NEET UG 2025: NCERT was her go-to resource

The results of the NEET UG 2025 exam were announced on June 16, 2025. According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), out of the 22.09 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam this year, 12.36 lakh qualified, marking a slight decline from the 13.15 lakh who cleared it in 2024.

In line with the updated undergraduate seat matrix released by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for the academic year 2025–26, there are now 1,18,190 MBBS seats available across 780 medical colleges in India. This includes government and private institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, and other state-run and private medical colleges.

Meet Janhavi P, who qualified for the NEET UG 2025 from Apeejay School. Nerul. In a candid interview, she reveals her AIR of 3342, 99.8 percentile, and a score of 581/720, among other insights.

What’s the secret to your success?

I mainly referred to the NCERT textbooks. I read them multiple times. For Physics, I made sure to solve the NCERT exercises along with other questions. While others study from different books, for me NCERT was the best option.

How did you balance NEET preparation with your Boards?

I mostly focused on NEET, but I prepared for Boards alongside since the CBSE board and NEET syllabi overlap. So, studying for NEET also meant preparing for Boards. Also, I didn’t go by hours. I studied based on topics. If I had to finish a topic, I made sure to complete it no matter how long it took.

That is intense. How did you deal with it?

I did take frequent breaks. I also spent time with my friends. I made sure to enjoy myself along with studying. It was a balance of both. Taking breaks helps a lot. It helped me stay more focused and refreshed, and I didn’t feel too burdened.

What made you want to pursue medicine?

Both my parents are doctors, so that was a big inspiration for me. However, right now, I don’t have a specialisation in mind. I’m just focusing on getting into MBBS.

What advice would you give students preparing for NEET next year?

I’d say enjoy life and study at the same time. The process can get stressful and hectic, so it’s important to take breaks and enjoy. And don’t ignore NCERT – even for Physics, going through NCERT at least once is beneficial.

How did you handle stress, especially on the day of the exam?

On the exam day, I woke up, got my documents ready, and didn’t study much. I just spent time with my mother, talking to her, which helped calm my nerves.