ADr Plexus is an extremely student friendly institute. The program for NIMHANS was brilliant, it laid down a solid foundation on which one can build a good strategy to crack the exam. The material is very concise and focuses on key points which are very vital for any exam. I would recommend ADrPlexus to everyone who has a dream of making it big.
Preparation Strategy
What was your study Plan?
I finished my internship in March 2013 and my immediate aim was to crack AIIMS/PGI in May. Because I didn’t have much time, I worked out old papers and read as much basic sciences as possible before May. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough time to revise and it proved to be a big game changer in AIIMS where I missed about 13-14 questions just because of inadequate revision. Then from the middle of May I switched my focus to NIMHANS. Doing a DM in Neurology was my dream right from my early MBBS days, so I was very keen to crack it. I focused on neuro-related to topics and revised my class notes to solidify my prep.
How many hours did u study ?
About 8-10hrs, some days only 3-4. I believe it is never about HOW MUCH but HOW WELL you study in the given time.
Your tips for success ?
Believe that it is possible, dream about it, just never lose motivation to achieve what you want. I quote a line from my favourite song – “Believe, when you cant believe any more.”
During your preparation, did you ever doubt your ability to succeed in it?
Maybe a little after getting my AIIMS and PGI rank, but I was getting better with every exam. Before NIMHANS I was very confident.
How much time do you think one requires for serious preparation for this examination ?
3-4 months of GOOD preparation with constant revision.
When did you seriously start preparing for this exam?
Only a month before the exam. But I have been an extensive reader from my undergrad days. It wasn’t so hard because of that.
Did you face the problem of volatile memory? If so, how did you deal with it?
Yes, everyone will face it, especially during the exam. The only way out is to revise constantly.
What was your daily timetable during the preparation? Were you able to stick to the timetable strictly?
I had a flexible timetable, never was very rigid on myself. If I was getting bored doing a subject I would switch over to another. That’s the thing with medicine, there is so much variety you cant get bored!
What is your advice to the future aspirants?
Read good texts. There is NO substitute, MCQ books can only fill up gaps in your knowledge base, but they cannot create one. If someone still doing their MBBS reads this, read a LOT during undergraduation. You will realize its merit later on when you are giving these exams.
Which books did you read for the theory part?
Many books, Gray’s anatomy for neuroanat, Paul Brazis Localization in clinical neurology, A few chapters of Adams and Victor (Peripheral neuropathy is VERY important), Robbins, G&G for pharm, Harrison’s (Neuro/endocrine part is extremely important) Sutton’s for radiology (for NIMHANS I read only the neuroradio part), Vasudevan for biochem. Other subjects only from my notes I made for previous exams. I paid least attention to surgery. I didn’t find any MCQ book useful for NIMHANS.
What was your strategy for the exam day?
Relax, I was listening to music on the morning of the exam.
What was ur style of answering question. Whether you started from question no 1 and ended with last question or started from middle of the question paper.
Always in order, read the question carefully, make sure you understand what concept is being tested first before you look for the answer. For direct questions, you must answer as quick as possible. I finished the NIMHANS paper in 45 minutes. The next 35 I rechecked every question, and the last 10 minutes I was just hoping to get a good score.
Did u underwent the phase of depression. How did u overcome it?
Absolutely not, I have great support in friends and family. I was always happy during my preparation. Sometimes anxious, but never depressed.
Tips for your Juniors
Your ADVICE for future toppers
Enjoy your success but brace yourself for what is coming next. The journey in medicine is unending, so don’t sit back on your laurels to get you through the next stage.
Your Advice for Future aspirants of NIMHANS
Sincere and honest preparation will surely get you through. All the best to you all!
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