NEET UG Topper 2023 Dev Bhatia, AIR 18, says focus on NCERT books to crack NEET Exam

With All India Rank 18, Dev Bhatia wants to join his dream medical institute AIIMS Delhi and aspires to become a neurosurgeon. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Bhatia talked about his NEET-UG preparation strategy, exam technique, career plans and more. Dev also shared some important points for candidates aspiring to appear for the medical entrance exam NEET-UG. Check out some important excerpts from the interview below:

NEET UG 2023 Topper Dev Bhatia secured a total of 715 scores out of 720. With All India Rank 18, Bhatia wants to join his dream medical institute, AIIMS Delhi and aspires to become a neurosurgeon. National Testing Agency (NTA) declared NEET result on June 13. Son of a Chartered Accountant, Dev told Shiksha.com that he always had high expectations with his NEET-UG results. In an exclusive interview with us, Bhatia talked about his NEET-UG preparation strategy, exam technique, career plans and more. Dev also shared some important points for candidates aspiring to appear for the medical entrance exam NEET-UG. Check out some important excerpts from the interview below:

Q: Congratulations on your success in NEET 2023. Were you expecting this result?

A: Yes, I had a strong sense of confidence in my results and held high expectations for achieving favorable outcomes.

Q: Tell us something about yourself such as your schooling, family, etc.

A: My Father is a Chartered Accountant and My Mother is a vastu shastra’s Specialist. I did my 10th and 12th both from CBSE Boards. I secured 97% in my CBSE 10th Board Exams and 96.8% in 12th Board Exams.

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

A: One of my prospective career aspirations is to become a neurosurgeon. I have always found the brain to be a fascinating organ, with all its complexities and intricacies and the way it helps the rest of the body parts coordinate with each other.Hence it inspired and motivated me to pursue medicine.

Q: What are the factors that led to your success in NEET 2023?

A: Factors that motivated me during my NEET preparation:

• Maintain a well-balanced routine with adequate rest and exercise.
• Break down study sessions into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Stay focused on the end goal, reminding oneself of the passion for the medical field and the potential to make a difference.

Q: How important was coaching for you?

A: Sample papers and Mock Test provided by Aaksh BYJU’S Digital really helped me in my preparation journey.

Q: What was your time management strategy for NEET preparation? Did you follow any study schedule or timetable?

A: I prioritized my tasks by allocating specific hours for NEET preparation alongside regular schoolwork. I created a study schedule that accounted for both, ensuring that I devote ample time to each area.

Q: Which was the most challenging subject in NEET and how did you manage it?

A: Initially I used to find physics tough, since for understanding the concepts, and to apply them in questions in a timely manner, a lot of practice is required. For physics I focused on the digital  modules of my Coaching, NCERT textbook, and on videos from YouTube for some of the more difficult chapters. Besides this I faced some difficulty in those chapters in biology which involve directly memorizing facts, like the plant and animal kingdom and mineral nutrition.

Q: What was your preparation strategy for NEET 2023?

 A: I used to self-study for 7-8 hours daily for my NEET preparation. My preparation was very well supported by my school teachers and Aakash BYJU’S Digital faculties. 

Q: What was your strategy to complete the entire NEET syllabus?

A: For the last 2 years, I was consistent in my studies, never missing any classes, and I attempted almost all the tests held in Aakash BYJU’S Digital. Besides, I used to practice tons of past year questions.

Q: Were there any moments when you felt low or demotivated? How did you cope with the stress?

A: Yes, there were such moments. Sometimes I would get a bit low marks in practice tests and this would dishearten me, but my mother was always there to support me. For coping with stress, I watched movies and sometimes played video games

Q: What are your hobbies and pastimes? How did you unwind during the rigorous preparation phase?

A: My favourite pastime involves reading novels, especially fantasy and sci-fi, but during the preparatory phase for NEET, I had to put these down in order to remain focussed on my studies. To unwind myself I watched movies and web-series and occasionally played video games, for around 20-30 minutes a day, with the rest spent in classes, in school or in studying by myself.

Q: What is your dream medical college and why? What is your dream specialisation?

A: My dream medical college, just like all the other 20 lakh students who attempted NEET, is AIIMS Delhi. One of my prospective career aspirations is to become a neurosurgeon.

Q: What is your suggestion for next year’s NEET aspirants?

A: I would suggest all the aspirants to practice maximum test series and mock tests. I would also recommend they consider the NCERT book for their preparation.

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