NEET UG 2025 topper Mahesh Kumar: 8 things every aspirant can learn from him

Time of India

6 hours ago

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma meets NEET-UG 2025 topper Mahesh Kumar
The
NEET
UG 2025 results are out, and
Mahesh Kumar
has emerged as the All India Rank 1 topper with a score of 686/720. A student from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, Mahesh credits his success to simple yet powerful habits — built steadily over time.
Here are eight of his most defining practices that NEET aspirants across India can adopt, no matter their background.
Study without disruption
Mahesh didn't depend on last-minute sprints. He built understanding through daily effort.
'Apart from coaching, one should do 6–7 hours of self-study,' Mahesh said in an interview with ANI. His approach reminds students that consistency matters more than intensity when aiming for long-term retention.
Stay steady under pressure
'My strategy was simple — consistent study without falling into the trap of overconfidence or under confidence,' he told PTI in a press interaction. Stress and self-doubt are part of student life. Mahesh managed both by staying neutral — a practical mindset shift many aspirants can benefit from.
Stick to a routine that works
'Regularity, a fixed timetable, and taking good care of my health were key,' he told PTI.
Between classes, tests, and revisions, Mahesh stuck to a fixed schedule.
This habit helps reduce decision fatigue, something every NEET student faces during long months of preparation.
Give health equal priority
Unlike many aspirants who sacrifice health for long study hours, Mahesh consciously ensured rest and wellness. He ate well, slept on time, and gave his body space to recover — demonstrating why well-being must be built into the process.
Master time through repeated mocks
'To my juniors, I'd say — follow a schedule. Time management is something you learn best through regular mock tests,' he advised during the PTI interview.
He treated mocks like trial runs, not just checkboxes. He used them to test timing, find weak spots, and build endurance — a habit every student aiming for high ranks should pick up early.
Leverage coaching for feedback and direction
While self-study played a key role, Mahesh didn't overlook the value of expert feedback.
'I studied at Guru Kripa Career Institute for three years,' he told PTI, highlighting the balance he struck between coaching and self-study. He asked questions, sought help when needed, and used coaching insights to steer his efforts — a reminder that preparation doesn't have to be solo.
Students should use guidance to refine, not replace, self-study.
Turn language gaps into learning goals
Mahesh's path proves that language barriers can be overcome.
'As a Hindi medium student, I did feel nervous at first, but my coaching institute supported me throughout,' he shared with PTI.
As a Hindi-medium student, he used bilingual materials, solved English mock papers, and steadily built confidence — a habit rooted in action, not avoidance.
Let scores guide you, not discourage you
'I never expected that I would secure AIR 1,' he admitted in his ANI interview, showing that humility and effort can coexist.
Mahesh learned from his mock scores without attaching self-worth to them. For aspirants who often take poor results personally, his detachment is a powerful example of how to grow without spiraling.
Mahesh Kumar's journey to NEET UG 2025 AIR 1 shows what focused effort and clear strategy can achieve. What makes his journey stand out is its relatability — no extraordinary hacks, no overnight miracles, just steady habits practiced with intent.
From managing time through mocks and balancing coaching with self-study to prioritising health and overcoming language barriers, Mahesh built his success one decision at a time.
For lakhs of aspirants navigating the demanding path to NEET, his journey is both a blueprint and a source of motivation. It reinforces a powerful message: with the right mindset and consistent action, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.
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