NEET PG 2022 Topper Interview - Dr. Shagun Batra (Air 1) "Don’t lose hope, believe in yourself"

NEET PG 2022 Topper Interview: The National Board of Examination (NBE) released the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2022 results on June 1, 2022. Along with the result the list of NEET PG 2022 toppers was released at nbe.edu.in. Bagging AIR 1, Dr. Shagun Batra was the topper of NEET PG 2022.

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With the declaration of result, comes in the appreciation and recognition of NEET PG Toppers. Toppers are those whom the future aspirants wants to make their role model and want to follow their guidelines to cherish their future also.

The NEET PG 2022 topper, Dr. Shagun Batra completed studied MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. While, her target preparation for NEET PG 2022 started in the third year of graduation with Marrow. The AIR 1 holder of NEET PG, also appeared for INI CET PG May 2022 in which she secured AIR 13.

In our NEET PG topper interview 2022 with Dr. Shagun Batra, who is from Delhi, said that “Trust your instincts, most of the time the correct answer is the one which you guess at the first go. Aspirants doing the NEET PG preparation, can check the detailed on Dr. Sagun Batra, preparation strategies, study time table, background and other details.

Careers360: Congratulations on emerging as a NEET PG 2022 topper! How are you feeling about your results?

Dr. Shagun Batra: Thank you so much. I’m elated, the feeling is still sinking in!

Careers360: Tell us something about your background.

Dr. Shagun Batra: I come from a family of no doctors, so being the first doctor in my family was itself a remarkable thing for me. I’ve been born and brought up in Delhi, I’ve done my schooling from DPS RK Puram, and did my MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.

Careers360: What motivated you to pursue medicine as a career?

Dr. Shagun Batra: I had never planned on taking up medicine as a career, it was a very last moment decision, but now that I think of it, I would choose to do this every single time. What motivates me the most is to know that I have the capability to make a difference in someone’s life.

Careers360: Where did you complete your rotatory internship?

Dr. Shagun Batra: I have done my internship at my college MAMC and it’s associated hospitals, namely Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital, Guru Nanak Eye Center and Sushruta Trauma Center.

Careers360: How did your family support you in your journey?

Dr. Shagun Batra: My family has played an indispensable part in my journey. They ensured that I got the best education I could and they supported all of my decisions fully. When the results were announced, their joy and excitement was over the roof. I lost my brother 3 years back, but he continues to be my guiding light and source of strength.

Careers360: Did you appear for any other PG medical entrance examination?

Dr. Shagun Batra: Yes, I appeared for INICET PG May 2022 in which I secured AIR 13.

Careers360: What are your thoughts on the NEET PG 2022 postponement that many candidates requested? Do you think the exam should've been postponed?

Dr. Shagun Batra: I feel the academic calendar had already been disrupted a lot because of COVID, more postponement would have just affected the junior batches adversely.

Careers360: How did you prepare for NEET PG 2022?

Dr. Shagun Batra: My targeted preparation started in Third year of MBBS, I made notes and did MCQs for prefinal and final year subjects in 3rd year. My favourite Marrow faculty is Dr Rebecca James and she made Biochemistry very easy to understand. I completed the remaining subject with Marrow in the final year. So that, when my internship began, I had notes for all 19 subjects. Internship was mostly a revision phase. Managing time between duties and preparation was difficult, but I’m glad everything worked out in the end!

Careers360: How much time did you devote to self-study vs. coaching and how do you manage to do both?

Dr. Shagun Batra: The ratio changed during different phases of preparation, coaching obviously had a bigger contribution during the initial phase of making notes. During the revision phase, self study was the most important part. Managing coaching, self study as well as college seems like a Herculean task, but if you plan and strategise well, anything is possible.

Careers360: Did you take any mock tests to prepare for NEET PG 2022 preparations?

Dr. Shagun Batra: Yes, I took Marrow GTs and National mocks to assess my preparation.

Careers360: Did you have any specific exam day strategy?

Dr. Shagun Batra: Since I already had a decent rank in INI CET before I took the NEET exam, I was kind of relaxed and went into the exam hall with no fear. I ensured that I went through the entire paper once in 1.5 - 2 hours, so that I could review the questions in the remaining time. Of course there are other things like – sleep well before the exam, have a good breakfast, leave early for the centre, read all instructions properly, and most importantly- believe in yourself!

Careers360: What are your hobbies and did you find time to engage in your hobbies throughout your NEET PG 2022 preparations?

Dr. Shagun Batra: Yes, I like playing badminton, gardening, travelling, watching Netflix. I ensured that I took out time for my hobbies as well as to hang out with my friends. Relaxation and recovery are an important component of preparation. I watched the entire Harry Potter series in the month before the exam.

Careers360: Any message or advice for future medical aspirants?

Dr. Shagun Batra:Trust your instincts, most of the time the correct answer is the one which you guess at the first go. Don’t lose hope, believe in yourself. Most importantly, it’s just an exam, don’t get disheartened if the results are not up to your expectations.

Remember that a rank does not define you. Prioritise your mental and physical health. If you fail once, try again, because hey, why do we fall Bruce? So that we can learn to pick ourselves back up again!