The NEET SS rank-holders have managed to crack one of the toughest super-speciality entrance tests in India. Each of them has a success story of overcoming night-long preparations and pressure, and of making the most of the right study material.

Candidates taking the NEET SS exam would greatly benefit from the experiences of top scorers, which range from building a solid conceptual foundation to staying consistent during demanding study periods.

Read on to jump into the success stories, strategies, and scores of NEET SS toppers.

Who are the 2025 NEET SS Toppers?

Who are the 2024 NEET SS Toppers?

Odisha dominated the rankings this year, with Dr Yash Jain securing AIR 1 (498/600) and Dr Anurag Anupam achieving AIR 7 (475/600). Their success highlights their ability to balance intensive clinical duties with disciplined study, focusing on first-attempt mastery and specialised fields such as GI Surgery and Rheumatology.

Here is the NEET SS 2024 toppers list along with their success stories:

1. Dr Yash Jain (AIR 1)

Dr Yash Jain, a 27-year-old prodigy from Kantabanji, Odisha, is the epitome of success, having reached the top by securing AIR 1 in the NEET Super Speciality 2024 examination with an outstanding score of 498 out of 600.

After completing his MBBS, he pursued post-graduation at Government Medical College, Nagpur, where he again secured the top position in this highly esteemed national examination on his first attempt. What makes his achievement remarkable is that he balanced intensive preparation with his clinical duties and patient care at the hospital.

He attributes his success to the constant mentorship provided by his seniors and teachers, and he is presently planning to pursue super-specialisation in Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery, which would require a three-year period.

He may be the nation’s star, but he is always eager to get back to his roots, having already announced his desire to serve the people of Odisha after completing his super specialisation.

2. Dr Anurag Anupam (AIR 7)

Dr Anurag Anupam, an accomplished 33-year-old medical practitioner, further adds to the prestige of the state by achieving 7th rank in the NEET SS 2024 with a remarkable score of 475 out of 600. His educational background includes an MBBS from MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, and a post-graduation from AIIMS Bhubaneswar in 2023.

Dr Anupam, unlike most other candidates, did not restrict his efforts to mere preparation for the exam, and he attained this position in his second attempt while working as a clinician at a private medical college and hospital in Bhubaneswar.

His ambition is to pursue a career in Rheumatology and Immunology, one of the most competitive branches, with very few seats available in the country. His success story serves as a motivating factor for working professionals.

Who are the 2023 NEET SS Toppers and their Marks?

The NEET SS toppers in 2023, such as Dr Jaydeep (AIR 1, Surgery) and Dr Abhishek (AIR 2, Medicine), set high benchmarks with scores nearing 490. Their results across Surgery, Medicine, and Pediatrics showcase the high level of excellence required to lead in these popular super-speciality branches.

Here’s a list of the 2023 NEET SS toppers along with their marks:

Name	Group	Rank	Score
Dr Jaydeep	Surgery	AIR 1	488
Dr Abhishek	Medicine	AIR 2	483
Dr Greeshmendu	Pediatrics	AIR 2	456
Dr Akash	Pediatrics	AIR 3	453
Dr Prakshi	Pediatrics	AIR 6	449
Dr Hema Kumar	Surgery	AIR 12	468
Dr Roshni	Pediatrics	AIR 13	432
Dr Akshay	Pediatrics	AIR 14	430
Dr Ramakrishnan	Pediatrics	AIR 15	429
Dr Jinnuri	Medicine	AIR 16	453

What are the Success Strategies of the 2023 NEET SS Toppers?

Success was driven by a “back-to-basics” approach, emphasising mastery of standard textbooks like Nelson and Bailey & Love alongside frequent revisions. The NEET SS toppers prioritised clinical scenario-based questions, visual learning, and early preparation starting from their postgraduate residency.

In order to guide future candidates, the 2023 NEET SS toppers were asked for their experiences and study methods that led to their success. These included focus, consistency, and knowledge of the textbook mastery.

1. Dr Greeshmendu Rajan – AIR 2 (Paediatrics Group)

Dr Rajan highlighted the growing toughness of the exam. According to her, it is not sufficient to memorise facts; one needs to discuss topics with a predominant emphasis on clinical cases thoroughly.

• Textbook mastery: She relied on in-depth readings of the Nelson Textbook of Paediatrics, as well as its revisions.
• Consistency: A period of at least one year for thorough preparations is recommended, and the importance of revisions is highlighted.
• Digital Resources: She used video lectures and mock tests as additional sources for understanding the topics in her textbooks.

2. Dr Prakshi Tyagi – AIR 6 (Pediatrics Group)

The basis for Dr Prakshi’s success was the combination of high-yield topics with visual learning.

• Note-Making: Her strategy involved compiling detailed notes from academic lectures and revising them multiple times.
• The Power of Repetition: She highlighted that many questions in high-quality question banks are repeats or variations of previous themes. “You should never miss out on the repeats,” she advised.
• Visual Aids: She specifically recommended that aspirants thoroughly revise images and visual aids from standard textbooks, as these frequently appear in the examination.
• Focus: She advised sticking to a single, reliable resource to avoid unnecessary diversions and staying dedicated to the final goal.

3. Dr Hema Kumar – AIR 12 (Surgery Group)

Dr Kumar’s strategy was tailored to the evolving pattern of the Surgery group, which has shifted toward more complex clinical applications.

• The Surgery Trinity: He emphasised thorough reading and multiple revisions from Bailey & Love, while utilising core concepts and surgical images from Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery.
• Clinical Practice: Due to the changing question pattern, he prioritised mock tests that featured heavy clinical scenarios. This helped him master time management and logical deduction during the actual exam.
• Early Start: He strongly advised aspirants to begin their preparation during their postgraduate (MS) studies. This allows for better time management and the creation of comprehensive notes well before the exam season begins.

FAQs about NEET SS Toppers

1. What is a good score in the NEET SS exam?

A good score in the NEET SS would be considerably above the cut-off in the 50th percentile rank, and the top ranks may score above 450 out of a total of 600 in the appropriate group. This increases the chances of getting a seat in the super speciality branches by a considerable margin.

2. How many attempts are usually needed to crack NEET SS?

It has been observed that many toppers pass on their first or second attempt, although preparation over 1-2 years is more important than the number of attempts a student makes. It is essential that a student maintain clarity and revise concepts regularly rather than repeatedly attempting to do so.

3. Are standard textbooks adequate for NEET SS preparation?

Yes, most toppers say that the key is to have an understanding of the standard texts, coupled with lectures and clinical question banks. Revisions of the key texts also help to instil good fundamentals in the individual.

4. Why are mock tests significant for NEET SS?

Mock exams are essential as they allow students to familiarise themselves with the exam pattern, develop their time management skills, and their clinical decision-making skills. They also identify their shortcomings so that improvements can be made prior to the final exam.

5. Will working doctors be able to crack NEET SS with a good rank?

Absolutely. Several toppers balanced full-time clinical work with preparation, proving that consistency and intelligent scheduling are key. With a disciplined study plan, even busy professionals can achieve top ranks in NEET SS.

6. What is the best strategy for last-minute preparation for the NEET SS exam?

It is advised to focus on high-yield topics, clinical case scenarios, and previous year questions (PYQs) for last-minute preparation. It is also important to avoid learning new topics and instead focus on repeatedly studying your notes and concepts.

7. When should one ideally begin NEET SS preparation?

It’s best to start during post-graduation (MS/MD). This gives you enough time to build conceptual clarity, make effective notes, and revise repeatedly without pressure.

8. What methods of preparation do toppers follow?

Toppers usually follow methods such as topic-wise revision of previous year questions, clinical case scenarios, visual learning with diagrams, and note-making.

9. Is it necessary to refer to multiple resources or just a few resources?

It is advised to refer to just a few resources because it helps avoid confusion and gain a deep understanding, and to repeatedly learn clinical concepts.

10. Which super speciality courses are the most competitive?

Courses such as Cardiology, GI Surgery, Rheumatology, and Neurosurgery are the most competitive and have fewer seats available.

Conclusion

The NEET SS toppers from the 2024 and 2025 exams show that it is all about long-term planning and execution. Whether it was juggling the hospital’s requirements with exam preparation by studying conventional texts or testing themselves repeatedly in mock exams, each of these toppers had devised effective strategies to suit the ever-changing exam pattern.
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