In an inspiring achievement for tribal education, E. Nivetha, a student from the remote village of Gundur in the Yercaud Hills of Tamil Nadu, has become the first candidate from her village and the surrounding 18 tribal villages to qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Her success highlights the growing aspirations of students from underserved communities despite limited educational infrastructure.

Nivetha secured 245 marks out of 720 in her first attempt at NEET, making history as the first student from the cluster of 19 tribal villages to clear the national medical entrance examination.

Overcoming connectivity and access barriers

The daughter of Ezhumalai, a daily wage worker, and Manimegalai, a homemaker, Nivetha completed her schooling in government institutions before pursuing higher secondary education at the Government-aided Nazareth Girls' Higher Secondary School. She scored 496 marks in the Class XII board examinations.

Preparing for NEET, however, posed significant challenges. Gundur, located around six kilometres from Yercaud, had limited internet connectivity, making access to online study material difficult. Public transport to the village was also introduced only recently, adding to the difficulties of commuting for education.

NGO support played key role

After completing Class XII in 2025, Nivetha received guidance and NEET coaching from a local non-governmental organisation working in the Yercaud hill region. She travelled daily between Yercaud and Salem to attend coaching classes while continuing her exam preparation.

Reflecting on her journey, Nivetha said that studying in government schools did not deter her from pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. She credited the coaching and mentorship provided by the NGO for helping her crack the highly competitive examination in her first attempt.

Aspiring to pursue medical education

Having qualified NEET, Nivetha has applied for MBBS and BDS courses and hopes to continue her academic journey in the medical field.

Her achievement is being seen as a significant milestone for tribal education in the Yercaud Hills, demonstrating that with access to guidance, mentorship, and educational support, students from remote and underserved communities can successfully compete in national-level entrance examinations.