Got AIR 35 in NEET-UG 2026 but won't become doctor: Here's why this topper chose engineering over medicine and will soon join IIT Kharagpur

In a decision that has surprised many, West Bengal's top scorer in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) has chosen to pursue engineering instead of medicine.

Sabyasachi Laskar, who secured All India Rank (AIR) 35 in NEET-UG and emerged as the highest-ranked candidate from West Bengal, has decided to join the computer science engineering programme at IIT Kharagpur. His classes are scheduled to begin on July 28.

Despite earning a top rank in one of India's most competitive medical entrance examinations, Laskar said his long-term ambition lies in developing energy-efficient computer hardware that can contribute to global sustainability.

Why Bengal's NEET topper chose engineering over medicine

Laskar said his decision was driven by his passion for hardware research and environmental sustainability.

"I want to work towards reducing global energy consumption for sustainability. To chase this dream, I want to pursue advanced research in hardware so that I can develop technologies that minimise energy consumed by computers. I have been environmentally conscious since childhood and want to contribute something meaningful to humankind," he was quoted as saying by The Times of India (TOI).

He added that there was never any uncertainty about his career path after securing admission to IIT Kharagpur.

"I am absolutely certain about pursuing computer science engineering at IIT Kharagpur over medicine. I have received the seat acceptance letter and will join soon," he was quoted as saying by TOI.

NEET rank could not change IIT Kharagpur decision

According to TOI, Laskar had already secured his seat at IIT Kharagpur before appearing for the NEET-UG retest. Even after finishing as Bengal's topper and securing AIR 35 nationally, he chose not to alter his plans.

He said the disruption caused by the NEET paper leak and subsequent retest was challenging but ultimately worked in his favour.

"Securing the 35th rank nationwide was beyond my expectations. I had prepared well for both the tests but performed better in the retest than in the first exam," he was quoted as saying by TOI.

Mother says engineering was always his first choice

Laskar's mother, Chameli Sardar, said her son remained committed to engineering despite the uncertainty surrounding NEET.

"My son has always been incredibly focused. Though his goal is to be an engineer, biology is his favourite subject and so, he appeared for NEET. Once he cracked the JEE-Advanced, there was no second thought about his career choice. But even after he got admission to IIT, he took the NEET retest with unwavering sincerity, and thus, his high rank," she was quoted as saying by TOI.

Student balanced both JEE and NEET preparations

A student of BDM International School, Laskar scored full marks in his Class 10 board examinations in 2024 and also performed strongly in his Class 12 examinations.

According to TOI, he was among the few students from West Bengal who appeared for both JEE Advanced and NEET-UG, successfully securing top ranks in both highly competitive examinations.

NEET retest left aspirants under pressure

The delay caused by the cancellation of the original NEET examination and the subsequent retest created uncertainty for thousands of aspirants across the country.

Sampurna Ghosh, who secured AIR 981, said the episode had been mentally exhausting.

"It was incredibly stressful when we found out about the NEET paper leak, but my coaching institute helped me regain confidence. Preparing for NEET twice in such a short time threw my sleep schedule out of gear as it demanded gruelling study hours. But that hard work has paid off," she was quoted as saying by TOI.

Inputs from TOI