Fri, 17 Jul 2026 · LIVE
Updated Jul 17, 2026 · 10:00
Health News Updated Jul 17, 2026

NEET-UG Re-exam Boosts Scores: Top Rankers Share Success Stories

Students who excelled in the NEET-UG re-examination held on June 21 reported significant improvements in their marks and All India Ranks. Ayush Balotia achieved AIR 4 with a score of 710, a 15-point increase from his previous 695. Kartik Chaudhary scored 705, earning AIR 16, and noted the re-exam was more favorable. Other top scorers like Kritika Jain and Gunjan also saw rank improvements despite minor score changes, attributing their success to disciplined study routines.

Higher scores, significant rank gains after retest: NEET-UG top scorers

Kota, July 17

Students who gained top scores in the NEET-UG re-examination held on June 21 following a row over an alleged paper leak, on Friday said that the second exam proved to be "more favourable" for them, leading to a "significant improvement" in their marks and All India Ranks.

Ayush Balotia, who secured AIR 4 in re-NEET, had scored 695 in the previously cancelled exam and scored 710 this time.

"My coaching classes used to be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. After that, I would go to the mess for dinner, then study for around two to two-and-a-half hours. After that, I would check my phone for a while and then go to sleep," he told IANS.

He would follow almost the same schedule every day.

Kartik Chaudhary, who secured AIR 16, also said the NEET re-exam turned out to be "more favourable" for him.

"In the first exam, I had scored 700, and this time I scored 705. With the 705, I got AIR 16, which is a very good rank. Though the earlier paper was a little easier, this paper was of a slightly better level, and whatever I studied over the last two years reflected in my 705 marks this time," he said.

Describing his preparation for the national-level medical entrance test, Chaudhary told IANS that he would study in the night, "from 9:30 -10 p.m. till 4:30 - 5 a.m".

"Then I slept till around 12:30 p.m. and attended coaching classes from 2 p.m.," he said while mentioning that he prepared for the exam from Rajasthan's Kota.

Kritika Jain, who secured AIR 18 in re-NEET, said that in the previous exam held on May 3, he had scored 705.

"I was expecting a lower rank because the paper was easy and many students had scored high marks. But as soon as re-NEET was announced, I felt I could improve my rank. Although my marks were reduced to 701 in the re-examination, my rank improved," he told IANS.

Gunjan, who secured AIR 52, said: "I scored 695 out of 720. In the first exam, I scored 690, and this time my score improved to 695. Yes, re-NEET worked in my favour. My rank improved."

"I revised Inorganic Chemistry a lot because I used to forget it. The rest of the paper felt easy," she added.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Ravi K

Hats off to Ayush, Kartik, and Kritika! Getting AIR 4, 16, and 18 is no joke. But studying till 5 am and sleeping till 12:30 pm? That's dedication like a true Kota warrior. But honestly, the pressure on these kids is insane. We need to normalize mental health support too.

James A

Interesting that even though the paper was allegedly leaked, the re-exam actually helped some students improve. Maybe the leak was overblown? Or maybe it's just luck. Either way, India needs a more robust exam system. The stress on these teens is unreal.

Vikram M

Kritika Jain's case is interesting - marks went down from 705 to 701 but rank improved from AIR 18 to 9. Shows how competitive NEET is. Every single mark matters. But I'm worried about students who had good ranks in first exam and now dropped. The re-exam should not be unfair to anyone.

Suresh O

What about students from rural areas who can't afford Kota coaching? The system is rigged from the start. These top scorers are brilliant but we need to ask why only rich kids from coaching hubs are dominating. Re-exam or not, the inequality remains.

Ananya R

Yaar, I feel for Gunjan. She scored 695 and says re-NEET worked in her favour. But imagine how hard it is to study in Kota, living away from family. These students are true fighters. Hope they all become great doctors! 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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