NEET UG 2025: 4 toppers, 4 journeys and the one thing they all got right

Time of India

7 hours ago

The pristine white coat of a doctor is far more than just a professional uniform; it is a symbol of aspiration, resilience, and years of relentless pursuit. For lakhs of Indian students, it represents a future forged through sleepless nights, dog-eared textbooks, and unwavering discipline.
Their journey to the gates of India's premier medical colleges is not merely academic; it is deeply personal, often stretching across months and, in many cases, years of dedicated preparation.
When the NEET UG 2025 results were announced on June 14, they did not merely reflect marks or merit, they unveiled stories. Stories etched in quiet determination, whispered self-doubt conquered by belief, and sacrifices made far from the limelight.
From a student raised in a Hindi-medium school who once questioned his place in science, to another who found comfort and rhythm in hostel life, these narratives speak not of miracles, but of methodical courage and perseverance. Here's a peek into the minds behind the marks, and the hearts behind the headlines.
Mahesh Kumar
(AIR 1): Shattering the myth of language and intelligence
In a dusty corner of Rajasthan, Mahesh Kumar once sat in a classroom unsure whether he should even study science.
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Coming from a Hindi-medium background, he had long been made to believe that excellence was reserved for English-speaking students from elite urban schools.
'I thought I wouldn't be able to crack tough competitive exams,' he said in an interaction with TOI, referring to the fear that haunted his decision in Class 11
Mahesh didn't initially opt for science. Medicine wasn't on the horizon, until it was. With time, grit and a quiet rage against this internalised doubt, he embraced the very path he once feared.
He recalls how, just months before the exam, the pressure was mounting. Last year's controversies around NEET only added to the uncertainty.
A few months before the exam, pressure increases. Given last year's NEET UG confusion, I was tense. When we got the question paper, it was of a different format,' he said to TOI, describing how crucial it was to stay calm amid the unexpected. At that moment, he didn't think he would score more than 700, let alone top the country.
But when he began analysing his answers later, a quiet confidence started replacing anxiety.
Never one to scream his success from the rooftops, Mahesh's triumph is not just academic, it's revolutionary. In a system that often conflates fluency with aptitude, he proved that language may be a medium, but not a measure of merit.
Utkarsh Awadhiya
(AIR 2): Finding joy in the journey
For 18-year-old Utkarsh Awadhiya from Indore, this wasn't just a two-year sprint to the top, it was a journey he genuinely enjoyed.
'I continued working hard and enjoyed the journey,' he said in an interaction with ANI with unshakeable calm.
His score in NEET is a culmination of his hard work and consistency. He credits the hostel environment where he lived for much of his preparation, saying that the atmosphere of concentrated study couldn't have been replicated at home.
'Stay away from social media,' he advised earnestly, calling mobile phones one of the biggest distractions for aspirants today.
With his father working as an HDFC Bank branch manager and his mother a homemaker, Utkarsh learned early on the value of routine, resourcefulness, and restraint.
NEET Result 2025: 'Do not use mobile too much…' NEET topper reveals secret to success
He also encouraged aspirants to 'not overthink' the exam and simply stay consistent. For a generation constantly fed the idea that burnout equals brilliance, Utkarsh's approach of finding balance is refreshing.
Krishang Joshi
(AIR 3): Anchored by values, driven by purpose
Krishang Joshi's life has been shaped by both movement and meaning.
Originally from Uttarakhand, he took his NEET exam from Maharashtra, where his father works as a deputy conservator at the New Mangaluru Port Association.
His ambition to become a doctor was seeded in Class 10, he said. But it was nourished at home, by parents who taught him that medicine wasn't just a career, it was a calling. 'It is a very noble profession,' his parents would tell him. 'You can work independently and serve society' he said in an interview with ANI.
His mother, a homemaker, was his unwavering emotional support system. He prepared diligently, but didn't expect the third rank. 'I was sure I would get a rank under 50,' he said, almost bashfully.
Krishang's story is grounded in humility. Despite the high rank, his takeaway is simple: Success lies in staying focused on the 'why,' not just the 'how.'
Mrinal Kishore Jha
(AIR 4): Discipline, not desperation
For Delhi's Mrinal Kishore Jha, the road to NEET began with baby steps.
He started his preparation in Class 9, but it was only in Class 11 that he began to fully immerse himself in the syllabus. His method? Breaking it down into manageable pieces with the help of regular minor tests.
"I began preparing for NEET a little in Class 9, but started studying for it more seriously from Class 11. I used to take minor tests, which improved my score gradually and gave me clarity about the syllabus,' he told PTI.
He didn't study for extreme hours, just four to eight hours every day, but with unwavering focus.
Mrinal credits his parents and teachers for creating an environment of encouragement rather than pressure. 'Consistent study and practice tests are very important,' he emphasised.
His story is a lesson in incremental gains. In an ecosystem obsessed with last-minute heroics, Mrinal champions the slow, steady, and successful route.
Beyond the ranks: Lessons that resonate
These young achievers come from different states, speak different languages, and followed different routines. Some studied in hostels, others at home. Some began early, others switched paths midway. But one thing binds them all: a deep belief in their ability to adapt, focus, and grow.
Their journeys challenge stereotypes—the idea that toppers must be sleepless, that only English-medium students can dream big, or that the number of hours equals success.
In their quiet triumphs, NEET's top scorers of 2025 have sparked something far more powerful than competition, they've inspired conversation. About access, equity, resilience, and the many ways success can look.
So, as the country rushes into the counselling phase, these stories will linger. Long after the ranks fade, the lessons will stay.
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