Wanted to prepare for UPSC, but sister encouraged to aim for NEET: Rank 1 Mahesh Kumar
Born on August 3, 2008, in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district, Mahesh had been preparing for NEET at Gurukripa Coaching Institute in Sikar for the past three years.
Academically strong since the beginning, Mahesh scored 97.17% in Class 10 and 90.80% in Class 12.
Mahesh Kumar from Rajasthan has secured the All India Rank 1 in the NEET 2025. Mahesh scored an impressive 686 out of 720 marks in his first attempt.
Born on August 3, 2008, in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district, Mahesh had been preparing for NEET at Gurukripa Coaching Institute in Sikar for the past three years. His parents, both Grade III government teachers, have played a significant role in nurturing him for the exam, which Mahesh credits as key to his success.
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“Initially, I wanted to pursue Humanities in Class 11 and later prepare for the UPSC exam,” Mahesh shared. “But my elder sister, Simran, encouraged me to opt for Biology and aim for NEET instead.”
Mahesh now dreams of joining AIIMS Delhi and becoming a surgeon.
When asked about his study routine, Mahesh said, “I studied for 6 to 8 hours daily. I also made time for extra curriculars activities like playing cricket and watching television. It’s important to take breaks and avoid burnout. Solving previous years’ question papers helped me understand common mistakes, and I always turned to my teachers whenever I got stuck.”
Notably, four students from Rajasthan have made it to the Top 20 ranks in NEET 2025.
Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions.
Expertise and Experience
Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public.
Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas:
Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight.
Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.
Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use.
Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More
