As the National Testing Agency (NTA) gears up to open registrations for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026, scheduled for May 2026, over 20 lakh aspirants prepare for the intense competition for MBBS seats. Among the success stories that offer a blueprint for this challenging journey is that of Shashank Sinha, an 18-year-old from Katihar, Bihar, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 20 with 712 marks in his very first attempt and is now an MBBS student at AIIMS, New Delhi.
The Foundation: Early Motivation and a Realistic Plan
Shashank's inspiration to pursue medicine was deeply personal. Growing up with a mother who is a nursing superintendent instilled in him a desire for a career dedicated to public service and healthcare. An academic standout from Scottish Public School in Katihar, he scored 98.8% in Class 10 and 97.4% in Class 12. Despite his strong academic record, he approached NEET with a pragmatic mindset, setting a clear boundary for his attempt. "I thought of giving NEET a try for a maximum of two years," he revealed, adding that he had a backup plan to pursue graduation and prepare for Civil Service Exams thereafter.
The Daily Grind: Discipline and Smart Scheduling
For Shashank, starting early was less about speed and more about building a strong conceptual foundation. His daily routine was a model of structured preparation. With online coaching classes scheduled between 2 pm and 8:30 pm, he would study the topics beforehand each morning. "I used to study the topic before it was covered in class so that it acted as a revision," he explained. Post-coaching hours were strictly for consolidation—revising the same topics from study modules rather than introducing new material. He emphasized quality over quantity, stating that apart from coaching, he managed four to five hours of effective self-study daily, interspersed with essential recreational breaks.
Core Principles for NEET Success
Shashank highlighted several non-negotiable rules that shaped his preparation:
- Never Skip Tests: "Give every coaching test even if you are under-prepared... You get an idea of what kind of questions are asked," he advised, stressing that the score was less important than the learning.
- Avoid Backlogs: He urged aspirants to clear pending topics during free time, like Sundays, to prevent accumulation.
- Strategic Revision: He created detailed notes for every chapter, which became his primary revision tool. Post-tests, he would mark important questions for later review.
- Maintain an Error Log: One of his most crucial tips was to "make a list of questions you did wrong." This practice, he said, significantly reduced silly mistakes over time.
Tackling the Syllabus and Exam Pressure
According to Shashank, leaving any topic is not an option in NEET UG, where a single mark can drastically alter one's rank. He also pointed out the exam's tendency to include tricky questions where missing a 'not' can lead to errors, a pitfall he overcame through repetitive revision and extensive testing. For time management during the exam, he adopted a practical approach during mocks: "Whenever I saw a hard question, I just left it without doing an ego fight," he said, prioritizing solving easier questions first and then returning to tougher ones.
Managing the Long Haul: Stress and Breaks
Acknowledging the mental strain of the NEET journey, Shashank advocates for a balanced approach. He normalized taking breaks for mental well-being. "Whenever I felt low, I used to talk or go out with my friends, have a break, and watch some shows," he shared. His quick stress-busters include stepping away from textbooks, indulging in hobbies, taking a walk with music, and maintaining social connections. Most importantly, he emphasizes sharing problems with friends and family to gain perspective and support.
Looking ahead, Shashank Sinha, whose MBBS course at AIIMS Delhi concludes in December 2028, aims to pursue an MD in clinical medicine. His journey from Katihar to AIIMS stands as a testament to the power of disciplined strategy, consistent effort, and mindful preparation for the millions aiming to crack NEET UG 2026.
