Don’t go for new facts in last leg – says PrepLadder alumni Dr. Saumya (AIIMS PG rank 2)

PrepLadder congratulates Dr. Soumya Ranjan Malla on achieving this unbelievable feat. We wish him all the best for his career and future ahead. Dr. Soumya joined DAMS and took PrepLadder mock tests for a holistic NEET PG preparation. In this exclusive interview with PrepLadder, Dr. Saumya shares the plan that worked for him and helped him achieve his dream PG seat at AIIMS.

Hello, please tell us something about yourself. 

I am Dr.Soumya Ranjan Malla, MBBS, gold medalist (pathology) from Thanjavur Medical college. A bit of a travel freak and collecting stamps.

What do you think is the correct approach to study for AIIMS PG? Only MCQ's or Theory+MCQ's?

Theory+MCQs is the ideal part. Read your notes and supplement them by doing mcqs from relevant books.

When should the preparation ideally be started?

Ideally internship seems right to me. But in South, owing to heavy duty, had to prepare after internship.

Please list the books you studied for each subject.

Anatomy: Grays student edition Physiology: Ganong Biochemistry: Lippincott Microbiology: Ananthnarayan, Jawtez for reference Pathology: only ROBBINS Pharmacology: KDT, Katzung for ANS, CNS,CVS Forensic medicine: Reddy PSM: Park Ophthalmology: Parson ENT: Dhingra, Logan turner Medicine: Harrison for reference, Davidson Surgery: Bailey and love Obstetrics: Dutta Gynaecology: Shaw Paediatrics: Ghai Psychiatry, Dermatology, Anaesthesia, Radiology: Not any particular book, relied on senior notes! For MCQs, relied on DAMS modules

Have you attempted PGMEE previously? If yes, what did you do different this year that lead to your success

Yes, in my 1st attempt itself for AIIMS got 500 something, 2nd dropped down to 1000(overconfidence), 3rd jumped to 112 and in my final attempt Nov 2016 Bingo rank 2. This time I didn't focus on the results, just assessed each day. Go on improving every day.

How big is the role of practice and revision while preparing for PGMEE and how much time should be dedicated for it?

Practice and revision go hand in hand. Revision should be done in cycles. If you have a 6-month bracket, 4 months you have to complete your theory. Next 2 months’ revise, revise, revise.

Did PrepLadder play a part in your success? If yes, how?

Quite often I go online. PrepLadder has an amazing question bank. The best part about PrepLadder tests is the the improvement plan you get at the end. You can gauge your weakness in any subject and work on it to improve yourself.

Did you use a time table/study plan to keep your preparation on track?

I didn't have a good relationship with the timetables. Most of the times I would be on over target mode. But it gives you an idea about how much to complete, duration for each subject etc. In short, time table is much needed during revision cycles!

Were you a topper or a mediocre student during MBBS?

Managed to get good marks in some.

List the most difficult and easiest subjects for you.

For me nightmare was Biochemistry and PSM. Had to give most time during the last leg to these 2 subjects. I was comfortable with other subjects, favourites being pathology and medicine.

One mistake that you believe everyone must avoid while preparing for PGMEE.

Don't go for new facts in the last leg. Build your concepts early and remember, quality always prevails over quantity. Be smart.

Some last tips for our readers preparing for PGMEE?

Always believe in yourself. What you aim in your life give it 100%, no excuses. Have faith in yourself and be humble when you achieve your dreams. Also Read: NEET PG 2024 Marks Distribution & Latest Exam Pattern  5 Tips to overcome anxiety before NEET PG Exam Top 5 NEET PG Preparation Tips That Will Guarantee A Good Rank More topper interviews will follow soon. Keep following this space.