Dr. Pooshan Mohapatra, a 24-year-old MBBS graduate from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, has created history by securing All India Rank 1 in NEET PG 2025. With a remarkable score of 707 out of 800, he emerged as the top performer in India’s most competitive postgraduate medical entrance exams.
Conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on August 3, 2025, the exam witnessed participation from over 2.42 lakh candidates, making Dr. Mohapatra’s achievement a proud moment not only for Odisha but for the entire medical community.
His journey from a dedicated medical student to India’s top ranker highlights the value of discipline, consistency, and focused preparation.
Academic Background and Journey
- Name: Dr. Pooshan Mohapatra
- Age: 24 years
- MBBS Institute: SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack
- Internship: April 2024 – March 2025, SCB Medical College
- Achievement: NEET PG 2025 AIR 1 (Score – 707/800)
Dr. Mohapatra completed his MBBS in 2024 and went on to finish his compulsory internship at the same college. Despite hectic hospital schedules, he continued preparing for NEET PG, turning challenges into opportunities.
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His Preparation Strategy: A Model for Aspirants
After completing his internship in March 2025, he shifted his full focus to NEET PG preparation. His daily study routine included:
- 10–12 hours of structured learning
- Multiple revisions of core subjects
- Online video lectures for strengthening weaker areas
- Extensive mock tests and question banks to improve speed and accuracy
- Regular self-analysis after every test to identify mistakes
He believes the key lies in concept clarity, consistent revision, and time-bound practice, rather than memorisation alone.
Also Read: Balancing Internship and NEET PG Prep: Time Management Tips
| NEET PG Counselling Guide 2025 | |
|---|---|
| MCC NEET PG Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
| DNB Counselling Book 2025 | 📥 Download |
Family Support: The Backbone of Success
Dr. Mohapatra credits his family as his biggest strength:
- His elder sister, Chetna, a postgraduate student in ENT at SCB Medical College, motivated him and offered academic guidance.
- His parents, who run a printing and publishing business in Cuttack, provided emotional and financial stability during his preparation.
Also Read: NEET PG 2025 Answer Key to Be Out Shortly: Download Scorecard by Aug 29
Balancing Internship with Studies
Unlike many who take a gap year, Dr. Mohapatra prepared during his MBBS internship, a phase considered one of the toughest.
- He revised during short hospital breaks.
- Used clinical exposure to strengthen practical knowledge.
- Prioritised consistency over long study hours.
His journey highlights that with discipline, aspirants can balance both clinical training and competitive exam preparation.
Future Plans and Career Path
The topper is currently deciding between Medicine and Radiology as his postgraduate specialisation. Both are among the most sought-after branches in NEET PG, with high demand and strong career prospects. His final choice will be revealed during counselling.
Why His Achievement Matters
- For Odisha: Dr. Mohapatra’s success has brought immense pride to Odisha’s medical community, showcasing the academic excellence of SCB Medical College.
- For Aspirants: His journey proves that time management, smart study, and consistency matter more than coaching alone.
- For Medical Education: His achievement reflects the increasing competitiveness of NEET PG, where top ranks require both clinical and academic excellence.
NEET PG Toppers: 2022–2025 Comparison
| Year | AIR 1 Topper | State/College | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Pooshan Mohapatra | SCB Medical College, Cuttack | 707/800 |
| 2024 | Dr. Nikhil Bansal | AIIMS Delhi | 705/800 |
| 2023 | Dr. Shagun Batra | Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi | 705/800 |
| 2022 | Dr. Ruchika Sharma | Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi | 705/800 |
From SCB Medical College to NEET PG AIR 1
Established in 1944, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical institutions in Eastern India. Affiliated with Utkal University and later recognised under the Odisha University of Health Sciences, the college has consistently produced top doctors and specialists who have contributed significantly to India’s healthcare system.
- Location: Cuttack, Odisha
- Courses Offered: MBBS, MD/MS, Super-speciality (DM/MCh), Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences
- Hospital Capacity: Over 1,700 beds with modern facilities, serving as one of the largest tertiary care hospitals in Odisha
- Recognition: Known for its academic excellence, clinical exposure, and contribution to medical research and public health
SCB Medical College holds a reputation for nurturing medical talent, and Dr. Pooshan Mohapatra’s success in NEET PG 2025 as AIR 1 further strengthens its legacy. For many medical aspirants from Odisha and beyond, SCB remains a dream destination to pursue medical education.
Notable Alumni and Achievements
SCB Medical College has produced several prominent doctors and specialists who have made contributions both nationally and internationally:
- Dr. Gopal Chandra Mohapatra: Renowned cardiologist, recipient of the Odisha State Medical Award.
- Dr. Birupakshya Mishra: Senior neurosurgeon, credited for advancing neuro-care services in Odisha.
- Dr. Amiya Kumar Rath: Leading ophthalmologist and pioneer in community eye health programs.
- Public Health Contributions: SCB doctors have played a crucial role in controlling vector-borne diseases and improving maternal-child health services across Odisha.
- Research & Innovation: The institution is involved in multiple clinical trials and healthcare initiatives supported by ICMR and WHO.
The success of Dr. Pooshan Mohapatra (NEET PG 2025 AIR 1) adds another golden chapter to SCB Medical College’s legacy, proving once again why it is regarded as a hub of medical talent in Eastern India.
