Breaking the NEET UG: Insights from a 2-Drop Journey
Cracking NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate) is no small feat. It requires not just quick thinking but also relentless effort and determination. My own journey to achieving admission to an MBBS program at Medical College Kolkata spans two attempts, each filled with challenges and lessons that defined my path forward.
First Attempt: NEET 2021
My first attempt in NEET 2021 saw me taking a class in local tuition as well as self-study. The result? A score of 274 out of 720 with an All India Rank (AIR) of 3.1 lakhs. While not as stellar as I had hoped, this attempt provided the foundation and motivation needed to improve.
Second Attempt: NEET 2022
The second attempt in NEET 2022 marked a significant step forward for me. After a year of preparation at Allen Kota, I managed to achieve a score of 490 out of 720 and an AIR of 91,412. This was a considerable improvement, but there was still room for growth.
Third Attempt: NEET 2023
My third and final attempt in NEET 2023 proved to be the most rewarding. With a score of 638 out of 720 and an AIR of 10,556, I was finally able to secure admission into an MBBS program at Medical College, Kolkata. This achievement marked the culmination of my efforts and the realization of a dream for both myself and my parents.
Lessons from the Drop Year
During my drop year, I took on the rigorous studies at Allen Kota again, this time as an archiver batch. Living away from my friends and family, I faced the challenge of loneliness and mental stress daily. However, I emerged stronger and more focused, emerging with a clear purpose in life.
Even though that year was the hardest of my life, I now see it as a necessary step that defined me. It was during this period that I truly understood the importance of hard work and dedication. My story serves as a reminder that perseverance and resilience can lead to significant achievements.
After Clearing NEET 2019
In the year 2019, I scored 513 marks in NEET, placing me around 41,000th in the rankings. This score did not lead to an MBBS admission. I tried again in 2021 and managed to score 682 marks and an AIR of 782, a significant improvement.
While my journey may not have been the fastest, it was certainly a memorable one. I initially scored 614 marks in my very first attempt, which, while good, did not fetch me an immediate MBBS college seat. I scored 604 marks in my fourth and final mock exam, which was the highest score I achieved. My preparation was intense and demanding, but I can say without a doubt that the effort was worthwhile.
Looking back, I realize that my hard work and relentless dedication paid off. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine, and I feel that this journey will be as exciting and fulfilling as it sounds.
Concluding Thoughts
Cracking NEET UG is a challenging yet rewarding process. It requires discipline, consistency, and a strong sense of purpose. Whether it takes one, two, or multiple attempts, the journey is shaped by the lessons learned and the personal growth that comes with it. If you're determined to achieve your goals, keep pushing through the struggles and embrace the challenges. In the end, you'll see that all your hard work was worth it.