Every year, lakhs of students across India appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) with the dream of securing a seat in top medical colleges. Among these aspirants, a few rise to the top and earn the coveted title of NEET Toppers. These students not only achieve exceptional scores but also inspire millions through their dedication, discipline, and determination. NEET Toppers are often seen as role models, proving that with the right strategy and mindset, success in one of India’s toughest entrance exams is attainable. Their stories offer valuable insights for future aspirants and reflect the changing trends in medical entrance education across the country.
NEET UG 2025: Top Ranks and Notable Performers
The NEET UG 2025 results were declared on June 14, 2025, marking a milestone for many aspirants. Here’s the list of the top 5 candidates:
| AIR | Name | Percentile | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahesh Kumar | 99.9999547 | Rajasthan |
| 2 | Utkarsh Awadhiya | 99.9999095 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 3 | Krishang Joshi | 99.9998189 | Maharashtra |
| 4 | Mrinal Kishore Jha | 99.9998189 | Delhi (NCT) |
| 5 | Avika Aggarwal | 99.9996832 | Delhi (NCT) |
Mahesh Kumar clinched AIR 1 while studying at a coaching institute in Sikar, Rajasthan . Utkarsh and Krishang secured AIR 2 and AIR 3 respectively.
Mahesh Kumar — The Hero of NEET Toppers
Among all the NEET Toppers of 2025, Mahesh Kumar’s story stands out for its grit, determination, and humble beginnings. His journey from a small town in Rajasthan to securing AIR 1 in NEET UG 2025 is both inspiring and motivational for countless aspirants across India.
Background & Journey
From a Hindi-medium background in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, Mahesh initially considered taking up Arts after Class 10. However, inspired by his elder sister, he chose Science in Class 11 and joined a reputed coaching institute in Sikar. Despite language barriers, he adapted to an English-based curriculum, studied 6–8 hours daily, and followed a strict routine to achieve his goal.
- From a Hindi-medium background in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, Mahesh intended to choose Arts after Class 10.
- Inspired by his sister, he switched to Science in Class 11, enrolled in a coaching institute in Sikar, and overcame English language challenges .
- Daily study of 6–8 hours, disciplined scheduling, time management, and self-confidence were pivotal to his success .
Exam Strategy
Even when the NEET 2025 paper format brought unexpected changes, Mahesh remained calm and focused. His mental resilience and presence of mind helped him score 686 out of 720, making him the All India Rank 1 holder.
- On exam day, when the format present unexpected changes, he remained composed: “Calm down, don’t panic”.
- He scored 686 out of 720, securing AIR 1.
Recognition
Mahesh’s exceptional performance earned him recognition at the state level. He was felicitated by Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa. His success has become a symbol of hope and encouragement for students from regional and non-English backgrounds.
- Mahesh has been felicitated by Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa.
- His journey inspires students from diverse backgrounds, breaking stereotypes around Hindi-medium learners.
Trends Among NEET Toppers 2025
Analyzing the trends among NEET Toppers provides valuable insights into the demographics, competition, and emerging patterns in medical entrance preparation. The 2025 topper data reflects a mix of geographic diversity and shifting academic landscapes.
Gender & State Patterns
The NEET UG 2025 topper list saw a significant gender disparity. Out of the top 20 candidates, 18 were male and only 2 were female. Geographically, Delhi emerged as the leading region with three candidates in the top 10, followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat with two each. States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab had one topper each, indicating a wide spread of academic excellence across the country.
- Among the top 20, 18 were male and just 2 female.
- Delhi led with three candidates in the top 10, followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat (2 each), and one each from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.
Category Dynamics
A deeper look into the category-wise results reveals that the top 10 ranks were majorly secured by students from the General category. Toppers like Mahesh Kumar, Utkarsh Awadhiya, Krishang Joshi, and Mrinal Jha—all from the General category—claimed the top 4 AIRs. This indicates that while reservation policies offer opportunities for various categories, academic performance at the highest levels continues to be fiercely competitive.
- The top 10 list was dominated by General category students: Mahesh Kumar, Utkarsh Awadhiya, Krishang Joshi, and Mrinal held AIRs 1–4, all from General category.
NEET Toppers: What Makes Their Preparation Stand Out
From top performers’ shared strategies, the following pillars emerge:
| Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| Consistent Daily Routine | 6–8 hours daily structured study |
| Regular Mock Tests | Frequent practice of full-length tests |
| Time Management | Planning and sticking to a study timetable |
| Resilience & Mindset | Staying calm under pressure and persevering |
| Focused NCERT Mastery | Emphasis on core textbooks |
State Champions & Category-wise Toppers
Beyond national rankings, understanding state and category trends offers insights:
- Maharashtra saw 11 students in top 100; top male performer: Krishang Joshi (AIR 3); top female: Siddhi Badhe (AIR 26).
- Karnataka produced six top-100 rankers including Ruchir Gupta (AIR 22) and Tejas Ghotgalkar (AIR 38).
- Category toppers such as OBC (NCL) and SC were recognized in the top 10 list.
NEET Historical Topper Trends and Challenges
- Past Performance: In 2024, 67 candidates achieved perfect scores (720); massive scrutiny around scoring discrepancies.
- 2025 Difficulty: Even the top scorer had 686/720, indicating a tougher paper. Physics section was notably challenging.
Strategies to Become a NEET Topper
For aspirants targeting the NEET Toppers frame, here are key strategies:
- Plan Early & Study Smart
Create a long-term timetable with daily goals. - Master NCERT First
Most questions align with NCERT; foundation matters. - Take Frequent Mocks
Simulate exam conditions and analyze mistakes. - Balance Subjects
Focus on weak areas but maintain consistency across all sections. - Stay Mentally Fit
Regular breaks, meditation, and positive mindset help overcome pressure.
Comparison: NEET 2024 vs 2025 Top Scores
| Year | Highest Marks | Perfect Scorers | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 720 | 67 | Score inflation led to controversies |
| 2025 | 686 | 0 | Indicated a more challenging exam |
How NEET Toppers Rise: Core Takeaways
- Growth Mindset: Confidence and adaptability (like Mahesh) help overcome unexpected challenges.
- Consistency & Discipline: Sustaining effort over months is critical.
- Mock-Test Driven Learning: Learn from mistakes and refine time management.
- Subject Synergy: Embrace the synergy across Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
Next Steps After Topping NEET
- Counseling & Admissions: Top rankers often secure seats in premier institutions like AIIMS.
- Coaching Hub Shift: Coaching centers in places like Sikar and Kota attract aspirants now, following top-performer trends.
- Inspiring Others: Toppers like Mahesh are role‑models for Hindi‑medium and non‑metropolitan students.
FAQs
A. Mahesh Kumar from Rajasthan secured AIR 1 with a percentile of 99.9999547 and a score of 686 out of 720 .
A. They exhibit disciplined routines (6–8 hours/day), consistent mock testing, strong NCERT fundamentals, mental resilience, and effective time management .
A. After 67 students scored 720 in 2024 amid controversies, the 2025 paper was tougher—no perfect scores and AIR 1 at 686 .
A. Delhi had three in top 10, Maharashtra and Gujarat had two each; Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab each secured one, making NEET Toppers a pan-India trend.
A. Adopting the strategies of NEET toppers—structured study, mock‑based learning, NCERT mastery, balanced preparation, and mental resilience—can significantly boost performance.