NEET UG 2024 Topper Isha Kothari Shares Her Journey to Scoring a Perfect 720

The NTA announced the NEET UG 2024 results on June 4, revealing a significant increase in the cutoff for general category candidates this year.

In an impressive feat of academic excellence, Isha Kothari, a student from Udaipur, Rajasthan, secured All India Rank 1 in the NEET UG 2024 examination by scoring a perfect 720 out of 720. The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the results on June 4, revealing a significant increase in the cutoff for general category candidates this year. Isha, along with 66 other top performers, achieved a remarkable 99.997129 percentile. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha, Isha shares her journey, preparation strategies, and aspirations.

Q: Congratulations on your result! What was your reaction when you came to know about your rank?

Isha: Thank you! The results were released unexpectedly soon, so I didn't have much time to process it initially. However, it was a moment of immense joy and celebration for me and my family. We were all thrilled and celebrated the achievement together.

Q: When and how did you decide to pursue MBBS?

Isha: I have wanted to become a doctor since childhood. With no doctors in my family, I was inspired to be the first and contribute to the field of medicine.

Q: Tell us something about your family, schooling, etc.

Isha: My father is a businessman, and my mother is a housewife. I completed my schooling at MDS Public School in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Q: When did you start preparing for NEET and what was the strategy?

Isha: I started my NEET preparation in the 11th standard. I relied heavily on my teachers' guidance throughout the journey. The mock tests and assessments on Infinity Learn’s online platform were instrumental in my preparation strategy.

Q: What were your strong and weak areas?

Isha: My strong areas were Physics and Chemistry. However, Biology was my weak area, and I had to put extra effort into improving it.

Q: Which books did you refer to for NEET?

Isha: I primarily used my coaching modules and the following books:

Biology: "Biology for NEET" by Dr. Arif

Physics: "Understanding Physics" by D.C. Pandey

Chemistry: "NCERT Fingertips" for Chemistry and additional notes

Q: How did you balance your NEET preparation along with your school and board exams?

Isha: I managed by attending English and practical classes in school. During board exams, I focused solely on its preparation. Post that, my primary focus was on NEET preparation.

Q: What was your exam-taking strategy?

Isha: My strategy was to tackle the paper in the sequence of Biology, Chemistry, and then Physics. I started with Section A of each subject, followed by Section B of Biology, and then filled out the OMR for Biology. Next, I completed Section B of Chemistry and Physics, filled out their respective OMR sheets, and finally, I attempted any remaining questions in these rounds.

Q: During your rigorous preparation journey, how did you unwind yourself?

Isha: To unwind, I listened to music and went for evening walks. After exams on Sundays, I would take some time to go out and relax.

Q: Which is your dream medical college?

Isha: My dream is to study at AIIMS Delhi.

Q: What are your plans after completing MBBS?

Isha: I aspire to become the best doctor in the country and dedicate my skills to serving the nation.

Q: Your suggestion for next year’s NEET takers.

Isha: I suggest focusing on NCERT books, believing in yourself, and maintaining consistency and discipline throughout your preparation.