18-year-old Jatin beats the odds to crack NEET

Muktsar: Beating the odds, 18-year-old Jatin, the son of a cobbler from Ravidas Nagar in Malout town, has cracked the NEET-UG 2025 examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 7,191 and secured the 170th rank in the SC category. The results were declared on June 14.

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An alumnus of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Warring Khera, Jatin’s journey is a story of grit and determination. He qualified for a free residential coaching programme and prepared for the NEET-UG exam in Pune without placing any financial burden on his family. “I want to take admission in AIIMS Rishikesh because the fee there is minimal and the education is world-class,” he said.

Sending out a message to other aspirants, Jatin said, “Just keep trying. Never lose hope. Parents should also support their children in pursuing what they truly want to do in life.” Jatin’s father, Dharamvir, works at a local unit making ‘juttis’ (traditional footwear), while his two younger brothers are studying in classes VII and IX. His mother is a homemaker.

The family lives in a two-room house, one of which was built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. His story has become an inspiration in the locality, with people from all walks of life visiting to congratulate him.