Rising Above the Crowd with AIR 5
In a year where over 20 lakh students took the NEET UG 2025, Avika Aggarwal from Faridabad made history as the top-ranked girl in India, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 5—and the only female in the top 10. Her achievement is not just academic; it is deeply human, marked by determination, smart planning, and emotional strength.
Physics as a Passion—and a Strength
Avika’s academic excellence is best reflected in her love for Physics, where she scored 97/100, alongside an impressive 96.8% in her CBSE board exams. She attributes this success to her teacher at Aakash Institute, Faridabad. “My Physics teacher never scolded me. Instead, she always encouraged me to do better, and that positive reinforcement kept me going,” says Avika.
A Father’s Support That Made a Difference
Another key influence was her father, who helped her prepare short notes and mnemonics to simplify tough concepts. “It helped me memorize more efficiently, especially when I was overwhelmed,” she explains. She is well aware this kind of guidance isn’t available to everyone and expresses deep gratitude for it.
Biology Was the Hurdle—and She Overcame It Creatively
Despite her strengths in Physics, Biology was her biggest challenge. Memorizing lengthy chapters didn’t come easily. Avika dealt with this by breaking her study time into short, focused bursts and using anecdotes and memory tricks. “It made biology less intimidating and more interesting,” she shares.
Staying Balanced with Breaks and Hobbies
What sets Avika apart is her understanding of balance. She regularly took breaks to watch Netflix, dance, play badminton and table tennis, or simply spend time with her family. “These little things helped me clear my head. They recharged me,” she says. Her philosophy? “Avoid burnout at all costs.”
Dealing with Exam Pressure and Self-Doubt
Like many NEET aspirants, Avika struggled with the fear of failure, especially in a high-stakes environment. “One mistake can change everything,” she admits. But she leaned on her family and teachers, who gave her the emotional support needed to stay calm and grounded.
Facing the New NEET Format Head-On
This year’s NEET exam introduced significant changes—no optional questions and a reduction in total time to three hours. Avika admits the time crunch slowed her down slightly. However, she welcomed the removal of optional questions, calling it a “fair move” that gave everyone an equal footing.
Why Mock Tests and Coaching Were Essential
According to Avika, mock tests and coaching were crucial for developing time management and the ability to stay composed under pressure. “Practice exams helped me simulate the real test environment. That’s where I learned to control anxiety and plan my approach,” she shares.
Advice to Future NEET Aspirants
Her message to juniors is heartfelt: “Don’t isolate yourself.” She encourages open conversations with teachers and family, stressing that support systems help ease the journey. She also advises aspirants to use coaching materials and reference books, not just NCERT texts, to challenge themselves and prepare for tougher questions.
Final Words of Wisdom
Avika signs off with this empowering thought:
“Be mentally prepared for anything. And always remember—the strongest force behind you is the belief of those who love you.”
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