Proper utilisation of time puts Rafsan on top

Rafsan Zaman, who scored the highest in the entrance exam for the 2023-24 MBBS, attributed his success, apart from his determination, to proper utilisation of time and focus on studies.

He also said he avoided using his mobile phone to maintain his focus.

"All that I had was my perseverance to get into the best medical college in the country and I had to ensure the best use of time for this," Rafsan, who scored 94.25 in the 100-mark MCQ test, told The Daily Star in an interview over phone today.

After completing the Higher Secondary Examination 2022 from Rajshahi Cadet College, Rafsan stayed with his family in Chattogram city. In the HSC examination, he also secured 1,256 out of 1,300.

Rafsan, who hails from Rangpur, used to go to bed early and start his day early in the morning.

"I spent the morning studying. And, textbooks were my first priority," he said.

He suggested those, who want to get into public medical colleges, to not waste time. "They should try their best to achieve their target."

Replying to whether he has any dream to join the military, being a cadet college student, he said, "No. I have a fascination with the human body. This is why I have decided to be a physician."

His father AKM Shamsuzzaman is the deputy general manager of City Group in Chattogram and his mother Kawsar Najnin Moni is a homemaker.

He is the only son of his parents while his only sister Sadia Ibnat Raisa graduated in architecture from Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) last year.

This year, around 1.39 lakh applicants sat for the entrance exam for 11,122 seats available in the medical colleges.

There are 4,350 seats in 37 public medical colleges and 6,772 seats in 72 private medical colleges, according to the health ministry.

The pass mark was 40 out of 100 in MCQ. Only 35.34 percent of students managed to pass.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque announced the result at a press conference at the old building of the Directorate General of Health Services in Dhaka's Mohakhali this afternoon.