In Conversation with Dr. Urmila Gautam, the renowned Biology teacher from Karnal.

Q 1) M’am if we talk of Biology subject for a student who wishes to take  medical entrance test (NEET/ AIIMS), what kind of preparation is required in classes VIII to X ?

Ans) NEET and AIIMS are the Aim/ target for all medical students if they are wishing to take Biology as the main subject in XI class.

• As these days students basically cram things and are more into rote kind of learning, NEET/ AIIMS tend to get more and more difficult for them.
• Students need to learn the basics, concepts rather than cramming things for sheer clearing a school exam.
• Preperations for conceptual learning starts from VIII class as such, as Science gets specialised into three distinct parts, physics, chemistry and biology.
• ‘Basics’ mean learning and grasping each and every word in the book and uttered by the teacher in the class.

Q 2) M’am how important is correlation of practical knowledge in life science with theory?

Ans) Science is ‘what is happening around us’? , ‘How & why it is happening’? If it is happening/ happened/ going to happen it is all practical. It has to be ‘felt’, ‘seen’ & ‘done’. So, practical makes you perfect and theory & makes you only good for the school exam.

• NEET and AIIMS paper are all conceptual, all basic knowledge tests. It require practical’s to ‘see’ things which stays in your mind forever deleting the need of cramming, otherwise.

Q 3) Should a child study extra books for NTSE exams, beyond syllabus books?

Ans) If a child is through with NCERT’S and has the grasp of basics in details, extra books hardly are needed.

• In Science, a little detail of basics and concepts are required but that surely doesn’t mean any other reference book will do.
• A Good teacher who can provide basic notes and knows the limits will help.
• A teacher can guide the child what exactly the child needs (extra preparation) and the practice questions.
• Students and parents should be smart enough to judge such teachers that can help the child rather than spoil their time energy and hard earned money.

Q 4) Your many students from Karnal are in prestigious Medical colleges in the past and presently, how they used to learn/ study?

Ans) I am fortunate to have mentored many hard working, intelligent, industrious students. One thing common in all of them was perseverance and their belief in their teacher. They were eager learners, laborious, tireleless and ready to take on what the teacher says.

• ‘Over Confidence’ at times in Students takes a toll. It is dangerous for them.

Q 5) Apart from coaching in the city do they require extra classes from Delhi Chandigarh.

Ans) Presently we have the team of best teachers in Karnal.

• There is hardly any need for the students to move around haphazardly to various cities.
• ‘Self Study’ is the key to ‘selections’ apart from a good Mentor.
• It is sheer wastage of time, energy and money hopping here and these and at the end of the day gaining nothing but exertion.

Q 6) There is ocean of books in the market with answered questions, guides practice books. Do students need to buy & learn them all to clear competitive exams?

Ans) No, not at all with last 20 years of experience and analysis of NEET and AIIMS premedical tests, what I have concluded is that the child requires conceptual learning which comes from curiosity inside the child, asking questions, studying the prescribed syllabus thoroughly and guidance from a good mentor.

• Reading good prescribed books (NCERT'S) if possible older versions and the one told by the mentor, nothing else is needed.
• Child needs to know which book is ‘good’ to read & which not. Only a good teacher can tell the difference.
• Taking queries as many should be encouraged.
• Practical books (preseribed by the board) are mandatory to follow.
• ‘Guides’ are good only for getting pass marks in the school exams.

Q 7) Any advise to the future aspirants ?

Ans. Students should be focused, have faith on a teacher, read what is required, manage their time well and should get involve in at least one sport so as to break the monotony arising from continuous sitting on a chair. Body needs to relax. Jogging, swimming, playing at least for an hour per day should be eweouraged in routine.

• Healthy diet again is very important along with. Parents should look after this aspect.