The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a formidable challenge for aspiring medical students in India. Every year, thousands of students dedicate themselves to rigorous preparation, aiming for a coveted spot in top medical colleges. This year, Shefin Manzoor from Malappuram, Kerala, has achieved a remarkable feat in NEET 2025, inspiring many with his stellar performance and securing NEET State Rank 2. We had the privilege of catching up with Shefin to uncover the secrets behind his success.

Overcoming the Odds: A Tough Exam and Time Management

Shefin candidly shared his initial struggles, particularly with the difficulty level of the NEET exam. “The exam was really tough,” he admits, “even compared to previous year NEET papers, it was considerably harder.” He also highlighted a common hurdle faced by many aspirants: time management. During his first model exam, he found it challenging to complete the paper within the stipulated time.

However, Shefin’s approach was proactive. He emphasized consistently identifying and rectifying his mistakes after each exam. “My goal was to minimize my faults after every exam,” he explains. For time management, he specifically practiced answering questions within a fixed timeframe. This systematic approach, honed through numerous mock tests, was crucial to his improvement.

The Power of Integrated Coaching and Consistent Practice

Shefin’s journey was significantly shaped by his integrated coaching program at Brilliant Study Centre during his Plus One and Plus Two years. This program, which seamlessly blended his state syllabus studies with intensive NEET coaching, proved highly effective. He noted that while his school academics were manageable, the in-depth theoretical knowledge gained from coaching made his board exams easy to crack.

Key Takeaways from Shefin’s Preparation:

• Regular Mock Tests: Brilliant Study Centre conducted frequent exams (almost every week), which allowed Shefin to continuously improve. He even encountered mock tests tougher than the actual NEET exam, preparing him for any surprise elements.
• Targeted Improvement: Instead of dwelling on low ranks, Shefin focused on understanding his mistakes and working on areas where he lacked confidence.
• Conceptual Clarity: He prioritized understanding concepts thoroughly during classes, especially for Physics and Chemistry, and dedicated his evening study hours to practicing questions.
• NCERT Focus for Biology: For Biology, his primary focus was on NCERT texts, although he admitted to finding memorization challenging, prompting him to spend more time on this section.

A Supportive Ecosystem: Mentors, Family, and Friends

Shefin’s success wasn’t just about individual effort; it was a testament to the powerful support system around him.

Family’s Unwavering Support

Despite his parents being based in Oman, Shefin never felt a lack of support. “They would call me every day online,” he shared, “Whenever I felt down, a phone call was all it took. I never felt a missing feeling.” His family’s prayers and belief in him were a constant source of motivation.

Brilliant Study Centre: More Than Just Coaching

Shefin credits Brilliant Study Centre as a “constant support” for two years. He highlighted the dedication of the faculty, class teachers, and hostel wardens who were always available to guide and motivate him. “Even when I scored low in some exams and felt down, they were always there to motivate me,” he recalls. The competitive yet supportive environment among his peers also played a significant role.

The e-learning app provided by Brilliant was a “life partner” for Shefin. He utilized its recorded classes to revisit concepts, practiced countless questions, and used the PYQ (Previous Year Questions) feature extensively. “We didn’t lack any resources,” he affirmed, “it was just about utilizing them to the maximum.”

The Dream of Becoming a Doctor

Shefin’s aspiration to become a doctor was deeply inspired by his elder brother, who also studied at Brilliant and secured a seat at AIIMS Bhopal in 2016. Visiting AIIMS Bhopal and witnessing the dedication of doctors and their impact on patients solidified his resolve. His mother also encouraged him, emphasizing that while becoming a doctor is challenging, consistent effort can make it achievable.

Advice for Future NEET Aspirants

For students aiming for NEET 2026, Shefin offers invaluable advice:

“The biggest advice I can give is that you must utilize all the resources given to you to the maximum.” He urges students to attend all exams, even if they make mistakes, and to view each exam as an opportunity to identify and correct their faults. “After each exam, you’ll have an idea of your weak areas—be it time management, Physics, Biology, or Chemistry. Focus on improving those faults for the next exam, and make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes.”

Shefin’s journey from struggling with initial mock tests to achieving an outstanding NEET score and NEET State Rank 2 is a powerful reminder that consistent effort, strategic preparation, and a strong support system are key ingredients for success. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors and his dream of joining a top medical college to serve society as a compassionate doctor.

Ready to start your NEET journey with expert guidance? Explore the integrated coaching programs and extensive resources at Brilliant Study Centre, India’s number one coaching center for NEET and JEE.