GCET 2017 Topper Pratheek D’Souza Rebello also bags AIR 7 in VITEEE

Meet Pratheek D’Souza Rebello from Panaji, GCET (Goa Common Entrance Test) 2017 Topper with a score of 298. Bagging the first place with the highest score in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and the third highest in Biology, Pratheek also managed to bag an AIR 7 in VITEEE 2017 and an AIR 378 in the JEE Main 2017 examination which were held in the month of April, 2017. To our surprise, this topper has also appeared for NEET (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test) UG 2017 and is now looking forward to appear for JEE Advanced and BITSAT.

Apart from academics, this Goan highbrow is fond of music and musical instruments and loves hanging out with friends when he wants a break from studies.

In a candid chat with Shiksha, Pratheek shared his preparation strategy, future plans and a few tips for future aspirants. Read the full interview below.

Q. Congratulations on your achievement. How are you feeling being the GCET 2017 topper? Did you expect it?

I am very happy of course. I did not expect to top in all the three subjects.

Q. What was your rank in JEE Main 2017? Can you share your JEE Main and GCET 2017 score?

JEE Main 2017 rank: 378; JEE Main 2017 score: 298

GCET 2017: Physics - 70, Chemistry - 72, Mathematics - 74, Biology - 73

I would like to share that I secured the highest scores in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and 3rd highest score in Biology.

Q. What is your GCET 2017 rank?

In GCET, there are subject wise ranks. There are ranks in PM (for engineering colleges) and PCB (for pharmacy and nursing). I got the 1st rank in PM, PCM and PCB.

Q. How long have you been preparing for?

I have been preparing for JEE for two years. The portion encompasses most of the GCET portion as well.

Q. What was your preparation strategy for the exam? What is the minimum time frame needed to prepare for both the exams?

JEE requires at least two years to cover all the portion. 

In comparison, GCET is based only on 12th standard NCERT portion. Studying for 12th boards can sufficiently prepare you for GCET.

Q. Which institute are you vying for and which is the course you aim to pursue?

I hope to get a seat in one of the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and pursue my degree in engineering from there.

Q. What are your expectations from your dream institute?

Quality education at an IIT is a given but I hope I will be able to pursue a host of other interests and hobbies and truly discover what I am meant to do in life.

Q. Have you taken any other exam/s besides JEE Main, JEE Advanced and GCET?

I have answered VITEEE 2017 and I have got an AIR 7. I have answered Manipal University Online Entrance Test (MU-OET) 2017 and got a score of 190/200. I am awaiting the rank for the same. I have also answered NEET 2017 and am now preparing for JEE Advanced and BITSAT.

Q. Do you think coaching is required to crack JEE & GCET?

Like I mentioned earlier, GCET is strictly NCERT based. I don't think coaching is necessary to even get a 70+ score out of 75. But JEE is a different ballgame. The syllabus and concepts are vast and some amount of guidance is absolutely necessary.

Preparation for JEE is more than sufficient to ensure a good GCET score.

Q. Any tips for aspirants taking the GCET next year?

Past papers help a lot in GCET preparation. However, here are some other tips:

• Physics: The toughest paper usually. Multiple calculations in modern physics and electricity. Semiconductors also carries a lot of weightage. Most had trouble finishing the paper in two hours this time.
• Maths: Mostly NCERT problems. Nothing extremely challenging as long as you can solve basic problems.
• Chemistry and Biology: It is NCERT based but questions are asked from corners of the text book. Each box, diagram, caption under the diagram and note point is important.

Q. So, tell us something about your family?

Both my parents are doctors. My father a General Physician and my mother is a Pathologist.

Q. What plans for the future? What do you want to become?

I haven't firmly decided on a career but I hope that engineering will open avenues for me in future.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your hobbies?

Apart from academics, I enjoy speaking and debating. I love listening to music and playing the piano. I also like keeping a track of political issues. In my pass time, I enjoy being with friends.

Also read:

GCET 2017: Know toppers

AP EAMCET 2017: List of toppers

Know VITEEE 2017 Toppers

Know JEE Main 2017 Toppers here

Know SRMJEEE(UG) 2017 Toppers