NEETQuest - Aritra Saha
Name: Aritra Saha
Birth Place: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Academic Qualification: MBBS, AIIMS Kalyani, Ghora Gachha, West Bengal India (Admission Batch: 2024)
In which year you qualified NEET?
2024
At which attempt you qualified NEET?
2nd attempt
Why did you choose this profession?
Since childhood, I had wanted to be a doctor, especially a surgeon. That wish intensified when my mom was operated on for gallbladder stones. But in class 10, I was also interested in studying Engineering. I liked both Physics and Biology equally. I prepared for both NEET and JEE simultaneously so that I had options in both fields. After clearing both exams, I had the chance to study at AIIMS Kalyani as well as IIT-BHU. However, in the end, I decided to listen to my childhood self, who used to go to sleep dreaming of being a doctor, and finally chose this profession.
When did you actually start preparing for NEET?
2023
Did you take any coaching? Do you think coaching is necessary for clearing NEET?
I studied at Aakash Institute (Classroom) at the South Kolkata branch and signed up for an additional test series at PrepMed. I do not believe that coaching is absolutely necessary for clearing NEET. However, I do believe that the right environment and mindset are needed to crack the exam. NEET is fundamentally an easy exam but paradoxically also a very competitive one. You need to minimize your mistakes, especially silly ones, and score almost all the moderate and easy questions. Hence, I believe that to clear NEET, you need discipline and focus above everything else. You need a well-planned schedule of tests and rapid revisions to avoid procrastinating, cement your learning, and score high in NEET.
How did you balance your school and NEET preparations? Was it the same, or did you study separately for NEET and the school examination?
I used to attend school quite regularly. Classes at school would help me understand a simpler version of the concepts, and while preparing for NEET, you need to improve on those concepts while solving the harder questions. I had procrastinated a lot in class 11 and partly in class 12, and in the end, I started NEET preparation from January 2023. Before the 12th board exams, I would study for NEET 2023 and not for the board exams. While that attempt was not enough to clear NEET 2023, it did fetch me 91% in the 12th boards.
What were your sources during preparation for Biology, Physics, and Chemistry?
I used Aakash modules and NCERT textbooks to prepare for Physics and Chemistry. As for Biology, I used only NCERT textbooks.
Are NCERTs sufficient for cracking NEET? What's your opinion on this?
Yes, NCERT is sufficient for cracking NEET. The questions in the exam are fundamentally easy and are all derived from concepts outlined in the NCERT. NCERT is a Bible for NEET aspirants. There is almost nothing that will be asked in the NEET exam that is outside NCERT.
What are the major challenges that you faced during preparation? And how did you tackle them?
I sometimes felt depressed due to my low scores in mock exams. I had also hit a plateau phase in terms of my marks, which worried me. The only solution I had for tackling self-doubt was self-belief. I believed in myself and just put my head down and studied whenever negative thoughts came into my mind.
Is it true that when you prepare for this exam, you have to devote longer hours or burn the midnight oil? Did you have time to attend family functions or festivals, or were you always studying?
Yes, it is true that we have to devote longer hours. However, I do not believe that an aspirant should avoid all family functions or festivals. Studying without any contact with friends, relatives, and well-wishers can sometimes damage your mental state and hamper your progress. For me, attending family functions and festivals would act as a "refresh" button, and after that one day away from studies, I would study again with full vigour.
How did you keep yourself motivated during your entire journey?
I always had an uncanny belief in myself that I would clear NEET. Even when my scores were initially low, I was confident that I would pass the exams. My parents and friends also helped me stay motivated by offering words of encouragement.
Did you use technology like social media or a phone during your preparation? How did you prevent yourself from Doomscrolling?
I had switched to a button phone during my NEET preparation days. I did have my Instagram and Twitter accounts on my mom's phone, which I would use only for a stipulated time of 30–40 minutes per day.
Nowadays, coaching for NEET has started from an early age (even 6th or 8th grade). What is your opinion on this?
I think that is a bit of an overkill. In my opinion, it is not needed. Preparation from class 11 will be enough to crack NEET with a high score.
What do you think is the right time to start preparation for NEET?
Class 11
How many attempts should one take at this exam if one does not succeed?
I think a person can take two further gap years after the first attempt, i.e., a total of three attempts. I personally would not recommend further attempts because taking repeated drops may lead to depression and reduced productivity.
The cost of pursuing an MBBS degree from a private university in India is very high, and not everyone can afford it. What do you suggest someone do if unable to secure admission in a government institution? Should they take a gap year or seek admission abroad for the same course?
Yes, they can take a gap year. However, if one is sure about not taking a gap year, they may explore foreign options since they are cheaper than management quota seats in Indian private colleges.
Your Mantra for success?
Believe in yourself and keep trying until you succeed.
What advice would you like to give to NEET aspirants?
Belief is everything: Always believe that you can do it.
Practice MCQs a lot and give practice exams frequently.
Keep yourself motivated and avoid negativity.
Maintain consistency: NEET is a marathon, not a sprint.
Sleep at least 8 hours before the real exam.
What is your spiciest opinion that most people disagree with?
Results of class 10 and 12 board exams are irrelevant and have no importance in real life.
How would your parents describe what you do?
Doing miracles at the 12th hour.
What do you hope the world will look like in 10 years?
A much more serene, tranquil, and peaceful place. Technology will guide us but not rule over us. Hopefully, medical science will also make strides during that period.
Anything you want to share about yourself?
I'm currently an MBBS student at AIIMS Kalyani. I am passionate about saving lives as a future medical professional and intrigued by future research opportunities. My hobbies include creative writing, debate, and poetry.
