Chennai: Haroor lad Nishanthrajan K, a student of Sri Vidya Mandir Matriculation school, Krishnagiri topped the MBBS - BDS merit list released by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) here on Monday. There was not a single candidate from the schools in Chennai among the top 17 who scored 200 - 200.
Boys dominated the list with only two girls – from Namakkal and Erode - figuring in the top 17. Mukesh Kannan M, of S R V Matriculation school, Samayapuram, Tiruchi, and Pravin R of S K V Matriculation school, Namakkal, were placed second and third respectively.
Four students from the Green Park Matriculation school in Namakkal – Saravana Kumar S, T. Gowthamaraju, Mothisri V and Prawin Kumar P – and R. Renuka and Monissh P of Adarsh Vidayalaya Matriculation school, Gobichettipalayam in Erode district, also figure in the list announced by the director of DME, Dr S. Geethalakshmi in the presence of Health Minister Dr Vijaya Bhaskar and Health Secretary Dr J. Radhakrishnan on Monday evening.
The provisional list was later made available on the website: www.tnhealth.org. Since all the toppers had scored the same marks, other criteria such as total marks, date of birth, were used to rank them. Of the 32,184 candidates who sought admission for the MBBS-BDS courses, applications of 444 were rejected either because they were incomplete or for duplication. The applications of nearly 31,525 candidates including 20,166 girls have been accepted on merit basis.
Krishnagiri student tops MBBS rank list
“This year we got about 210 additional seats for medical colleges, thanks to the efforts of our Chief Minister Ms. J. Jayalalithaa, said Dr. Vijaya Bhaskar.
The counselling for about 2,257 candidates out of 2,655 seats will begin at the TN Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital at Omandurar estate from June 19. About 15 percent amounting to 398 seats will be filled through all India quota. “Adequate facilities including sufficient car parking facility have been provided by the government for both parents and candidates at Omandurar estate,” said Dr J. Radhakrishnan
Analysing the rank list, academician Jayaprakash A.Gandhi said that the cut-off had come down by 1 to 1.25 marks as the students felt class XII exams were tough this year. “It was expected that last year students would get into the rank list in large numbers but it did not happen. Last year, every cut-off had 350 to 400 students but this year we have only 200 to 300 candidates,” he said. A total of 85 BDS seats are available in the Government Dental College in Chennai and 783 seats are available in 18 private dental colleges.
Hardwork, grandfather’s support helped city topper
Chennai found its sole flag-bearer in Saravana Kumar S, who stood 5th among the top 17 who scored 200 out of 200 in the merit list released by directorate of medical education for 2015-2016 MBBS/BDS on Monday.
Hailing from a family of engineers and doctors, Saravana had decided to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor since he was in class 8. His cousin, currently working in Stanley medical college, is his role model. “However, it is my grandfather who wished that I become a doctor. He supported me financially and motivated me towards success.”
Success, however, did not come easily. He had to toil for nearly three to four-and-a-half hours after school. But he did not take any tuition. His brother and cousin were his go-to people in case of any doubts.
“Keeping my future in mind, I studied hard for the past two years. I am now happy that it paid off,” adds Saravana who wants to become a cardiologist.
For youngsters aspire similarly, he has this to say: “Understand the concepts and apply them properly. There is no point mugging up and complicating things. For example, if you study Biology, get basics clear, understand physiology and anatomy, don’t just blindly go by what is written.”
Nishanth Rajan K. (17), who stood first, also wants to become a cardiologist, though earlier he dreamt of being an astronaut. His motto is simple: “I followed a proper schedule and woke up every day at 4 am to study. There is no point being stressed before the exams. One should relax as much as possible as it helps to keep the mind cool and working.”
