So, you scored 95% in Class 10 or 12?
First of all—congratulations! That’s no small feat. But if you thought that score alone would unlock the gates to IIT or AIIMS… well, you’re in for a surprise.
Because here’s the catch: you’re not the only one with a shiny report card.
In fact, you’re part of a giant crowd of high-scorers—and that’s where the dilemma begins.
95% Is Impressive… But Not Exclusive Anymore
Let’s look at the most recent stats across India:
📊 Class 10 (CBSE Board – 2023)
Students scoring 95% and above: 44,297
Students scoring 90% to 95%: 1,95,799
📊 Class 12 (CBSE Board – 2024)
Students scoring 95% and above: 24,068
Students scoring 90% to 95%: 1,16,145
And this is just CBSE.
Now add ICSE, State Boards like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat… You’re easily looking at over 5 lakh students scoring above 90% across the country every year.
So yes, you’re a topper.
But you’re not alone.
“But I Scored 95%! Isn’t That Enough?”
It’s a fair question. After all, we’ve been raised to believe that if your marks are high, your future is sorted. But the reality is—entrance exams play by a different set of rules.
Here’s how:
| Area | Board Exams | JEE/NEET |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Memory, writing, textbook knowledge | Concepts, speed, logic, application |
| Evaluation | Lenient and subjective | Strict, objective, negative marking |
| Time Pressure | 3 hours for 80–100 marks | 1–2 mins per MCQ |
| Preparation Style | Study-revise-write-repeat | Practice-analyze-repeat |
| Reward | Marks on paper | Rank in competition |
Board exams reward effort.
Entrance exams reward skill under pressure.
So What’s the Real Competition Like?
Let’s break it down using the latest 2024 numbers:
🧮 IIT-JEE 2024 (Engineering Aspirants)
JEE Main applicants: ~14.15 lakh
Qualified for JEE Advanced: 2.5 lakh
Seats in all IITs: ~17,385
Chances of getting into an IIT: ~1.2%
🧬 NEET-UG 2024 (Medical Aspirants)
Total applicants: ~20.87 lakh
Qualified candidates: ~11.45 lakh
Govt. MBBS seats (India): ~56,000
AIIMS Delhi MBBS seats: 125
Chances of getting Govt. MBBS seat: ~2.7%
That’s not competition—it’s a gladiator arena.
Now the Big Question: Should You Even Start Preparing for JEE or NEET?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in wondering this. Every ambitious student (and every parent!) faces this at some point.
So, let’s simplify it:
✅ You SHOULD prepare if:
You genuinely enjoy solving physics/math/bio problems.
You have discipline and can study regularly (not just before tests).
You’re okay with failing mock tests and learning from them.
You don’t need someone behind you 24/7 to make you study.
You’re curious, consistent, and focused on outcomes (not just hours).
❌ You SHOULD rethink if:
You’re preparing only because your parents/friends are.
You dislike science subjects or find them draining.
You get easily distracted or need constant motivation.
You’re more passionate about something else—law, design, business, etc.
You don’t have to prepare just because you scored high.
You should prepare because you’re willing to fight hard for it.
What If I Don’t Get In?
Let’s get one thing clear: not getting into IIT or AIIMS does not mean failure.
There are hundreds of other brilliant paths that lead to great careers.
🔁 Alternatives Worth Exploring:
Engineering: NITs, IIITs, BITS Pilani, VIT, State CET colleges
Medical Allied Fields: BAMS, BHMS, BPT, BSc Nursing, Biotech
Science & Research: IISER, IISc, Ashoka, DU, Shiv Nadar
Abroad Options: Germany, Canada, Netherlands (affordable, world-class)
Emerging Careers: AI, UX design, psychology, environmental science, law, public policy
One exam result doesn’t define your worth. Your skills, your attitude, and your decisions do.
The Real Qualities That Matter (More Than 95%)
Let’s be honest. The people who go far in life? They often aren’t the ones who scored highest in school.
They’re the ones who had:
Self-discipline (did the work even when they didn’t feel like it)
Focus (knew what they wanted and worked for it)
Consistency (studied smart, not just hard)
Clarity (chose paths aligned with their strengths)
Resilience (bounced back from failure)
You can be that person—whether you scored 95% or 75%.
Final Words: Don’t Just Chase Scores. Build Skills.
So, here’s the takeaway:
95% is great. But it’s not the whole story.
Entrance exams are a different game. Prepare wisely.
If it’s not your path—explore others with confidence.
And no matter what—keep learning, growing, and pushing forward.
Success isn’t a race. It’s a marathon.