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What do I do to crack the NIMHANS entrance exam for a post-graduation in neurosurgery?
NIMHANS conducts an online MCQ based entrance test for Mch/DM Neurology and MD Psychiatry. A common exam is held for all these courses, and later on, a separate merit list is published for each. You have to select your course while applying, and can’t change it later on. You can apply for all three courses or one/two of them.
Here is some information on the entrance exam:
- It is a one-hour test with 150 MCQs.
- 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer, and ¼ mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
- 90-100 questions are asked from 19 MBBS subjects. These questions are not related to CNS. With good preparation for other PGMEE, you can answer them.
- Regular one-liner guidebook questions are asked.
- 50-60 MCQs are directly/indirectly related to CNS. For these, read the neuro aspect of all major subjects- Anatomy, Physio, Medicine, Psychiatry, Surgery, Patho, Micro, Pharma, Radio, and Anaesthesia. These questions are solvable given that you prepare well in the last 10-15 days before the exam.
The entrance is overall easy. However, the number of seats is very low, so the margin of error for silly mistakes is very low.
Read all subjects before the last 10 days. Then, focus on the Neurology part in the last 10 days. By following these tips, you’ll successfully crack the NIMHANS entrance test.
Which way is better, to do an MS general surgery and then take up neurosurgery as a superspeciality, or the direct 6yrs (Mch) Neurosurgery course (offered by AIIMS and NIMHANS) after an MBBS?
I’ll be sharing with you my opinion on both.
As a 6-year MCh candidate, you’ll rotate through 10 months of general surgery. However, general surgery skills aren’t of much use in Neurosurgery, except the very basic knot-tying and suturing skills. You can also acquire those from dedicated lab practice. The other techniques followed in Neurosurgery are very different from those followed in general surgery.
Neurosurgeons generally use access surgeons (thoracic surgeons or urologists) to perform unconventional approaches to the spine. It is much safer for the patient. Also, opting for a 6-year course after MBBS means one less entrance exam.
So it isn’t very beneficial for you to take up 3 years of MS general surgery. I would recommend you choose the direct 6 year Mh Neurosurgery course at AIIMS or NIMHANS instead.
What is the GATE cut off for MS by research program at IIT Madras mechanical branch?
If you are interested in pursuing MS in Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, there is a GATE cut-off, but it is not as high as that for M.Tech admission. This is because the institute follows a three-step process for admission that includes a written test and an interview, which are equally important in determining eligibility.
To be eligible for admission, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Have a good GATE score, which will be considered along with your undergraduate engineering marks and interview score.
- A score above 8 in your undergraduate program is considered good and can increase your chances of getting admitted.
- You will need to perform well in the interview to improve your chances of getting selected.
The admission process for MS in Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras follows these steps:
- GATE cut-off - While there is a GATE cut-off, it is not the only factor considered for admission.
- Written test - The institute conducts a written test that covers topics from the GATE syllabus.
- Interview - Students who qualify for the written test will be invited for an interview with a panel of professors.
IIT Madras gives equal weightage to interview performance, engineering marks, and GATE scores for the final selection process. However, the speaker suggests that more weight should be given to interview performance and engineering marks in the admission process.
In conclusion, if you have a good GATE score, a high undergraduate percentage, and perform well in the interview, you have a good chance of being selected for the MS program in Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras.
Why is M.S. better than M. Tech at IIT Madras?
There are many reasons why MS is a much more preferred program than MTech these days.
Fees: The MTech fees at IIT Madras are more than that of MS thus making MS a much cheaper option.
Placement: MS has better placements than MTech at IIT Madras.
|
Particulars |
MS |
MTech |
|
Highest CTC |
INR 58.80 LPA |
INR 46.08 LPA |
|
Median CTC |
INR 15 LPA |
INR 13.02 LPA |
Stipend: M.S. students receive an average of 1 lakh rupees as stipend whereas MTech students may not get stipend anymore.
International exposure: MS students get enough international exposure through international conferences which is not possible for MTech students.
Selection Procedure: The selection procedure for the MTech program just requires a good GATE score and thus the quality of students is not as good as MS. The selection process of the MS program requires a GATE score, written test heat, and even an interview. The selection criteria being difficult, filters only the best for the course.
Considering the fees, placements, and selection procedure we can safely conclude that MS is a much-preferred option over MTech today.
Doing MS from BITS Pilani with wipro is good or bad?
Well, it depends on your goals and priorities. BITS Pilani MS is a great option if you just want to improve your profile and maintain a good status in society. But if you are taking this program to uplift your career then you will be regretting it big.
My uncle who works for an MNC often is entrusted with the job of hiring freshers from well-Reuter colleges and claims that MS students aren’t given any special attention unless they are from IIT or NIT.
The MS program offered by WIPRO is a scheme to mislead employees to believe that a useless degree is better than anything. They will use this degree as a lash on you to ensure you stay committed to the company and work at a discounted rate. It's better to not fall for such schemes and look at the bigger picture. Your salary will never increase if you stick to these companies.
So, if you are looking for some certifications, then go for some niche skills that are more valuable than a BITS Masters Degree.
How do I prepare for an MS interview at IIT Madras?
The first round comprises a written test where you will be evaluated on your second and third-year Subject knowledge. The test has both problem-solving as well as memory-based questions. The competition is tough but the preparation is just like GATE.
The interview is usually conducted by the entire faculty pool of your department. They ask questions related to the topic of your choice. Answer the questions confidently and ask for a pen or paper if required for illustrative purposes. Don’t do guesswork as this irritates most of the faculty.
Being a research-oriented program, an MS interview necessarily evaluated your basic knowledge rather than memory-based knowledge. They might additionally question you about your Bachelor's project or any internship you did in the past. They might demand answers to certain questions like
- Why MS?
- Why a low GATE score?
- Why IITM?
- Why department (whichever department you chose)?
- Why that particular field of research?
- What are your goals?
Don’t panic while answering these and show them your research talent so that any shortcomings can be overlooked.
How is the life of a resident doctor pursuing neurosurgery at NIMHANS after an MBBS? Can we get a sneak peek into work hours, leisure activities, and culture at the institute?
Here is the routine of a Neurosurgery resident at NIMHANS.
The department is subdivided into 6 units, each of which is headed by an internationally acclaimed faculty member. The day of a resident starts at around 6 AM with a routine assessment of patients in all the wards under one’s respective unit for the month.
This is followed by academics which start at 8 AM. It runs for 1-1 ½ hours. During this time, the cases posted for surgery are presented by senior residents. These are then discussed among faculty members and residents to reach a decision for the optimal treatment of that case.
After this, the senior residents head to the OT complex, and junior residents present rounds to the faculty. Decisions on further treatment/discharge are made during the rounds.
Junior residents then perform ward procedures like External Ventricular Drain Insertion, Lumbar drains, Lumbar Punctures, Shunt Taps, Fontanelle Tap, Tracheostomies, etc. under supervision. This is followed by evening rounds by the faculty/ senior residents. After these, any leftover work is completed. The evening ends with a post-op call to the respective consultant, and the duty ends at 9 PM when the night duty resident takes over.
The OPD for a particular unit is held on a fixed day. It is also a casualty call day for the unit. Life as a neurosurgery resident is so busy that even having meals is like a luxury.
NIMHANS will train you to practice evidence-based medicine and keep updated with all the recent developments in your field. It is one of the best places in India to practice Neurosurgery residency.
How beneficial is it to earn a MS Software Systems from BITS pilani?
There are many pros and cons of earning an MS Software system from BITS Pilani.
Pros
- You can get a degree alongside working and seek promotion through it.
- The WILP can help you if you want to change your career to a different field, domain, or technology.
- The program also plays a big role in upgrading your knowledge base and revising your basics.
- The program also makes your resume look lucrative especially if you have done UG from an average institute.
- Some students who have a passion for studying find this program intriguing and fun.
- It shows your interest in the field and the efforts you are capable of investing in this field.
Cons
- Quite a few companies don’t seem to consider distance learning anywhere equal to a full-time course.
- Your learning process can be hampered by your work and personal life.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if you are willing to take this degree or not.
Which is the best branch/department at AIIMS Delhi to pursue MD/MS in?
The best branch/department to pursue MD/MS in at AlIMS Delhi is highly subjective and can vary depending on your personal interests and career goals. However, some of the top departments at AlIMS Delhi include:
- Department of Anatomy
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Forensic Medicine
In addition to these, AIIMS has a separate dedicated center for Ophthalmology, RP Centre. For those interested in Ophthalmology, this department is the best place for you. The credibility of this department can be proved by the fact that Prof L P Agarwal, the founder director and first Chief of RP Centre was the one who laid down the foundation for the National Program for Control of Blindness. Amazingly enough, India was the first country to launch such a program.
One of my friends told me that while preparing for the PG exams, all the textbook cases she came across were similar to the cases she dealt with in her residency. This helps us to relate and makes the learning process easier.
The academic focus is intense with academic rounds twice a week. During these rounds, e important topics including the latest research are discussed by consultants. These discussions play a vital role in exams.
The first surgical experience at RP Centre, AIIMS, takes place by the end of the first semester. It is an extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) under the supervision of a senior resident. After doing a couple of those, you get to perform your first suture-less cataract surgery s in the second semester.
The department has the finest infrastructure and lab facilities with modern microscopes, and machines
Ultimately, the best branch depends on your personal preferences. At the end though, the best branch/department depends upon one's personal choice.
Which is better for an MS in General Surgery: AIIMS, JIPMER or PGI?
Surgery can’t be read and understood. Also, no matter the number of simulations you run through, practicing on a human body is very different.
Now, with their limited number of beds, these institutions perform complex surgeries through protocol defining procedures. As a resident at these, you won’t perform many surgeries. Also, you’ll have a limited exposure to trivial diseases. On the flip side, you’ll witness some of the best surgeons at work, and access top notch technology. To master surgery, you’ll have to become an SR at these institutions.
But at a decent government college hospital, the volume of patients is very high. As a result, you’ll be pushed into the OT. So you’ll get good practice, under proper supervision. However, at these colleges, protocols take a back seat. You’ll have to compromise with low funding as a resident at these institutions.
I would personally recommend going for a decent government college. But you should choose according to your own preferences.
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