Odisha Boy Scores Record 100% In NEET After Lockdown Grind In Kota

With 720 out of 720 marks, 18-year-old Soyeb Aftab has hit the bullseye in this year's NEET, topping the coveted exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses.

From Rourkela in Odisha, Soyeb wants to be a cardiologist when he finishes his medical studies.

Giving the exam in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic had its pressures, said Soyeb, but he used the lockdown to study even harder.

"I haven't gone back to my hometown since 2018. I studied around 10 to 12 hours every day," said Soyeb. "I stayed in Kota with my mother and younger sister to study," he added.

While most students in Kota petitioned to go back home during the lockdown, Soyeb stayed put with his mother and sister to keep his nose to the grindstone and continue his coaching classes from Kota's Allen Career Institute, his parents said.

And it has certainly paid off as Soyeb Aftab managed to get the perfect score - a record first in the country.

With marks like these, Soyeb should not have a problem in getting into the Delhi's premier All India Institutes of Medical Sciences or AIIMS where he wants to specialise in cardiac surgery.

"I want to work for economically weaker sections in the society. I want to motivate youngsters so they can work hard and be of use to our nation," he said.

Soyeb's father is has a construction business and he has a younger sister. The family said they now plan to visit the dargah at Ajmer Sharif to give thanks.

A pen and paper-based test unlike the engineering entrance exam JEE, results for NEET were announced on Friday with more than 7.7 lakh candidates clearing the test this year.

Nearly 16 lakh students had registered to appear for the test that was deferred twice this year because of the pandemic. The exam was originally scheduled for May 3, but was pushed to July 26, and then to September 13.

Students who missed the exam on the date because of COVID-19 restrictions were allowed to sit for the test on Wednesday.