Name: Vansh Sharma
Birth Place: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
Academic Qualification: MBBS from GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India (Admission batch: 2021)
In which year you qualified NEET?
2021
College Name and admission batch
Godhra Medical College, Gujarat, India (Admission batch: 2021)
Why did you choose this profession?
I chose this profession out of passion. Since my childhood, I have been interested in the medical field, and I find the never-ending beauty of this profession captivating.
When did you actually start preparing for NEET?
I started preparing for NEET in 2019.
Did you take any coaching? If yes, do you think coaching is necessary for clearing NEET?
Yes, I took coaching at Akash Institute. I believe that guidance is necessary to effectively prepare for the exam.
How did you balance your school and NEET Preparation? Was it the same or you studied separately for NEET and the school examination?
Balancing school and NEET preparation wasn't a major obstacle for me as the syllabus for both was quite similar. Being a student of the ISCE board made it quite easy, as our exams focused on concepts rather than rote learning.
What were your sources during preparation for biology, physics, and chemistry?
I solely relied on NCERT textbooks as my source for preparation.
Are NCERTs sufficient for cracking NEET? What's your opinion on this?
Yes, NCERT textbooks are sufficient to crack NEET. Almost all the questions are asked from the textbooks. Using NCERT as my only source is the reason I scored 346/360 in Biology.
What were the major challenges that you faced during preparation, and how did you tackle them?
One major challenge I faced was the news regarding the delay in the NEET exam, which affected my preparation. I was fed up, so I decided to stop using social media altogether during my preparation. I advise aspirants not to pay heed to fake news as it will only slow you down.
Is it true that when you prepare for this exam, you have to devote 18 hours a day or something like that? Did you attend family functions or festivals, or were you always studying?
Devoting long hours to preparation is often necessary to crack this exam. I had to miss almost all family functions and stopped hanging out with my friends. This exam determines your career, so if you truly want to become a doctor, you'll have to dedicate everything to your preparation.
How did you keep yourself motivated during your entire journey?
I kept myself motivated by thinking about how proud my parents and I would be if I managed to crack this exam. Being an average student all my life before this exam made me doubt myself, so it was also about proving to myself that I can do it. If an average student like me could do it, so can anyone else.
Did you use technology like social media or your phone during your preparation? How did you prevent yourself from Doomscroling?
To prevent distractions, I deactivated all my social media accounts during my preparation. I realized that I was wasting a lot of time scrolling endlessly. Cutting myself off from the outside world during my preparation was worth it.
What do you think is the right time to start preparation for NEET?
There is no specific right time to start preparing for NEET. Toppers are never late, and it's never too early to start preparing for such a competitive exam.
Nowadays, coaching for NEET has started from an early age (even 6th or 8th grade). What is your opinion on this?
I started my coaching from 9th grade, and I believe that starting early can provide an advantage as it allows more time for concept building and practice. However, it's important to strike a balance and not overload oneself with too much pressure at a young age.
Till how many attempts should one give this exam?
I suggest giving 2-3 attempts for NEET.
As the cost of pursuing an MBBS degree from a private university in India is very high, not everyone can afford it. What do you suggest someone do if they are unable to secure admission in a government college? Should they take a gap year or seek admission abroad for the same course?
If someone is unable to secure admission in a government college due to financial constraints, I suggest considering a gap year. This allows time to explore other options, such as scholarship opportunities or alternative courses. Pursuing education abroad can also be an option, but it is important to thoroughly research and consider the financial implications.
Your Mantra for success.
My mantra for success is to not dwell on the possibility of failure but to imagine and focus on the positive outcomes that achieving your goals can bring to your life.
What advice would you like to give to NEET aspirants?
My advice to NEET aspirants is to never give up. If you stumble, get back up and continue fighting, because that's what heroes do.
Do you believe that relationship hampers your selection? If yes, why? If no, then why not?
If managed effectively, a relationship does not have to hamper your preparation. It is important to be in a relationship with someone who supports your dream and understands the demands of your preparation. Communication and setting realistic expectations are key to maintaining a healthy balance.
What is your spiciest opinion that most people disagree with?
One spiciest opinion I hold is that only talented individuals can crack NEET. I find this statement to be baseless and believe that hard work and determination are crucial in achieving success.
How would your parents describe what you do?
My parents are proud of my career choice, and they have always supported me during my preparation. They believe that being a doctor is the most honorable profession, and they see my dedication and hard work as admirable qualities.
What do you hope the world will look like in 10 years?
In the next 10 years, I hope to see a world that has undergone significant changes, particularly in the field of medical advancements. The rapid progress in medical technology and research gives hope for extended lifespans, and it has been estimated that people below the age of 20 right now will be able to live for more than 100 years. Additionally, I hope that significant breakthroughs are made in finding a cure for cancer, providing better healthcare and well-being for all.
(NEETQuest/Vansh Sharma/PB)
