Setting Daily Targets and Taking Regular Mock Tests Helped Crack NEET: Tanmay Gupta, AIR 1, NEET 2021

NEET 2021 Topper Interview: Tanmay Gupta, AIR 1

Tanmay Gupta, AIR 1, NEET 2021 has created history by being the first student from Jammu & Kashmir to score a perfect 720 out of 720 in the biggest medical entrance exam in India, NEET. Although he shifted to Delhi and is the state topper of Delhi/NCT, it only adds to Tanmay’s achievement. Son of doctor parents, Tanmay decided to pursue the medical field in Class 10 and owing to his love for Science subjects since his childhood.

Tanmay studied in Delhi Public School, RK Puram and is a champion swimmer who even represented Jammu & Kashmir. During his rigorous preparation tenure also he used to regularly swim to keep himself fit and mentally composed. Setting up daily targets and completing those followed by mock tests is his secret of cracking this competitive exam. He also gave credit to his supportive family members who were there by him in every phase of his NEET journey.

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In this exclusive interview with Shiksha, Tanmay shares his preparation strategy, future plans and suggestions for future NEET takers. Read the full interview below.

NEET 2021 Topper Interview

Q: Congratulations on your result! What was your reaction when you came to know about your rank?

A: Thank you so much! I was completely overwhelmed upon receiving my NEET result. I had expected a good score but getting a complete 720 out of 720 was like a dream come true for me. I received several accolades, including those from the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, which made me feel really special and honoured. Also, bringing my home state J&K on the map of NEET toppers has also been a moment of immense joy and pride.

Q: When and how did you decide to pursue MBBS?

A: I had a fascination for Science subjects from the very beginning and I always knew that I would pursue my higher education in this field. I decided to pursue Medical in Class 10 and started preparing after writing my Board exam.

Q: When did you start preparing for NEET and what was the strategy?

A: I had started preparing for NEET from Class 11 onwards. My strategy was to be consistent and clear with concepts so that there is no ambiguity in terms of conceptual understanding. I used to set daily targets. I used to target the chapters I intended to complete in a day within a prefixed time limit, followed by practice. On average, I used to put in four to five hours of study on a school day and seven to eight hours on an off day.

Q: When did you join coaching and how did it help you?

A: I had joined coaching in Class 11, right when I started my NEET preparation. It was really helpful for me as it provided me with a plethora of question types, NEET mock tests, concept-clearing sessions, etc.

Q: What were your strong and weak areas?

A: Zoology and Physics were my strengths. Inorganic Chemistry was my weak area. Since this topic required memorising formulae, I used to revise it frequently till the time the important parts were etched in my mind.

Q: When did you start taking mock tests?

A: I started taking mock tests from November onwards. After the results were declared, there used to be a doubt clearing session where I asked questions regarding my performance and methods to improve my preparation and test performance from my mentors. They also provided me with an in-depth analysis of my mock test performance which helped me improve.

Q: How did you balance your NEET preparation along with your school and Board exams?

A: I used to focus more on NEET since the syllabus was more or less the same for the Board exams. The answers had to be written in a descriptive and detailed format in the Board exams. Hence, it was not much of a challenge.

Q: How did the lockdown impact your preparation?

A: Initially it was really difficult for me to adjust to the new normal situation of lockdown. Physical classrooms were shifted to online classes and it was a challenge for me to focus. However, with time I got accustomed to the situation. I made a timetable and followed it. I was in touch with my teachers and constantly reached out to them for clearing any doubt that I faced while studying.

Q: The NEET exam pattern changed this year just two months before the exam. How did you manage the change?

A: Yes, the NEET exam pattern change caused slight disruption in the beginning but my coaching institute were quite prompt in providing us with mock tests in the new pattern. Practising the new pattern and taking frequent mock tests did not cause any hindrance in the new exam pattern of NEET.

Q: What was your exam taking strategy?

A: My strategy was to move from subject to subject in the NEET paper. I started with Biology, followed by Chemistry and end it with Physics. I used to solve the questions first and then fill the OMR sheet in the end.

Q: Amid the rigorous study schedule, how did you unwind yourself?

A: I used to go for swimming and morning walks to keep myself physically and mentally fit and calm. Apart from that, I used to speak with my friends on phone. These were a few pastimes that I indulged myself in.

Q: Which is your dream medical college?

A: I aim to take admission in AIIMS Delhi.

Q: Your suggestion for next year’s NEET takers.

A: My suggestion for them would be to stick to NCERT books especially for Biology and Chemistry. Take as many mock tests as possible and clarify your doubts with your mentors and seniors. Evaluate yourself after every test.

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