NEET UG 2026 AIR 20 topper Vaishnavi Das has revealed the preparation habits that helped her score 700 out of 720 in the medical entrance exam. In an interview with news agency ANI, Vaishnavi said she switched off Instagram when she entered class 11 as she found it a distraction during her NEET preparation.The Hyderabad-based aspirant said that consistency, regular mock tests, NCERT revision and a positive mindset were among the key factors behind his performance. Sharing advice for future NEET candidates, he said students should focus on completing their planned goals rather than just counting the number of hours they study.• NEET UG 2026 cut off rises sharply, students fear govt medical seats may slip away despite 600 marks
“I turned off Instagram in 11th grade because it was a distraction”
Recalling the moment he checked his NEET UG 2026 result, Vaishnavi said he was traveling with his parents during the Rath Yatra celebrations when the results were announced.“I was not at home when the results came out. I was in the car with my parents as it was Rath Yatra, and since I am an Odia, we had gone to see the celebrations. We had just passed by the temple when the results were announced,” he told ANI.He said he immediately checked his result and informed his parents after seeing his rank. “I shouted ’20’ to my parents. We pulled the car over to the side of the road and sat there. I cried and the whole journey felt amazing. It’s still sinking in,” she said.• Rickshaw puller’s grandson first from Bihar village to crack NEET UG, advises consistency to aspirantsTalking about avoiding distractions during preparation, Vaishnavi said she switched off Instagram after entering Class 11. “It was more of a distraction, nothing more,” she said, advising aspirants to identify activities that affect their focus and manage them effectively.
Vaishnavi’s NEET Preparation Strategy: Mock Tests, Timings and Consistency
Vaishnavi told him medical entrance exam The preparation started in class 8 when he decided to take medicine seriously. He later joined Chaitanya’s MPL program for medical aspirants and continued his preparation with the institute till class 12.Talking about his mock test routine, he said that tests for the full syllabus were gradually increased during the preparation phase. “We started with one full syllabus mock test a day around December and slowly built it up. Towards the end, we were attempting about two mock tests a day,” he said.According to Vaishnavi, practicing the structured test helped her cope with the pressure associated with NEET. She said that while the exam may seem like a mental challenge, being more prepared and enjoying the learning process can help reduce fear.
‘I never counted the hours of study; I focused on completing my daily goals’
Sharing his approach to time management, Vaishnavi said that he did not measure his preparation based on the number of hours spent studying.“I personally never counted the hours. For me, it was about creating a schedule each week for the whole week and completing what was planned for each day,” he said.He added that finishing assigned tasks was his priority, no matter how long it took. “Whether it’s 12 in the morning or 1 in the morning, it doesn’t really matter. The most important thing is to complete the tasks that I had decided to finish the day,” he said.Counseling NEET aspirants, Vaishnavi said students should not lose hope during the long journey of preparation. “Two years is not short, but keep practicing. Believe in yourself and the books around you. Keep revising your NCERTs – they are the gold standard,” he said.He also emphasized the importance of maintaining health during preparation. “Be as positive as you can because it requires a lot of positivity, and don’t neglect your health. Sleep is just as important,” he added.