I gave up everything for this dream: NEET UG 2026 AIR 3 Uplakshya's journey

NEET UG 2026 AIR 3 Uplakshya Goyal scored 711 out of 720 after spending two years preparing with one goal: becoming a doctor. The Jaipur student studied for 10 to 12 hours daily, skipped social gatherings and says his parents and teachers supported his journey throughout.NEET UG 2026 AIR 3 Uplakshya Goyal scored 711 out of 720 after spending two years preparing with one goal: becoming a doctor. (Photo: @PTI_News)NEET UG 2026 AIR 3 Uplakshya Goyal had one goal for the last two years: to become a doctor. The Jaipur student secured 711 out of 720 marks in the medical entrance exam, but says he never expected to finish third across India."I had the expectation of getting selected, but I absolutely did not expect the third rank," Uplakshya said.For two years, his life revolved around one routine. Study, practise and repeat.10 TO 12 HOURS OF STUDY, NO SOCIAL GATHERINGSUplakshya said he studied for around 10 to 12 hours a day. Sometimes the hours were longer, sometimes shorter, but the focus remained the same. "The main difficulty was dedicating myself entirely to my studies. I had to give it all my time and couldn't attend any family functions," he said.The Jaipur student did not attend a single social gathering during his preparation and barely stepped out of his house. "It was a constant struggle of studying, practising, and repeating. I didn't attend a single social gathering and barely stepped out of my house. That is how I managed to dedicate so much time to my preparation," Uplakshya said.The NEET UG 2026 journey was also marked by the cancellation of the first exam after the paper leak controversy. For Uplakshya, the uncertainty was difficult."There was definitely some disappointment. I had this underlying fear about whether I would get a good result later or what the outcome would be, everything was so uncertain," he said."It was disheartening that the exam we worked so hard for got canceled. However, deep down, I was also a little glad because it gave me a second chance to correct the mistakes I had made the first time."'HE GAVE UP EVERYTHING FOR THIS DREAM'For his parents, the result was an emotional moment.Uplakshya's mother Anuradha Goyal said she was "completely at a loss for words" and described how her son had built his entire life around becoming a doctor."He gave up everything for this dream of his," she said.She added that Uplakshya worked day and night and also helped his classmates during his preparation.For his parents, the result was an emotional moment.VIDEO | Jaipur, Rajasthan: Anuradha Goyal, mother of NEET-UG 2026 topper, All India Rank 3, Uplakshya Goyal says, "I am completely at a loss for words. He gave up everything for this dream of his. I can't describe how he built his entire life around this goal; I don't even know pic.twitter.com/7STjXs7dFX— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 17, 2026Uplakshya's father, Mukhesh Goyal, described the result as a proud moment for the family and said his son's dream of becoming a doctor had been clear since childhood."Since childhood, his dream was to become a doctor, and he has fulfilled it. It is a very proud moment for our family," he said."He himself decided that he wanted to become this and that he wanted to study for so many hours. We only motivated him. He never troubled us for anything and was completely self-motivated," his father said.Uplakshya now plans to pursue MBBS. For future NEET aspirants, his advice is simple: "Always listen to your teachers and follow whatever guidance they offer."After two years of giving up almost everything for one goal, the Jaipur student is now one step closer to becoming the doctor he always wanted to be.(With inputs from PTI and ANI)- EndsPublished On: Jul 17, 2026 12:09 IST