5 things that NEET UG topper ‘Avika Aggarwal’ did differently while preparing for exams

In a country where lakhs of students appear for NEET every year, securing a spot in the top 10 is no less than a heroic feat. And 17-year-old Avika Aggarwal from Faridabad didn’t just crack the exam—she did it with grace, grit, and a strategy that stood out. With an All India Rank (AIR) 5 and the honour of being the female topper in NEET UG 2025, Avika’s success is being celebrated across the nation.
Unlike many, Avika did not rely on overdone formulas or unrealistic study schedules. Her journey offers valuable takeaways—not just for NEET aspirants, but also for parents, mentors, and students dreaming big. Here’s what she really did differently.

As per media reports, instead of forcing a rigid time-table, she followed a rhythm that respected her energy levels. If a topic sparked interest, she would dive deeper, sometimes studying past midnight. On tiring days, she stopped by 11 pm. What mattered more to her was how well she understood a concept—not how many hours were clocked.

This self-awareness—trusting when to push and when to pause—is rarely spoken about but was central to her balance and consistency.

Every day after coaching, she would come home, rest briefly, and then revise what she had learned that same day. She believed in strengthening today’s lesson before moving to tomorrow’s. This daily closure helped her retain concepts better and prevented last-minute panic revisions.

Her method was simple: revise, recall, and reinforce. It was not just learning; it was anchoring knowledge.

While she completely stayed off social media during her prep, she consciously chose to stay emotionally connected with those who lifted her up. Her parents, both doctors, understood her struggles without her having to explain much.

Her tutor’s class became her second home. And in moments of self-doubt, it was these people—calm, present, and patient—who helped her bounce back. Avika didn’t isolate herself; she curated her environment with care.

Her study cycle was broken into focused 90-minute sessions, followed by short 30-minute breaks. These weren’t mindless distractions—they were intentional pauses to recharge.

She didn’t wait for burnout to take a break. She made space for her mind to breathe, every single day. This helped her stay consistent for over two years without exhaustion setting in.

She reminded herself that this goal was never hers alone. Her parents walked the journey with her, step by step. Her tutor believed in her from the start. Every milestone was celebrated together, and every hurdle was navigated with collective strength.

When her result came out, she didn’t just celebrate her rank—she celebrated the shared dream of those who stood beside her. Her approach made this journey emotionally fulfilling, not just academically successful.