Considered one of the toughest examinations in the country, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses has seen an extraordinary feat by an Indian Air Force officer. Squadron Leader Pallakshi Prasad, stationed as a medical officer at the Kanpur Air Force Station, has secured All India Rank 2 in NEET PG 2026. Her remarkable achievement demonstrates that unwavering dedication and a resolute mindset can overcome any obstacle, even while managing demanding professional duties.
An Alumna of AFMC Pune
An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College Pune, Pallakshi Prasad scored 633 marks out of 720 in NEET PG 2026, earning her the second rank nationwide. She finished a mere 8 marks behind the national topper, Dr. Monish. Her success serves as a powerful testament and an inspiration for aspirants who often believe that balancing a demanding job with competitive exam preparation is an impossible task.
Balancing Military Duties and Exam Preparation
Preparing for postgraduate medical entrance exams is widely known to be an intense struggle, but the journey was significantly more challenging for Pallakshi Prasad due to her medical responsibilities at the military hospital. Rather than relying on any shortcuts, she structured her daily routine to fit seamlessly into a working life. She focused heavily on multiple revisions, solving numerous questions, and taking grand tests, admitting that she never anticipated securing a spot at the top of the merit list.
Building Strong Foundations During MBBS
Pallakshi Prasad did not leave her preparation for the final months leading up to the exam. She began laying a solid academic foundation as early as her fourth year of the MBBS program. To clear her core concepts, she studied standard medical literature such as S Das Clinical Surgery Manual and Bailey & Love. She believes the exam pattern has evolved significantly, shifting away from rote memorization toward practical decision-making in clinical scenarios, and her strong early foundation proved invaluable.
Smart Study and Analyzing Mistakes
During the initial phase of her preparation, Pallakshi Prasad attempted to solve every single question available in question banks, but she soon realized it was an inefficient use of time. She subsequently shifted her strategy, using grand tests not just as a scorecard, but as a diagnostic tool to pinpoint her weaknesses. She carefully evaluated whether errors stemmed from memory lapses or conceptual gaps. This meticulous analysis of her mistakes became the cornerstone of her success. Meanwhile, Dr. Monish Kanna R secured All India Rank 1 in NEET PG 2026 by scoring 641 marks out of 720.
