ON NEET RESULTS DAY, A SNAPSHOT OF REST OF INDIA

First-generation learners from Jharkhand navigate NEET UG results with limited resources, determined to pursue medicine.

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On June 14, the day NEET UG 2025 results were declared, there was no celebration for Rupanjali and Puja, only anxious fingers refreshing a jammed website. “Server not responding” flashed repeatedly, heightening the already simmering tension. The dodgy internet connection in their homes in Khunti and Koderma districts of Jharkhand wasn’t helping. In another remote village of Dukri of West Singhbum district of Jharkhand, Utkal was more confident but equally anxious.

All three of them are first-generation learners from different corners of Jharkhand and had given their Class 12 boards a few months ago. With modest backgrounds, limited access to resources, and family responsibilities tugging at their sleeves, these students have dared to dream of medicine.

Across India, NEET results are typically dominated by repeaters, mostly living in urban areas with extensive coaching class support. But Utkal, Rupanjali and Puja represent the vast majority of Indian students.

Studying in government schools, they have tried to make do. They have given their best and have not lacked in dedication and burning the midnight oil. Their schools have tried to help by signing up with an Edtech company operating as a social entrepreneurship.

Even at 6 p.m., the three were continuing to wait for the website to open. And when it did, there was no euphoria, only a resigned acceptance of their circumstances.

Rupanjali’s and Puja’s scores wouldn’t give them government medical college seats, and they couldn’t even dream of affording private colleges. Utkal’s rank was a cause of some celebration. He would get into a government college, although not a very highly regarded one. But Utkal was happy and grateful to the online tutor on his Edtech tool.