NEET PG 2020 topper interview: Shiv Kumar Sharma AIR 1

NEET PG 2020 topper interview- The success of Shiv Kumar Sharma is an example for all those who are preparing for the NEET PG examination. Scoring a record-breaking 1013 marks in NEET PG 2020, Shiv Kumar Sharma has raised the bars for others. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Shiv Kumar Sharma shares his exam day experience. The story is truly inspiring and his success mantra will surely help others battling their fears.

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.

– Bruce Lee

Shiv Kumar Sharma propagates focused study for NEET PG. He does not believe in studying for 8-10 hours straight and suggests that one should take breaks when tired. Read on to know more tips and tricks for NEET PG preparation, by Shiv Kumar Sharma, All India Rank 1. With NEET PG 2021 exam scheduled to be held on September 11, candidates may use these tips shared by the last year's NEET PG topper to their benefit.

Also Read: AIIMS PG 2020 Topper Interview with Dr Shiv Kumar Sharma Rank 8   NEW  

NEET PG 2020 topper interview: Shiv Kumar Sharma AIR 1

Question: An All India Rank 1! How are you feeling? How did you celebrate?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: It is a great feeling. I did not get a chance to celebrate yet. I was a trip with my friends when the NEET PG 2020 result was announced. Fearing that the results will spoil the rest of our trip, we switched off our mobile phones. One of my friends switched on his phone around 8, after having dinner, and informed me that my parents had called him a couple of times. I then spoke to father who in-turn informed me about my result. Post that I was flooded with calls and messages, and I have been travelling since.

Question: Who would you give the credit for your success?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: My parents and my sister. All my seniors have also been very helpful. I was at a low in the month of November last year. But, both my seniors and juniors, helped boost my morale. So, I would want to thank all of them. Also, I would like to thank all my teachers, all of them have worked hard for my success.

Question: Can you tell us a little bit about your family?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I am from Lalsot, Dausa (Rajasthan). I have a younger sister who is also pursuing MBBS. My father is a professor in Rajkiya Sanskrit College and my mother is a housewife.

Question: What motivated you to become a doctor?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: When I was very young, my family and relatives started calling me Dr Shiva. I really liked it when they called me Dr Shiva. They also encouraged me to choose this profession. Before I knew I had cleared NEET UG, and now NEET PG.

Question: How was your performance in NEET UG?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I had secured an AIR 115 in NEET UG. But I secured an AIR 1 in Rajasthan PMT that year.

Question: When did you start preparing for NEET PG 2020?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I had joined Bhatia’s when I was in the second year. I wasn’t much serious about my NEET preparation back then. I mainly focused on preparing notes and studied for a few hours. My preparation kicked off during my internship, which I think is true for most NEET PG aspirants.

Question: How did you balance your internship and NEET PG preparation?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: The internship here is not that hectic. We have bonded well with our seniors and teachers, they helped us during our preparation. They co-operated with us during our preparation phase.

Question: What was your routine during the preparation phase?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I am not someone who can sit for hours with a book. Therefore, I did not have any routine. I studied for an hour, got bored, took a break, engaged in some recreational activity, and then got back to studying.

Question: How to prepare for NEET PG?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I would like to give a few tips to those who are currently pursuing their internship because I feel that interns are more focused on their NEET preparation. First, do not stress over things. If you stress over an hour that was wasted, you will waste another obsessing about it. Next, try to stay positive under all circumstances. It is important to stay focused because this a crucial period. To cover the 19 subjects in one year is not an easy task. It is exhausting and will keep you away from family or friends. But if you have the zeal and you follow your schedule religiously, the results are worth it.

Also, focus on the mock test. I think 70% of the preparation is done if you solve the mock tests regularly. Since NEET PG is an MCQ based test, you need to develop a habit of solving these regularly. Take every test like it is the final attempt. Try to identify your mistakes and keep correcting them. These will help you a lot.

Question: How have mock tests helped you?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I couldn’t sleep the night before the examination. I was anxious and feared that I may not be able to perform in the examination. I started feeling drained and sleepy just before the examination and had to request the invigilator to let me go to the restroom to freshen up. I gave the examination lightheaded and I still don’t remember half the questions that were asked in the examination. But I think the mock tests that I had solved during the preparation phase helped me on the exam day. I was so used to giving tests that it didn’t fail me. Our brain has two parts, whatever goes into your subconscious, becomes the best.

Question: Many candidates had to face technical issues on the exam day. What was your experience?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I was in luck, my centre did not have such issues. But, there was a centre in Jaipur which was not up to the mark. Many of my counterparts complained that they had to restart the examination around 7 -8 times. One cannot imagine the stress that they must be under during the examination, and how can someone perform under such conditions. 

Question: What was the most difficult subject for you?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I think I had to work harder on the ‘short subject’. These subjects do not have much weightage in the examination but have a vast syllabus, such as Forensic Medicine, Radiology, Orthopaedics, etc. Also, they do not have any standard books and you have to depend on the notes that you make in the classes. These subjects are not covered in depth during MBBS but the questions asked in NEET PG require in-depth knowledge, especially with Forensic Medicine, Paediatrics and Anaesthesia.

Question: Which discipline/college are you going to choose now?

Shiv Kumar Sharma: I haven’t thought about it. I will analyse my options after I complete my internship. It is a lifelong decision, and I don’t want to take it in a haste. One wrong decision can ruin your entire life.

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