"My exam score closely matches the mock score", says Dr. Ajay Chikkara (PGI May 2018: Rank 78)

PrepLadder congratulates Dr. Ajay Chhikara on securing Rank 78 in PGI May 2018. We wish him all the best for his career and future ahead. In this exclusive interview with PrepLadder, he shares the plan that worked best for her to help you achieve your dream PG seat. Hello, please tell us something about yourself. Hi. I am Dr. Ajay Chhikara. I did my graduation from Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS Rohtak. I secured AIR-78 in PGI May 2018. What do you think is the correct approach to study for PG entrance exams? Only MCQ's or Theory+ MCQ's? According to me, Theory+ MCQ's is the best approach to study for PG entrance exams. When should the preparation ideally be started? The preparation should ideally be started 4-5 months before exam Please list the books you studied for each subject. Anatomy- Rajesh Kaushal Physiology- BRS Physiology Biochemistry- Kaplan Pathology- Devesh Mishra Pharmacology- GRG Microbiology- Sonu Panwar FM - Dams notes PSM - Mukhmohit Singh notes Opthalmology- SOCH ENT- Dams notes Medicine- Arvind Chaudhary Notes Surgery- Pritesh OBG- Dams notes Pediatrics- Dams notes Psychiatry- Kaplan Radiology- Sumer Sethi Anaesthesia- Dams notes Deramatology- Saurbh Jindal Orthopaedics- Apurv Mehra Have you attempted any PG exam previously? If yes, what were your ranks then and what did you do different this time that lead to your success? My NEET Rank was 9000. This time I have focused on central institute exams for that I went through the whole syllabus 3-4 times with Pritesh AIIMS MCQ and Manoj Chaudhary book.. And PrepLadder mock exams really boosted my confidence.. How big is the role of practice and revision while preparing for PG entrance and how much time should be dedicated for it? Atleast 3-4 revisions are mandatory to clear any exam. Initially, just go through the syllabus with particular MCQs ..and add all additional points in your notes ..Stratify timings according to weightage of subjects. Did PrepLadder play a part in your success? If yes, how? Yes... I have given all three mock exams..really boosted my confidence ..and my exam score closely matches the mock score. So, PrepLadder really helps me out in boosting my confidence. Did you use a time table/study plan to keep your preparation on track? You have to make study plan...like after completing your syllabus just give some mock exams that thing tells you where you stand and make a list of volatile topics ..and go through them few days before the exam. Were you a topper or a mediocre student during MBBS? Mediocre List the most difficult and easiest subjects for you. For me most difficult subject was PSM and Opthalmology. Volatile subjects- Biochemistry Pharmacology Microbiology Rest of subjects were easy to me.. One mistake that you believe everyone must avoid while preparing for PG entrance exams. If you have read standard textbooks during your MBBS, then just go through specific teachers notes ...don't go for big mcq books..they are just wastage of time..use that time specifically for revision of notes and mcq practice. How many options did you attempt in PGI exam? Share some details about your exam taking strategy. I have attempted 500 plus options. Divide the paper in 5 parts of 50 questions .Attempt every question very cautiously because you will not able to review those questions due to shortage of time. Avoid unnecessary marking of options. Some last tips for our readers preparing for PG? Friends your main focus should be on revision and MCQ practice.. We thank Dr. Ajay Chhikara for sharing his success story. Best Wishes for PG entrance With Love, Team PrepLadder