Interview with Nirmal Raj P
We had a chat with a topper, Nirmal Raj P. Read through his interview:
The ranks he got:
Keam-364 Neet- 988 Aiims-729
1) How tough is the entrance exams according to you?
Ans. The difficulty depends on how well you have prepared. If you're well prepared, it is easy otherwise it becomes difficult.
2) When did you start your entrance exam preparation? Do you think it was the correct time to start?
Ans. I started my preparation along with my high school and then repeated for one more year. I think you are always one step ahead if the preparation goes along with your high school.
3) Did you take coaching? If yes, where and how has it benefitted you. If no, mention why you chose so and how did you go forward.
(Mention the benefits and disadvantages you got with or without coaching)
Ans. I went for coaching in Brilliant study centre, Pala. It has very helpful because it's always good to have someone to guide you. And if that's in the right direction you teach your goal. That's what you have in the class. Experienced guides.
4) Do you think NCERT is important? Why?
Ans. NCERT is the very core of entrance exam. If you are a master of NCERT you have more than 80% score which is very good.
5) Which all books did you refer other than NCERT?
Ans. Physics: Arihant, GRB, Dinesh
Biology: Pradeep, GRB
Chemistry: GRB, Dinesh, Arihant
Any other books (like magazines or previous year books): Dinesh previous year of each subject, Today magazine.
6) Which subject do you think was tough for you? How did you manage it?
Ans. At the very beginning of my repeater class I knew my weak point was Physics. So my whole focus was on Physics. I did as much questions as I could daily. Within three months, I was confident about it.
7) How did you tackle the following subjects? Mention tips and tricks you used also.
Ans. Physics:- Work out maximum questions till you understand the pattern. Learn the equations by understanding their derivations.
Chemistry:- Interconnect all the equations in organic chemistry by yourself. When it comes to physical chemistry, by hearting the equations and question workout will do. Inorganic chemistry is vast. Stick to NCERT & previous year questions. Learn the different orders.
Biology:- Be thorough with the NCERT. Generate as many one word questions from each chapter as you read each time.
GK and English:- English gets better by communication. G K is usually not so tough. Current affairs is the part from which most questions are asked. So read the newspaper daily if possible.
8) The portion is vast. How did you manage to remember everything on the exam day? How did you revise?
Ans. If you understand the topics you learn, especially in Physics, there is not much problem. Short notes can be very much helpful. Doing only previous year questions of Physics and Chemistry in the last two months is good. But in Biology no such tricks. Do as many questions as you can but never wander off from your NCERT. Alittle extra knowledge is also good.
9) Did you use mnemonics, stories, etc to remember stuff for exams? Can you mention a few which you used?
Ans. No. I was pretty much a straight learner.
10) Did you make a time table? If yes, can you explain how did you make it and whether you followed it. If no, why did you chose so?
Ans. No. Because I was one who learnt according to my mood. I couldn't follow a timetable. But I made sure I was up to date. I think its good to have a timetable to have an organised study.
11) How important is to write mock exams?
Ans. Very important. Most students fail to complete the exams on time. Mock tests help you overcome this. If the tests are set on your own, its good to practice with half or one hour less than the actual exam time.
12) How important are study breaks? What do you do in your study breaks?
Ans. Its a fact that one can do concentrated study for only 30 minutes. So its always helpful to have study breaks every 30 to 40 minutes. Its not how long you study its about how well you study. A walk in fresh air, talk with friends, music, these were my breaktime leisures.
13) Do you advise studying late at night? Should a student go sleepless in entrance exam preparation? What should be the ideal sleep time?
Ans. I advise late night studies to those who are comfortable with it. Others can do it early morning. These are two times when the surrounding is most silent. Always make sure you sleep 6 to 7 hrs a day. I never advice sleepless studies. It moreover dulls your brain function.
14) What did you do on the following instances?
Ans. A month before the exams:- With previois year questions on full swing.
A week before the exams:- Finally look at my shortnotes and NCERT.
The day before the exams:- Relaxed but never went near TV. Music without lyrics was helpful. Phoned some friends and family. Went to bed early.
The exam day:- Reached the exam centre 1 hour early at the exam centre. Kept my mind fresh and calm.
15) Did you achieve success in your first attempt? If yes, how did you plan. If no, what was the reason behind it?
Ans. No. I didn’t put in my best efforts the first time. I learnt most in the last two months.
16) (only for repeaters) Why did you choose to repeat? How hard was the decision?
Ans. It was always God’s blessing and my decisions that helped me. When I chose to repeat, the main hurdle brfore me was my level of confidence. I had to boost it many folds to come to the decision. If you are confident that you can score a good rank, it is always good to give it a go. And the passion, it is very important.
17) Mention the difficulties you faced during your entrance exam preparation. How did you overcome them? (Mention each one separately)
Ans. 1. I couldn’t complete my mock tests on time. So I did it many times over and finally was confident that I could even have balance time.
18) Did you make any mistakes? What were they?
Ans. I had failed to read the questions thoroughly.
Sometimes I never read all the options.
Double marked or mismarked some questions accidently.
19) How did you maintain your composure and mind during this hectic period of entrance exam preparation?
Ans. Prayer, meditation, exercise and good friends helped me do it. These things prevented me from breaking down.
20) What advice would you like to give to aspirants?
Ans. Always know that you are working hard for a harder course. All that can keep you steady is your passion for the service and your confidence. All the very best to all.
21) What motivated you to choose this profession?
Ans. The death of some people I read in the newspapers due to cancer inflicted on me the craving to be an oncologist. The idea of relieving the pain of many is what motivates me.
22) What made you motivated to prepare for the entrance exams?
Ans. My teachers, family and friends, without doubt.
Thank you for your valuable time.
