Mumbai: At just 23, Dr Adarsh Praveen Kumar, originally from Kerala but raised in Maharashtra, bridged two worlds with a single achievement. Topping Maharashtra and securing 5th rank nationally in NEET-PG 2025, he scored 695 out of 800 marks among over 242,000 candidates who took the exam on August 3 across 1,052 test centres.

Strong sense of purpose

It was back in the 10th grade when the dream of Adarsh Praveen Kumar began taking shape. While most of his classmates were still figuring out what they wanted from life, he had already made up his mind — he wanted to become a doctor. The decision wasn’t born out of pressure or prestige, but from a quiet determination to stand on his own feet and do something that mattered. He was not chasing a title; he was chasing purpose — the kind found in healing others and making a real difference in the world.

Years of late nights, relentless studying, and quiet sacrifices led him to the day he had imagined so many times. With a white coat on his shoulders and a stethoscope around his neck, he finally stood where his 10th-grade self had only dreamed of. He had done it — not just passed exams or earned a title, but fulfilled a promise he made to himself: to become a doctor, to make a difference, and to build a life on his own terms.

In pursuit of academics

Dr Adarsh completed his early education in Maharashtra, specifically in the Mumbai suburbs of Kalyan and Ulhasnagar. A brilliant student, he pursued his MBBS at KEM Hospital, graduating in April of this year. Following graduation, he began his medical practice at KEM Hospital in Kalyan East, a suburb of Mumbai. Thereafter, and driven by a strong sense of purpose, he dedicated himself to preparing for the NEET-PG exam. His hard work paid off when he passed the NEET-PG exam with flying colours earlier this month.

NEET-PG examination preparation

Dr Adarsh prepared for the examination from his hostel, dedicating an entire year exclusively to his studies.

Among the subjects, he found Biochemistry particularly challenging. However, he overcame the difficulty through relentless repetition and systematic revision. Adarsh revised the cornerstone of his preparation, studying nearly twelve hours every day with strict consistency.

To cope with the pressures of preparation, he adopted a simple yet effective strategy—focusing on the subjects he enjoyed the most. By studying with genuine interest and determination, he managed to stay motivated without overthinking, confident that sustained effort would ultimately yield success.

Credits parents for success

Dr Adarsh attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his family—his father, Praveen Kumar, a native of Thalassery in Kannur, and his mother, Sunitha Praveen. He acknowledges that their constant encouragement and belief in his aspirations gave him the strength to persevere. From the moment he decided to pursue NEET-PG, they stood firmly by his side, supporting him through every step of the journey.

Brilliance knows no borders

Dr Adarsh Praveen Kumar’s journey is one of a young prodigy who now stands tall as a symbol of pride for two states — Kerala, his ancestral home, and Maharashtra, the state that raised him. His story is not just about academic excellence, but identity, perseverance, and the bond between heritage and home. In topping Maharashtra and ranking 5th nationally in NEET-PG 2025, Adarsh didn’t just achieve a personal milestone — he gave both states a reason to celebrate.

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