NEET Results 2024: Life lessons and strategies from a NEET achiever

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the results of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, Undergraduate (NEET-UG) on June 4, 2024. Out of 23,33,297 individuals who took the test, a total of 13,16,268 candidates successfully qualified for NEET 2024. The overall registrations for the examination stood at 24,06,079, with male candidates comprising 43.0% of the test takers, amounting to 9,98,298, and female candidates totaling 13,34,982 comprising 57.50%.

Amidst the backdrop of the NEET UG results released, many individual stories of aspiration and achievement have come to light. One such inspiring account is that of Rudra Sharma, a student who recently passed out of class XII from Apeejay School, Saket.

A diligent student, he faced the challenging exam with determination. In a detailed conversation, Rudra shared insights about his preparation strategies, the support from his teachers, and his area of specialisation – Pulmonology – when the time comes.

Tell us about yourself.

I wouldn’t say that I have lots to talk about myself. However, I did score 644 in the NEET exam of 2024. My rank is 35,100. While the result was in the expected lines, there are some apprehensions that I will find admission. I also play a bit of basketball and try to learn guitar.

How were your school days?

I was at Apeejay right from the nursery and all the years at the school were extremely good. Of course, there were some ups and downs. However, I also have some fond memories of my time here, especially when I was in classes XI and XII. The teachers here are exceptional. I would like to take this opportunity personally to thank my Chemistry teacher who helped me.

How did you manage Boards and NEET?

The syllabus for both was almost the same. Also, there wasn’t a strict study plan where I had to do so much; it was more like seeing how the day went. There was no strict schedule. But I had a plan in place where I would study 80 per cent of class XII and 20 per cent of class XI. This helped me to prepare for NEET well in advance.

Any books that you followed?

I followed the NCERT books and there were some other modules as well that I read. I didn’t read or refer to any other books because it would have only confused me more.

Advice for aspirants taking the exam next year?

Don’t take too much pressure. Treat the exam like any other test you would take. I went with the mindset of a person taking a mock test sitting at home. So I didn’t get too stressed.

Your strategy on the day of the exam?

I had heard a lot about how nervous it can be the day before or on the day of the exam. However, I didn’t pay heed to such statements and did my thing. I knew that I had studied and was well-prepared for it and did my best.

Support from the parents.

With a policeman for a father and a homemaker for a mother, my parents have been there for me right from the start. They never forced me to pursue a particular field or stream. I decided to pursue an MBBS.