In a remarkable turn of events, Erwin Khundrakpam from Thoubal, Manipur, has emerged as the state topper in NEET-UG 2025, scoring an impressive 99.82 percentile, despite describing it as his “worst exam of the year”.
From Doubt to Triumph: Erwin’s Inspiring Journey
Initially aspiring to become an engineer, Erwin shifted his focus to medicine after a heartfelt conversation with his father about the noble impact of doctors. He first attempted NEET in 2023 but struggled due to COVID-19 disruptions during Class 11, which affected his preparation.
“I had no idea this would happen. I wasn’t expecting this at all,” Erwin told reporters, reflecting on his surprise success.
NEET-UG 2025 Overview
- Exam Date: May 4, 2025
- Total Candidates: Over 20.8 lakh
- Top National Rank: Mahesh Kumar (Rajasthan) – 99.9999547 percentile
- Second Rank: Utkarsh Awadhiya (Madhya Pradesh) – 99.9990095 percentile
Erwin’s achievement stands out as a testament to perseverance and resilience, especially in a year when many students faced academic and emotional challenges.
Future Aspirations
With his exceptional score, Erwin is expected to secure admission to a top-tier government medical college, where he hopes to serve society and inspire other students from the Northeast.