Name: Peddaputha Akbar Basha
Birth Place: Rayachoty, Andhra Pradesh, India
Academic Qualification: MBBS from Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India (Admission batch: 2020)
Languages you speak or write: English and Telugu
In which year you qualified NEET?
2020
College Name and admission batch
Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India (Admission batch: 2020)
Why did you choose this profession?
The best way to interact with people and serve society. It's the only profession that gives us the honor and respect, second only to God.
When did you actually start preparing for NEET?
During my intermediate (12th grade).
Did you take any coaching? If yes, do you think coaching is necessary for clearing NEET?
No, separate coaching wasn't required as it was included in the curriculum.
How did you balance your school and NEET Preparation? Was it the same or you studied separately for NEET and the school examination?
No separate coaching was needed as it was included in the curriculum.
What were your sources during preparation for biology, physics, and chemistry?
I referred to books from my college and relied on my own running notes.
Are NCERTs sufficient for cracking NEET? What's your opinion on this?
Yes, NCERT books are helpful, but additional preparation is required to sustain the competition.
What were the major challenges that you faced during preparation, and how did you tackle them?
Stress and time management were my biggest challenges during preparation. To overcome them, I took short naps to balance my sleep and refresh my mind. I also found solace in chatting with friends and spending time with my parents, which helped relieve stress.
Is it true that when you prepare for this exam, you have to devote 18 hours a day or something like that? Did you attend family functions or festivals, or were you always studying?
The number of study hours depends on your individual intelligence quotient (IQ) and interest. Some people study extensively but scoreless, while others study comparatively less and score well. As a hostel resident, I did not attend any family functions.
How did you keep yourself motivated during your entire journey?
I stayed motivated with my favorite personal quote and the guidance of Dr. B. Mahendra Verma, one of my lecturers.
Did you use technology like social media or your phone during your preparation? How did you prevent yourself from Doomscroling?
No, I did not use technology like social media or my phone during my preparation. I focused on my studies and avoided distractions.
What do you think is the right time to start preparation for NEET?
It is not necessary to start preparing from the early classes, as it may lead to saturation and loss of interest during classes 11 or 12.
Till how many attempts should one give this exam?
One should give the exam until they are selected, as long as it remains their dream.
As the cost of pursuing an MBBS degree from a private university in India is very high, not everyone can afford it. What do you suggest someone do if they are unable to secure admission in a government college? Should they take a gap year or seek admission abroad for the same course?
I suggest taking a gap year to work on improving the chances of securing admission in a government college. It is not advisable to put financial strain on parents, and pursuing education in our own country provides early exposure to the people we will eventually serve.
Your Mantra for success.
If you want something, you need to sacrifice something.
What advice would you like to give to NEET aspirants?
Focus on studying when it is necessary, but also enjoy your schooling, create memories, and always keep a smile on your face.
(NEETQuest/Peddaputha Akbar Basha/PB)