Kozhikode (Kerala): Deepniya, a young woman from Avala in Perambra, has emerged as Kerala’s NEET topper, securing an impressive All India Rank of 109 in her second attempt.
Her journey began during her higher secondary years when she found a passion for medicine and set her sights on becoming a doctor. Starting her NEET preparation in Plus One, she scored a rank of around 29,000 in her first attempt. Undeterred by the result, she tried again, and her hard work paid off with an impressive rank this year.
Speaking to Mathrubhumi, Deepniya opened up about the challenges she faced and the hard work that went into achieving her remarkable feat.
Dream of becoming a doctor : NEET 2025
Initially, Deepniya’s goal was to secure a good job and become independent. Over time, the desire to help others steered her towards the medical profession. Having studied at Government Higher Secondary School (GHS), she made the decision to prepare for NEET in Plus One itself. After attending tuition classes during Plus 2 and preparing on her own, she attempted NEET for the first time and secured a rank in the 29,000 range. Convinced that focused effort could improve her result, she chose to repeat the exam. She then enrolled at the Kozhikode centre of the Brilliant Study Centre at Pala for a second attempt.
Coaching period
During her time at the coaching centre, she stayed in the coaching centre’s hostel and dedicated an entire year to studying. Mobile phones were set aside completely. The classes followed a method that required daily learning. Every class test, no matter how small, was taken seriously. Topics that were answered incorrectly were revised thoroughly before going to sleep.
Revision is the only solution
Among all the subjects, Organic Chemistry posed the greatest challenge. Repeated reading and study helped her master it. She created brief notes and stuck them on the walls of her study area. Revision remained a daily routine. No matter how much she had studied, she believed that failing to revise could lead to forgetting. A consistent 12-hour study schedule was maintained throughout, without exception.
The approach to managing stress involved developing a love for studying. She studied as much as she could without letting pressure build up. There was no place for overthinking or anxiety.
Family support
Family stood as her strongest support system. When she decided to repeat NEET, their encouragement remained constant. In times of stress, they were her first point of contact. Her father, Dineshan, is a higher secondary mathematics teacher at the same school she attended. Her mother, Beeji, teaches mathematics at the same school. Her younger brother Deepak is in Class 8 student. Though a high rank was expected, becoming the Kerala topper came as a pleasant surprise to all.
