NEET Results 2024: A path that was paved with commitment

Imagine a grand hall buzzing with the excitement of over 2.3 million aspiring doctors, each one’s heart pounding with anticipation. You guessed it right. The NTA has pulled the veil off the results, revealing the scores of the NEET exam that will shape the future and fulfill the dreams of many and one such aspirant is from Apeejay School, Pitampura.

Meet Shubham Ashish Kulkarni, a dedicated and talented individual who loves traveling and is now on the path to becoming a doctor. Shubham has achieved an outstanding score of 705 in the NEET exam, securing an All India Rank of 1,347.

In a recent telephonic conversation, the achiever shared valuable insights into his rigorous practice regimen and strategies for tackling the most challenging questions in the exam. His disciplined approach and unwavering focus played a crucial role in his success, and he is an inspiration to many aspiring doctors.

Keep scrolling to read more…

Tell us about yourself.

I have recently cleared my class XII from Apeejay School, Pitampura. My parents are engineers. I enjoy watching vlogs on YouTube, always maintaining a disciplined approach. I have a passion for traveling and often take short trips of two to three days to different destinations whenever I need a break. Additionally, I have a keen interest in instrumental music and enjoy playing the tabla.

What was your daily study routine like?

On days when I had school, I dedicated three hours to studying. During holidays, I increased my study time to seven to eight hours daily. Starting from January, on days when I didn’t have anything else, I committed to studying for 10 hours daily. This rigorous schedule reflects my dedication to my academic pursuits and my determination to achieve my educational goals.

How did you start your NEET preparation journey?

I’ve dreamt of pursuing a career in medicine since I was in class VI. As I entered class IX, I started studying small topics in classes XI and XII. However, at that time, I wasn’t very serious about it and focused more on my school studies. It was in the 11th grade that I began my full-fledged preparation for the NEET exam.

How did you balance your school studies and NEET preparation?

Both NEET and school studies are entirely based on the NCERT curriculum, so they complement each other well. I made sure to allocate specific time slots to complete my school assignments and took my school exams seriously. This approach was beneficial as it allowed me to cover many chapters, including some crucial and high-weightage NEET topics.

How often did you take mock tests, and how did you analyse your performance?

Mock tests have been a regular part of my study process from the beginning and focusing on part of the syllabus. After my Board exams, I started taking full syllabus mock tests, including coaching papers and NEET previous year papers. I took four mock tests per week. After each test, I analysed my performance, reviewed and revised the topics where I made mistakes or couldn’t attempt questions, and recorded my errors in an error log for future reference.

What strategies did you use to tackle difficult questions or sections?

For challenging questions, I sought help from my teachers to gain a better understanding. I referred to NCERT textbooks for difficult topics and turned to my teachers for further clarification if needed. Additionally, I discussed these topics with my friends to enhance my understanding.

Were your school teachers helpful enough for you?

My school was incredibly supportive throughout my NEET preparation. The teachers were highly encouraging and cooperative, always believing in my potential to achieve a good score on this exam. The school did not pressurise us with assignments and file work but rather allowed us to focus more on our exam preparation. This leniency was especially helpful in managing both NEET and school responsibilities effectively. Additionally, the school PT and assembly periods provided a refreshing break for the mind.

What are the key points that you believe future NEET aspirants should keep in mind?

For future NEET aspirants, it’s crucial not to leave any topic in the syllabus untouched, given the intense competition. Thoroughly covering the NCERT curriculum, including Physics, is essential — one of the questions even came from the summary of a Physics chapter. Aspirants should study diligently and aim to maximise their scores, as securing a rank within the top 10,000 can require scoring over 675 marks. 

What are your plans after securing such a high rank in NEET?

My plans include pursuing an MBBS degree from MAMC, VMMC, or UCMS. While I haven’t decided on my dream specialisation yet, I am at present inclined towards surgical studies.