Interview with Niharika Shahane, TYBMS Sem 5 Topper 2014-15, Usha Pravin Gandhi College

Name – Niharika Shahane

College Name – Usha Pravin Gandhi College Of Management
Course Name – BMS

Rank in TY Sem V : 1^st

GPA / Percentage: 86.29%

1) Tell us about yourself?

I was a commerce student. After completing my standard 12^th I thought of taking up BMS as I felt it was the course that would match my likings and personality. The course exposes us to various subjects and the study pattern is very interactive. This is why I thought of opting for BMS.

2) How does it feel to be a Topper of the college in TY Sem V exams? 

It feels really great and I am elated. I am extremely happy that all of my efforts have paid off.
3) Whom will you credit your success to? 

The credit of my success is attributed to all my faculty members for all their help, my family members for giving me strength and for their support and my friends for always being there for me, be it work or play.

4) Did you start preparing from the first day of your TY Sem V? 

No I did not. TY is a year which is significant not just in terms of university exams but it is also the final year of Degree College. I think it is essential that one makes most of this time as once gone it will never come back. What is important is striking a balance between studies and the extracurricular activities. I have done exactly that and started my hardcore preparations once the syllabus was completed in college.

5) How did you study for Sem V?

Firstly, there is no formula that one can apply to score. There is only one way and that is working hard. It is necessary to practice all the practical subjects at least one month in advance and make sure that you study everything no matter which subject. Depending on chance is not an option in university exams.
6) Which are the easy subjects in Sem V?

Every subject has its own pros and cons but for me studying human resource management was the easiest followed by SSF.
7) Any special way of writing the answers? Do you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs?

The key is that the answer you write should be very presentable and systematic. It must project your clarity of thought. Having said that it is better to present the answer in points and give examples wherever you can.

8) How do you crack case studies in theory and practical subjects?
The key to cracking any case study be it in theory papers or practical ones is to understand the concepts and present them properly. If you have got the concepts in place any question of the case study can be answered.
9) Did you draw any diagram in any paper? Is it mandatory? Does it help to get more marks?

Diagrams are not mandatory. But they do contribute to presentation and a well presented paper is definetly an examiner’s delight.

10)Any specific study pattern adopted i.e. timetable / how many hours per subject per day etc.?
I generally take up lengthy and difficult subjects first. That way I can eliminate those subjects which burden me followed by the easier and less lengthy subjects. It also advisable to start practical subjects early.
11) How do you fight against mood swings and distractions during exam preparation?

Firstly, staying focused is the primary requirement for any exam. When the objective is clear in your mind and the pressure of completing the syllabus is weighing on you, the only way to complete your work is to concentrate.

Secondly, it advisable to take breaks after stipulated time gaps so that one is refreshed and less distracted.

Also, this is where my family members come in. They help me stay focused and prevent me from diverting. I have never been pressurized by them but have always been motivated which is why I am able to conquer all distractions.

12) If you are made the Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University, what changes would you like to initiate in Indian education system?
I think the university has introduced many positive changes so far that is benefitting students and the system of education.
13) Many students prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear that they are not from big college / not from English medium and eventually lose confidence. What message would you like to these students?

Every individual has their own set of drawbacks but that should not be your focus point. What we must focus on is our strengths, such that we can overcome our weaknesses. For eg. If someone is not confident enough of the language, they should make it a point to read the content more often and could practice their answers by writing.

  14) Through this struggle and success, what have you learned? What is the wisdom of life and competition? 

Firstly, success does not come easy; you have to work towards it constantly and not give up.

Secondly, competition should be taken as a motivator and not as a pressure.

Lastly, it is very necessary to prioritise. If the superfluous things are given importance at the wrong time, it will only lead to more stress at the last minute.

15) Your feedback for BMS.co.in?

I think BMS.co.in is an extremely handy site for undergraduate students. It provides with a lot of aid in terms of study material and helps students put up their queries and find solution to any difficulties they are having. I think it is an efficient and easy method to keep BMS students in the loop.