Mahesh Kumar NEET Topper 2025 AIR 1 Interview– Success Story and Strategy

The National Testing Agency, NTA, has announced NEET UG 2025 results on June 14. Along with the results, the NEET UG 2025 toppers have also been out. Among 22 lakh students, Mahesh Kumar from Sikar has managed to top the UG medical test by scoring 686 marks out of 720. Mahesh attributes his success to his family, who supported him through his journey.

In conversation with Careers360, Mahesh shared how he managed to secure 686 out of 720 and became a NEET 2025 topper. Read the complete interview to know details about NEET 2025 AIR 1.

Careers360: Congratulations on your NEET 2025 result! How are your feelings about this achievement?

Mahesh: I am feeling good.

Careers360: What motivated you to choose medicine as a career? When did you decide to become a doctor?

Mahesh - After 10th grade, I initially thought of taking Arts. But then I reconsidered my future goals and decided to move to Sikar to prepare for NEET. So, I opted for Biology and began my NEET preparation that same year.

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Careers360: Is this your first attempt? When did you start your preparations for the NEET exam?

Mahesh Kumar: Yes, it was my first attempt. I joined Guru Kripa Career Institute in Sikar in the 11th grade to begin my preparation, and I continued preparing consistently for three years.

Careers360: How much time did you devote to self-study? What do you think is better, coaching or self-study?

Mahesh Kumar: I used to do 6–7 hours of self-study daily after classes, and I stayed consistent with that routine. Look, my score in 10th grade was 97.17%. But there’s a big difference between board exams and the NEET paper. I was very focused on school studies back then, but if I had relied only on self-study after that, I don’t think I would have been able to crack NEET. Coaching has played a very important role in my success.

Careeres360: Which is your strongest and weakest subject?

Mahesh Kumar: In the 11th and 12th, I was weak in Biology and didn’t practice enough questions. But in the third year, I worked on it and improved.

Careeres360: Did you have any exam day strategy?

Mahesh Kumar: I used to attempt Physics in all the practice papers we had. But during the actual NEET exam, my Physics section got delayed. According to the schedule, I had only 20–25 minutes left to attempt around 5–7 questions. So, about half an hour had already been wasted. I then moved on to Chemistry, completed that section, followed by Biology, and then returned to Physics.

In Physics, my paper code was 45, and most of the questions were quite difficult. I had just 20–25 minutes for it as well. I started from question 45 and went backwards. After completing Biology and Chemistry, I attempted questions 45, 44, 43, and continued until question 25. So, I was able to finish Biology and Chemistry completely and attempted around 20 questions in Physics. After that, I had around 20–25 questions remaining in Physics, and I was almost done with that section too.

Careers360: How was the NEET UG preparation different from the early days to just a month before the exam?

Mahesh Kumar: As a student, the experience changes after the 10th grade. You join a coaching institute, and in the beginning, you don’t understand what’s going on, what to study, or what not to focus on. In such a situation, having good friends, proper mentorship, and supportive teachers becomes very important. I was fortunate to receive all of that at Guru Kripa Career Institute. I got regular mentorship and guidance through seminars, and I was constantly supported by Hudani Sir, Guleri Sir, and Yogendra Sir.

Careers360: Which college is your dream college for studying medicine? Are you interested in any specialisation?

Mahesh Kumar: My dream college is AIIMS Delhi. I am interested in Neuroscience at the moment.

Careers360: To whom do you attribute your successful NEET topper journey?

Mahesh Kumar: My coaching institute played a very important role in my journey. I truly believe that the grace of my mentors and teachers made a big difference. At Guru Kripa Career Institute, I received well-structured modules, notes, NCERT-based exercises, DPPs, and other resources, which I solved regularly.

Whenever my marks fluctuated, whether they were high or low, I used to talk to my parents and my mentor. He always reminded me that we shouldn’t judge ourselves based on marks alone, especially not just the ones we score in qualifying tests. The focus should always be on consistent effort and improvement.

Often in coaching, when students start scoring well, they become overconfident and reduce their efforts. On the other hand, if they score low, they may begin over-studying, sometimes pushing themselves to study for 10–12 hours a day, which can negatively affect their health. That’s why it’s important not to let marks affect our mindset too much. We should just keep learning and working hard, regardless of how our marks are at the moment.

Careers360: What would you suggest to future NEET aspirants in terms of preparation, attitude, etc?

Mahesh Kumar: I would like to say that you should keep working hard. Don’t let your marks, whether they go up or down, affect your motivation or make you feel disheartened. Just stay consistent and keep following the guidance you receive from your coaching institute.