'Wake Up At 5:30 AM, Study, Play, Repeat': NEET AIR 2 Utkarsh's Winning Formula

News18

a day ago

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Utkarsh Awadhiya, who secured AIR 2 in NEET 2025, credits NCERT, coaching, mock tests, and disciplined preparation for his success.
Utkarsh Awadhiya from Madhya Pradesh has secured All India Rank (AIR) 2 in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET UG 2025) with an outstanding 99.9999095 percentile. He narrowly missed the top spot, as NEET topper Mahesh Kumar secured 99.9999547 percentile. Both secured 99.99 percentile, but a marginal difference in scores placed Utkarsh at the second position.
Speaking with News18.com, Utkarsh opened up about his preparation journey, daily routine, and how he remained motivated throughout the demanding two-year process.
Utkarsh, who has been living in Indore for the past decade, comes from a supportive family. His father, Alok Awadhiya, works as a branch manager at HDFC Bank, while his mother, Ashi Awadhiya, is a homemaker. He also has a younger brother.
Reflecting on his preparation, Utkarsh shared that his serious NEET journey began in Class 11. 'I joined coaching in Class 10, but my focused NEET preparation started two years ago when I entered Class 11. I mainly followed the NCERT books," he said.
Staying disciplined was key for Utkarsh. He would start his day early, waking up around 5:30 to 6:00 AM. 'I used to study for 1-2 hours in the morning before beginning my daily routine. After breakfast, I attended coaching classes for 6-10 hours. Once I returned home by evening, I made sure to take out some time for leisure activities like playing volleyball or badminton. This helped me stay fresh and balanced," he said.
Despite the pressure associated with competitive exams, Utkarsh maintained a stress-free approach towards his studies. 'I genuinely enjoyed studying. I would often get into a flow state where I wouldn't even realise how time passed. While my friends, family, and teachers were a huge support, my internal motivation was the biggest factor that kept me going," he explained.
Utkarsh highlighted the crucial role of mock tests and previous year papers in his preparation. According to him, the structured curriculum and regular testing allowed him to cover his syllabus systematically and revise it thoroughly. 'I was always aware of the upcoming tests and topics well in advance, which helped me stay organised. I managed to revise the syllabus two to three times before the actual exam. Regular practice with mock tests helped me identify my weak areas and work on them efficiently," he added.
For future NEET aspirants, Utkarsh had clear and practical advice. For repeaters, he suggests focusing on analysing past mistakes and correcting them with targeted preparation. For freshers starting in Class 11 or 12, his advice is to stay attentive in class and absorb as much as possible during lectures. 'Try to understand at least 50-60% of the concepts in class itself. After that, revise regularly as per the planner. If your coaching institute doesn't provide a detailed plan, create one for yourself and follow it strictly," he advised.
He also stressed the importance of daily problem-solving after studying a topic. 'Solving questions helps you evaluate your understanding. If you get stuck, don't hesitate to ask your teachers for help," he said.
Now, with NEET behind him, Utkarsh has his sights set on AIIMS — his next big goal.