When asked why he chose not to make notes for NEET UG, Shashank explained, “I relied on the textbooks provided by Allen Institute and found them quite useful. Some of my batchmates would take notes in class and supplement them with coaching materials, but for me, that approach didn’t work. Initially, I felt like I was missing out because everyone around me was making notes, and I thought it might be affecting my preparation. But after discussing it with my teacher, he reassured me that it’s perfectly fine not to make notes, as long as it doesn’t negatively impact my studies,” said Shashank, who scored 75 percent in his Class 12 board exams.

For NEET UG 2024, he then tried solving problems using basic methods. “I used to start with simpler formulas, followed by solving complex questions. For me, complex questions were an extension of simpler questions so I thought that if I am able to solve simple questions easily there are higher chances that I can within time, solve higher level questions,” he said.

Solving a mock test was the most stressful time for him, especially when the marks would not improve despite consistent practice. However, he got support from his family, and friends. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I used to talk to them that helped me stay composed,” he added.

On the NEET UG 2024 day, Shashank said that he was nervous. “Everyone feels the pressure. However, I believe all the hard work and studies stay in our subconscious mind, and they are used when needed. On the day of the exam, I tried to keep myself distracted with fun conversations with my parents or friends to ease the stress,” he said.

After the exam, his top priority was to relax and enjoy; however, he didn’t stop studying entirely because the competition remains, even after NEET UG and MBBS. Further, he said that many students, because of peer and family pressure, prepare for the NEET. However, they feel miserable once they fail. “It’s crucial to choose a field that genuinely interests you, so you feel content in your work,” he said.