“PrepLadder acted for me as a very good revision platform” says Dr. Debmalya Saha (Rank-9 CTVS SS)

 

PrepLadder congratulates Dr. Debmalya Saha on securing Rank 9 in CTVS Super-Specialty (NEET-SS). We wish him all the best in his career and future ahead. To find out how he achieved this incredible feat, we spoke to him and tried to understand what it takes to attain such a rank. We would like to share the excerpts from his interview so that we can all learn from his experience and use it to score our mark.

Hello, please tell us something about yourself.

I, Dr. Debmalya Saha, had my MBBS from Medical College, Kolkata ; then completed my MS in General Surgery from R.G.Kar Medical College, Kolkata in 2017.I have also cleared the Post-MS DNB General Surgery in 2018 in first attempt (Session December 2017). My NEET SS 2018 rank is 9 in clubbed CTVS.

What do you think is the correct approach to study for NEET SS? Only MCQs or Theory+ MCQs?

Theory and MCQs parallely with proper balance is the most appropriate approach to study for NEET SS. MCQs actually clarify the concepts of theory more & more and help in memorizing the topics in long term.

When should the preparation ideally be started?

During 2nd year of PG residency and onwards.

Please list the books you studied for each subject.

General Surgery

1. Sabiston 20th
2. Bailey and Love 27th
3. Pritesh Singh 6th

CTVS

1. Sabiston and Spencer 9th
2. Park Paediatric Cardiology
3. Bozar perioperarive care
4. Rush MCQs
5. Schwartz board review absite
6. Oxford handbook of CTS
7. CBS MCh CTVS Mcq

Have you attempted any SS exam previously? If yes, what were your ranks then and what did you do different this time that lead to your success?

Yes, my last NEET-SS rank was 826 Surgical Superspeciality (as a whole).I left the seat alloted to me at KEM, Mumbai of CTVS because of my one year service bond after MS.

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

Revision is the cornerstone of any success. I have to give of at least 6months with full dedication to secure good rank.

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

No. It was not possible for me because I was serving my bond duty since 11th Aug 2017 to be completed on 10th August 2018 and in between I had my DNB final theory in December 2017 and DNB final Practical in April 2018.

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

Yes, very much. PrepLadder acted for me as a very good revision platform. It also helped me to choose the topics to be focused on in last minutes revision. I came to know where I was in the competition, that's very essential.

Were you a topper or a mediocre student during MD/ MS?

No. I was just a mediocre student during my MS.

List the most difficult and easiest subjects for you.

Most difficult - Statistics (no question came from statistics in NEET SS 2018) Easiest - General Surgery

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

Excessive in-depth study is not very much necessary for having good rank in NEET SS, try to focus on the common topics first, when you are confident enough in that part, then only jump into the depth. Without revisions, all your efforts will be ineffective otherwise.

Some last tips for our readers preparing for NEET SS

Plan from the very beginning; choose any single subspecialty as your choice. Then complete your target first read as early as possible, after that, Revision revision revision is the key. We thank  Dr. Debmalya Saha for sharing his success story. Best Wishes With Love, Team PrepLadder