NEET UG 2026 topper Aryan Gupta says re-exam helped him secure All India Rank 1

Aryan Gupta from Ludhiana, Punjab, has emerged as the All India Rank (AIR) 1 holder in NEET UG 2026, achieving a remarkable score of 715 marks. In an exclusive conversation, the young achiever shared his preparation journey, his reaction to the NEET re-examination, and the motivation that helped him overcome challenges during one of the most crucial phases of his academic life.

Aryan's achievement has made him one of the most talked-about students in the country. His exceptional performance has not only earned him the top rank in India's largest medical entrance examination but has also brought him one step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor.

The NEET UG 2026 examination witnessed participation from lakhs of students across the country. This year, over 11.21 lakh candidates qualified for medical admissions, making the competition tougher than ever. Despite the intense competition and the uncertainty caused by the examination controversy, Aryan remained focused and eventually secured the highest rank in the country.

He scored full marks in Biology with 360 marks and Physics with 180 marks, while scoring 175 marks in Chemistry. These outstanding scores helped him achieve the top position in the national merit list.

How the re-exam changed everything

Speaking about the NEET re-examination, Aryan said that the second opportunity played a major role in his success.

According to him, he was disappointed when the original examination was affected by the paper leak controversy. However, he believes the re-exam ultimately worked in his favour.

Aryan explained that he found the original NEET paper conducted on May 3 relatively easy. Because of that, he admitted that he approached the exam casually and was not completely satisfied with his performance.

He estimated that if the results had been based only on the original examination, his rank might have been around 900.

The re-examination, however, was much more challenging. Aryan said the tougher paper made him take the test more seriously and approach every question with complete focus.

"I was upset when the paper leak happened, but the re-exam helped me secure Rank 1," he said while reflecting on his journey.

He added that he was confident about his preparation before the re-exam and felt positive about his performance after completing the paper. When the results were announced and he saw his rank, he described the feeling as one of immense happiness and relief.

Aryan's achievement also highlights the importance of staying mentally strong during unexpected situations. Instead of becoming discouraged by the controversy surrounding the examination, he used the additional time to prepare better and improve his performance.

His story serves as an example of how setbacks can sometimes turn into opportunities when approached with determination and hard work.

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Hard work and family support

Aryan revealed that his preparation for NEET began during Class 11. For nearly two years, he followed a disciplined study schedule and dedicated long hours to achieving his goal.

He said he studied between 13 and 14 hours every day while also preparing for his Class 12 board examinations. Managing both board exams and NEET preparation required careful planning and consistency.

The topper credited much of his success to the study material and guidance provided by his coaching institute. He focused on following the instructions given by his teachers and avoided unnecessary distractions.

In the months leading up to the examination, Aryan shifted his attention towards intensive practice through mock tests, sample papers and previous years' question papers.

He attempted around 40 mock tests during his preparation.

According to him, these mock tests played a crucial role in building confidence and improving his exam-taking skills. Regular practice helped him understand the examination pattern, manage time effectively and identify areas that needed improvement.

Aryan believes that solving a large number of questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for any competitive examination.

His advice to future NEET aspirants is simple but practical: focus on solving questions regularly and attempt as many mock tests as possible.

"Mock tests prepare you for any competitive examination and help you stay confident on the actual exam day," he said.

Behind Aryan's success is also a strong support system. He credited his elder brother, Aditya Gupta, for playing an important role in keeping him motivated during difficult moments.

Aditya is currently studying medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi and had secured AIR 54 in NEET the previous year.

Aryan described his brother as a constant source of encouragement, especially after the paper leak controversy left him feeling disappointed. The support and guidance from his brother helped him stay focused on his goal and continue working hard.

His parents, both doctors by profession, have also been a major source of inspiration. Growing up in a family connected to the medical field strengthened his interest in pursuing a career in medicine.

Aryan's dream of becoming a doctor began at a very young age. He shared that he decided to enter the medical profession when he was in Class 3 after losing his grandmother to cancer.

The experience left a deep impact on him and inspired him to become an oncologist, a doctor who specialises in the treatment of cancer patients.

With AIR 1 in NEET UG 2026, Aryan now plans to pursue his MBBS degree from AIIMS New Delhi, one of the country's most prestigious medical institutions.

Apart from NEET, Aryan also performed well academically. He scored 97.2 percent in the CBSE Class 12 examinations and secured a rank between 5,000 and 6,000 in JEE Main.

This year's NEET merit list also featured several other outstanding performers. Panshul Bansal secured AIR 2, while Uplakshya Goyal secured AIR 3. Kudale Shravani Krishna emerged as the highest-ranked female candidate with AIR 5.

Aryan Gupta's journey from a determined student in Ludhiana to the NEET UG 2026 topper reflects the power of perseverance, discipline and self-belief. His story is likely to inspire thousands of medical aspirants across the country who dream of achieving success through hard work and dedication.