Students’ Speak: What are the options after scoring marks below expectations

By: Kanishka Bharti

"There is no such thing as failure, only delayed success" very appropriately quoted by Tony Robbins. If you haven't scored good marks or your marks are below expectations, then don't get disheartened.

The answer key is released soon after the examination and you can get an approximate idea of the marks you'll secure by tallying it. If your marks are extremely unexpected then you can appeal for scrutiny if you think that you attempted the questions right and the result is not favourable. But if this is not the case then here are some points which you should consider before making the decision further.

Don't give up hope after the first counseling only; appear for every counseling up to the mop-up round. There is a possibility of getting selected until there. So, don't leave any opportunity you get. Apart from the all India quota in each college (15%), there is state quota for every state and you could be eligible for this in the state from where you have appeared for 10^th and 12^th standard exams or where you possess a domicile. This can help you get a good college even with lower marks. There are seats for management quota in most of the colleges in which you'll have to pay a certain amount to the college and you'll get the seat.

Second attempt

If this is your first attempt, and you are confident enough that you can prepare better and appear with stronger preparation next time, you can even take a year off. Prepare well, make a routine and follow it diligently and be consistent in your studies. Keep in mind that you have to cover the entire syllabus of 11^th and 12^th standard in one year, so divide your time accordingly such that each subject gets adequate time and attention. Make your strong points stronger and improve upon the points where you're lagging. After appearing once in the examination, you will have a rough idea about the exam pattern and how to deal with the anxiety of exam. You will also discover what are the points where you are lagging and what are your strengths.

Join coaching class with a good track record

While you drop the year do not follow the crowd to join eminent coaching institutes basis their branding. Instead go for demo classes and then choose the institute you are comfortable with. But the most important thing is self-study. It can also help you well if you have already prepared beforehand. If you did not join any coaching earlier you can join the coaching for better preparation. They will provide you with plenty of study material which will suffice all your needs of resources and regular test series from the beginning itself. This will condition your mind according to the examination setup.

If this is your second attempt and you are confident enough that you can prepare better next time, do not hesitate to give it one more try. But if you think that you have given your best and your preparation was completely up to the mark but still you did not get a good rank then you can choose among the following options (these options are completely voluntary and also available for the ones who gave their first attempt).

• If you are getting a government college with the prevailing marks then you should prefer to choose it. Most of the government colleges have a similar setup. You will get plenty of clinical cases in any of them and this practical knowledge is very beneficial in every aspect of your academics as well as for the future.
• If you're not getting a government college, but you are getting a private college or a deemed college and you can afford it then you can prefer them as well. There are pros and cons to both private and government colleges. The clinical practice will be better in a government college while teaching facilities and technology will be better in private colleges.
• You can opt for MBBS abroad as well. There are a number of Indian students doing MBBS from countries such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Germany, etc. If you can afford this, it will be favourable in terms of exposure you'll get there.
• If you have to be in a medical career, there are many other options apart from MBBS. You have multiple courses to opt for such as BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, B.VS, etc. Choose wisely as this decision is completely based on your confidence in yourself.

About the Author:

Kanishka Bharti is currently pursuing MBBS at King George's Medical University in Lucknow. Kanishka plans to become a successful cardiologist and be of service to the nation in every way possible. Besides studies, she harbors a deep interest in serving society and catering to the needs of those in pain by utilizing her knowledge and skills.