Meet Mrinal Who Studied 4 Hours A Day But Still Scored 720 In NEET & 99.9% In JEE Main – News18

Last Updated:January 30, 2025, 19:57 IST

Mrinal Kutteri, who secured AIR 1 in NEET 2021 with a perfect score, also excelled in JEE Main with a 99.9 percentile, showcasing his academic brilliance.

A success story serves as a remarkable testament to resilience, turning obstacles into achievements and motivating others to pursue their dreams. One such inspiring journey is that of Mrinal Kutteri, who not only excelled in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET 2021) by securing AIR 1 but also triumphed in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).

Hailing from Hyderabad, Mrinal lives with his parents, younger brother, and grandparents. Coming from a family without a medical background, his story reflects the power of passion and determination, showing that with the right mindset, any barrier can be overcome.

Mrinal developed a strong interest in biology and chemistry from Classes 8 to 9, and his preparation for NEET spanned around 3.5 years, with dedicated study during Classes 11 and 12 at the Aakash Institute. Initially, he aspired to become an army doctor, combining medicine with adventure. However, over time, his interest shifted entirely towards medicine. The pandemic played a significant role in shaping his decision, as he was deeply inspired by the dedication of doctors on the frontlines.

The transition from offline to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many students’ routines. Mrinal initially found the shift enjoyable as it allowed him more free time to focus on his hobbies. However, this eventually affected his studies, requiring an adjustment period before he could regain his momentum.

Unlike many toppers who adhere to strict schedules, Mrinal adopted a more flexible approach. He set daily study goals rather than following a rigid timetable, allowing himself the freedom to adapt based on productivity levels. His study hours varied, with an average of four hours per day, occasionally increasing to five on highly productive days. However, he never overburdened himself with excessive study hours.

Contrary to the notion that students must sacrifice hobbies during intense exam preparation, Mrinal ensured a balance between academics and leisure. He enjoyed binge-watching comedy shows on Netflix and Prime, using entertainment as a means of relaxation and motivation.

Music also played a significant role in his routine, with artists like Taylor Swift and Linkin Park being his favourites. These songs helped him stay energised and focused during study sessions. Additionally, Mrinal, an avid gamer since Class 8, had to reduce his gaming hours during Classes 11 and 12 due to academic commitments. However, after NEET, he resumed gaming, playing titles like Rainbow Six and Battlefield on his PlayStation 5.

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Mrinal’s academic journey extends beyond his NEET success. He secured an impressive 98.16 per cent in his ICSE Class 10 exams and 88.6 per cent in Class 12. While he actively participated in Olympiads, Spell Bees, and quizzes in Class 10, he shifted his entire focus towards NEET preparation in Classes 11 and 12.

Despite prioritising NEET, he also appeared for KVPY and JEE Main in Class 12 without additional preparation, achieving an outstanding 99.9 percentile in JEE Main. His strong academic foundation enabled him to excel across different competitive exams.

With his exceptional NEET rank, Mrinal secured a seat at AIIMS Delhi, India’s premier medical institution. While he is set to begin his journey in the medical field, he remains open to exploring various aspects of medicine, believing that his perspectives on the field may evolve over time.