A family in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is celebrating a moment years in the making after Aditya Raj emerged as the topper for North Bihar in NEET UG 2026. Since the results came out, well-wishers have been lining up at the family's home, and sweets are being distributed to mark the achievement.
Every Member of the Family Played a Part
Aditya's father, Harendra Kumar Sahni, works a private job in Muzaffarpur, while his mother, Devmati Kumari, runs a small cosmetics shop in their village to help support the household. His elder sister, Arpana Raj, is already married, and his younger brother, Aniket Raj, is currently studying in Class 12. Despite a limited household income, the family always made the children's education a priority.
From a Government School to a Coaching Institute
Aditya's early education took place at a government school in his village. After finishing Class 10, he enrolled at RDS College in Muzaffarpur for his intermediate studies. It was during this period that he began preparing for NEET at a private coaching institute in the city, chasing a dream of becoming a doctor. He managed to balance his intermediate coursework and his medical entrance exam preparation at the same time, without letting either one slip.
A Setback in 2025, Then a Record-Breaking Attempt
Success did not come on the first try. In the NEET 2025 exam, Aditya scored 460 marks, which was not enough to secure a seat at any medical college. At the time, he feared his dream of becoming a doctor might slip away. But he refused to give up. He worked on his weaknesses, sharpened his preparation, and went into his next attempt with renewed focus. The result was a personal best of 659 marks, a score that made him the topper for North Bihar in NEET UG 2026.
A Grandmother's Illness Changed Everything
Aditya has said that as a child, he dreamed of becoming a cricketer, but a lack of resources meant that dream never materialised. The real turning point in his life came when his grandmother fell seriously ill. She battled cancer and asthma for a long period before eventually becoming paralysed, and she passed away during the COVID period. Watching her suffer and become helpless is what made Aditya resolve, then and there, to become a doctor so he could one day serve the sick and needy better. That resolve went on to become his biggest source of strength and motivation.
A Grandfather Who Pedalled a Rickshaw for 42 Years
Behind Aditya's success lies an equally significant sacrifice made by his grandfather, Saukhi Sahni, who pulled a rickshaw on the streets of Patna for a full 42 years to support the family. Despite having very limited resources, he never let that stand in the way of his family's education and future. Now, with his grandson topping North Bihar in NEET UG 2026, decades of the family's struggle feel like they have finally paid off. Saukhi Sahni had tears of joy in his eyes, and the entire family is treating this achievement as its biggest victory.
Crediting Family, and a Message for Other Students
Aditya credits his success to his parents, his teachers and every member of his family. His message to other students is that failure should never be a reason to lose heart. He said, "Success doesn't come in a day. It takes constant hard work, patience and honest effort. If you keep moving toward your goal with complete dedication, success will one day come knocking at your door."
