NEET UG Toppers’ Tips: ‘How maintaining a mistake copy helped my preparation’

The NEET UG all-India rank holder said that she decided to do an MBBS and become a doctor while she was in Class 10. Her interest in science and biology in particular made her choose a career in medicine. Speaking to the indianexpress.com, Garg shares how she prepared for NEET UG. 

How did you prepare for NEET UG?

My NEET UG preparation started when I was in Class 11. I was enrolled in an offline classroom coaching program at Allen Jaipur. The coaching classes were held four days a week. During those four days, I ensured reading the NCERT textbooks, revised the chapters taught in class and checked important questions.

I mainly focussed on the coaching materials and followed the NCERT books religiously. During the last few months after Diwali, I did multiple revisions and appeared for mock tests. 

I also maintained a mistake copy. It helped me track down mistakes I was making in the mock tests. I used to analyse them after every mock test. I did not make notes for all the subjects. I used to note down points in the mistake copy only.

I did not take any stress at all during my preparation. I made sure to give my best in preparation and not think of the result. Taking stress won’t help and there is life beyond my exam. I knew that my parents, teachers and mentors would support me. 

What was it like preparing for board exams and NEET UG simultaneously?

I did not find preparing for both of the exams together challenging. There were many overlaps in the syllabus of the board exams and NEET UG. The only difference was in the pattern of questions asked.

I also appeared for the National Talent Search (NTS) exams held by NCERT, bio-olympiads and other competitive exams while I was preparing for the board exams and NEET UG. They helped me to be in the exam mode.

What would you recommend to NEET UG 2024 aspirants?

– Staying positive always helps

– Enjoy the process

– Remember NCERTs by heart

– Go through the previous year’s questions

– Take mock tests to know where you stand

Do you think coaching is important to clear NEET UG with a good rank?

I have met many people in the medical fraternity who did not join any coaching but cleared NEET UG. However, for people like me, I feel coaching is beneficial in streamlining preparation and having a guide throughout the process. Without coaching, I feel, I would be distracted and not have felt competitive. With coaching, I felt more motivated. The pressure I felt to be with the competitive minds in my coaching pushed me to do better every day. 

Life in ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi

I chose ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi for multiple reasons. First, it is based in Delhi and it was among the best colleges I was allotted to in the counselling process. I believe studying in this college will broaden my scope and provide me with ample opportunities in the future. 

It was all new for me in ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital when I came here in mid-2023 – new city, new people and it was my first time living away from my parents. Although it was overwhelming at first, this college has made me feel at home in just a few months. It is now a home away from home.