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Inspiring NEET UG Success from a Remote Tamil Nadu Village

E. Nivetha, a remarkable student from a remote tribal village in Tamil Nadu, has achieved success in the NEET-UG exam despite facing numerous challenges. With limited resources and internet access, she persevered and became the first student from her region's 18 villages to pass this national medical entrance exam. Supported by a local NGO, Nivetha's journey from a government school to aspiring doctor is a testament to determination and resilience. However, the overall number of successful candidates in Tamil Nadu has seen a decline this year, raising concerns about educational access in the region. Read on to learn more about her inspiring story and the challenges faced by students in rural areas.
By Ambika Singh Jul 21, 2026, 15:26 IST

NEET UG Success Story


NEET UG Success Story: Achieving dreams doesn't always require expensive resources or big cities. E. Nivetha, hailing from a remote tribal village in Tamil Nadu, has demonstrated that with determination, obstacles can be overcome. Despite limited facilities, she successfully passed the NEET-UG exam on her first attempt, becoming the first student from her region's 18 tribal villages to take a significant step towards becoming a doctor.


A New Role Model for 18 Villages

According to reports, E. Nivetha resides in Gundur village, located in the Yercaud Hills of Tamil Nadu. She scored 245 out of 720 in the NEET-UG exam on her first attempt, marking her as the first student from her 18 tribal villages to succeed in this national medical entrance examination.


Challenges of Accessing Education

Nivetha's educational journey was fraught with difficulties. Her village lacked stable internet access for extended periods, forcing her to travel outside the village to download study materials and attend online classes. Transportation options were limited, with regular bus services only recently introduced. Despite these challenges, she persevered in her studies.


Support from an NGO

After completing her 12th grade, a local NGO working in the hilly areas provided Nivetha with guidance and coaching for NEET preparation in 2025. She commuted daily between Yercaud and Salem for her studies. Nivetha credits her success to the education she received in government schools and the support from the NGO.


The Journey to Becoming a Doctor

Nivetha studied in a government school until the 10th grade and later graduated from the Nazareth Girls Higher Secondary School with 496 marks in her 12th-grade exams. She has now applied for admission to MBBS and BDS courses, aspiring to serve society as a doctor.


Decline in Successful Candidates in Tamil Nadu

According to data from the National Testing Agency (NTA), the number of students passing NEET-UG in Tamil Nadu this year has decreased by approximately 15,000 compared to last year. In 2025, 76,181 candidates succeeded, while in 2026, the number dropped to 61,306. Despite an increase in registrations, there has been a decline in both participation and success rates in the state.


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