NEET Topper Tips: ‘Experimentation & being original were my success mantras’ says Shashank Kumar who scored 718

Beginning his preparation from Class 11 and taking guidance from Allen Institute, Kumar shifted to Rajasthan’s Kota and prepared for the NEET UG. “I focussed mainly on coaching materials, class notes of Class 11, and 12 and attempted every test of the coaching classes. Whenever I had time, I focussed on reading NCERT, especially the last five months before the NEET. I thoroughly read and revised NCERT. I believe that my thorough revision of NCERT helped me clear the examination as many questions are from the book,” said the boy who ranked AIR 15.

For memorising facts, Shashank used to write them on a paper and then paste it on a board for constant revision. He considered them as his notes and said that these fact sheets were helpful for him to memorise.

When asked how he prepared for the examination one week before, he said: “One week before it’s crucial to be calm and cool and stay away from negativity. How I orient my mind will impact how well I will be able to perform in the examination. I used to stay away from negative thoughts. Before the exam, usually an environment of tension is created in classes and among students where everyone talks about the NEET. So, I tried not to overhype the situation.”

While attempting mock test, and coaching exams, Shashank used to think that he was giving his final NEET exam. This approach helped him during his examination and avoided him getting tensed, nervous or stressed while attempting to answer.

“For attempting paper, I used to experiment with my strategies to get one suitable for me. I used to read topper tips but I have my own preparation and personality. Somebody’s preparation tips would not help me the way it aided the topper. So I kept my originality intact and experimented in every mock and class test to perform better.” said the ranker who scored 99 per cent in Class 10.

NCERT should be followed religiously, said the topper adding that he used to make a list of all the topics and ticked them all when done. “Everyone should make his or her own strategies. You can take inputs and suggestions from toppers but one’s preparation and guidance will always be helpful during and after the examination.