17-year-old Nikhil Bajiya from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan secured the second rank in the AIIMS 2016 entrance test result. Nikhil’s success again has Kota stamp on it. He was coached at Allen Career Institute whose students bagged eight of the 10 places in the prestigious 2016 All India Institute of Medical Sciences test, which was conducted on May 29,2016. The aspiring neurosurgeon is currently a student of AIIMS Delhi.
1. Why did you decide to pursue medicine?
I was inspired to be a doctor from my paternal uncle since childhood. I was motivated by his practice as a pediatrician and the respect he earned. I made sure that I work hard to reach my goal. With determination, perseverance, and dedicated preparation for 2 years, I hardly made anything distract me from my aim.
2. Which other medicine entrance exam did you appear for?
I had appeared for one more entrance exam apart from AIIMS MBBS 2016, I had appeared for the NEET 1 exam. Also, I had to wait a year to sit the exam to meet the age requirement,
3. There has been a lot of confusion regarding AIPMT and NEET. Did the ongoing NEET row affect your preparation?
No, I was not much bothered about the AIPMT and NEET exam row. I had aimed for AIPMT/NEET and AIIMS and I was very confident about cracking the exams and get admitted to a good college since my preparation was moving in right direction. At the end of the day, all that matters is how you perform, results reflect automatically. I ensured that I do not take any undue stress during the preparation phase.
4. What was your preparation strategy for the exam?
I had started full-fledged preparation from Class XI. I had joined a Kota-based coaching institute for medical entrance exam preparation. I had strictly followed the guidelines given by my faculty members. Initially, I concentrated on gaining stronghold over the concepts followed by taking regular practice tests and solving previous years question papers and taking lessons of improvement from the mistakes. Apart from coaching, I used to put around 6 to 7 hours of self-study.
5. What were your strong and weak areas among Physics, Chemistry, and Biology?
Physics have always been my strong point and it is my favorite subject. However, that does not mean I am weak in any of the two other subjects. I am equally good in Chemistry and Biology too and there is no such weak subject or areas for me.
6. You had followed a strict study schedule. How did you unwind yourself? Could you find time to pursue your hobbies?
Since I stayed in Kota, away from family, I did not find my scope to pursue my hobby, which is a sport. I love playing badminton, table tennis, and computer games. Occasionally I played these games whenever I found some time. Otherwise, I used to take short naps during the day to catch up on my sleep.
7. What is your message for the medicine aspirants who would be appearing for the exam next year?
I would suggest them to never overburden themselves. Follow a systematic preparation schedule with ample practice. I use to study around six-seven hours daily after my coaching. Also, don’t be afraid of physics, get the basics right and you are on course.
Also read “How to Score 100 Percentile in CAT, Tips from Archit Gurg, CAT 2016 topper”
Nikhil Bajiya’s article by Allen Exam.
Nikhil Bajiya’s article by Hindustan Times.