17-year-old Avika Aggarwal cracks NEET with rank 5, avoided social media entirely

India Today

15-06-2025

Out of the many students who appeared for NEET UG 2025, 17-year-old Avika Aggarwal from Delhi stood out as the only girl in the top 10. She secured All India Rank 5 with an impressive score of 680 out of 720. Her journey is not just about studying hard, but also about staying focused, being consistent, and having strong support.A topper since Class 10, Avika's journey to NEET glory was built on a simple yet powerful foundation: clear purpose, daily discipline, and minimal distractions. She kept a strict distance from social media, channelling her focus on revision, test series, and small, achievable goals.advertisementHer day was structured around 6 to 8 hours of study, broken into focused 90-minute sessions with short breaks in between. This rhythm helped her stay fresh and motivated without burning out. 'Studying never felt like a burden because I gave myself time to rest,' she said.SUPPORT SYSTEM: WHEN FAMILY BECOMES YOUR BACKBONE
But this success wasn't hers alone. With both her parents—Dr. Ashutosh Aggarwal and Dr. Neha Aggarwal—in the medical field, Avika grew up surrounded by discipline and direction. Her parents played a crucial role in her preparation, not just academically but emotionally.'Whenever I felt demotivated or confused, they understood what I was going through before I could even say it,' Avika shared. Her father emphasised how essential it is for parents to engage with their child's academic life: 'You should know what chapters they are studying, what problems they're facing. That's how you walk with them toward their goal.'advertisementHer mother noted how Avika always prioritised practice over prestige. 'She was a consistent topper, but she never let success distract her. She stayed grounded and focused.'SMART STRATEGIES AND A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVEAvika's preparation strategy revolved around regular revision, test series, and self-paced learning. She would revise lessons the same day they were taught and practice related questions to avoid silly mistakes. This approach, she believes, helped her avoid last-minute pressure and boosted her confidence.She also spoke about how this journey reshaped her relationship with her body and mind. 'Preparing for NEET changed how I viewed my own strength. I've learned to appreciate what I'm capable of,' she said.Looking ahead, Avika hopes to specialise in dermatology or neurosurgery. To those preparing for NEET, she offers grounded advice: identify your purpose, make small goals, stay consistent, and lean on those who support you. 'Motivation comes automatically when you know what you want from life,' she said.PRESENCE OVER PRESSUREHer message to parents is just as powerful: 'Children don't just need resources—they need your time, your attention, and your belief.'Her father echoes the sentiment: 'Be present. Children shouldn't feel like they're alone on this journey.'Her story is a reminder that success in competitive exams like NEET is not just about academic rigour—it's also about emotional support, smart planning, and the courage to cut out the noise.