Dubai student Sankalp Sandeep Naik, an 18‑year‑old studying at JSS Private School, topped the NEET 2026 ‘Outside India’ list.
Record NEET performance
Competing in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for 2026, the 18‑year‑old earned 650 marks out of a possible 720. The National Testing Agency placed him at All India Rank 1,398 and gave him an overall percentile of 99.9253, the highest for any candidate who sat the exam outside India. His name appears at the top of the agency’s state‑wise toppers list, confirming that no other overseas centre produced a higher score this year.
Naik’s achievement came after a strategic shift in his study plan. While initially concentrating on his CBSE board examinations, he redirected his full focus to NEET during the final months of his Class 12 studies. He prepared under the guidance of Ascentria for around five months, attending regular mock tests and intensive teaching sessions that helped his scores improve steadily. The transition from board‑centred study to dedicated NEET preparation was the turning point that allowed his performance to soar.
Family and coaching support
Naik said the postponement of the exam tested his resolve. "When the exam was postponed, I completely lost interest. I thought I should stop. But my mom, dad and brother kept pushing me. Then I kept going. I am thankful to everyone who supported me," he told Khaleej Times. His mother refused to let him quit, his father took leave from work several times to be present, and his brother gave up their shared bedroom, moving to the living room so Naik could study at night without interruption.
He prepared under the guidance of Ascentria, a Dubai‑based coaching institute he joined in Class 12. Alka Malik, the institute’s founder, praised his dedication, noting that the result “reflects the student’s hard work, supported by his teachers and family.” Regular tests, focused teaching, and a supportive learning environment at Ascentria were cited as key factors that helped Naik improve his performance over the five‑month preparation period.
Frequently asked questions
Who topped the NEET 2026 ‘Outside India’ category?
Dubai student Sankalp Sandeep Naik, an 18‑year‑old from JSS Private School, secured the top position in the NEET 2026 ‘Outside India’ list.
What marks and percentile did Sankalp Naik achieve in NEET 2026?
He scored 650 out of 720 marks, earning a percentile of 99.9253, the highest for any candidate who sat the exam outside India.
What All India Rank was Sankalp Naik assigned for NEET 2026?
The National Testing Agency placed him at All India Rank 1,398 for the 2026 NEET exam.
Which coaching institute did Sankalp Naik prepare with for NEET?
He prepared under the guidance of Ascentria, a Dubai‑based coaching institute he joined during Class 12.
How did Sankalp Naik’s preparation strategy change before the NEET exam?
Initially focused on CBSE board exams, he shifted to dedicated NEET preparation in the final months, attending regular mock tests and intensive sessions with Ascentria for about five months, which boosted his scores.
