NEW DELHI — A young Muslim student from Maharashtra’s Dhule district has brought pride to his hometown after securing second rank in the first-year MBBS examination at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.
Ansari Fahad Kaleem achieved the distinction at one of India’s most prestigious medical institutions and was honoured during the 51st convocation ceremony of AIIMS Delhi held at Bharat Mandapam.
Fahad was felicitated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.
His success has become a matter of pride not only for his family but for the entire Dhule district, where many residents have described him as an inspiration for students from modest backgrounds.
People close to Fahad say he showed academic promise from an early age and remained deeply committed to his studies throughout school.
He scored 94.6 percent in Class 10 and later secured 97.6 percent in Class 12.
Fahad also cleared the NEET examination in his first attempt with an impressive score of 711 marks, earning admission to AIIMS Delhi, widely regarded as one of the country’s top medical institutions.
Despite the intense academic pressure at AIIMS, Fahad maintained his disciplined approach and secured second rank in the first-year MBBS examinations.
Sources said the difference between the first and second rank holders was only four marks.
Fahad comes from a middle-class family. His father works as an accountant at Dhule Medical College.
Teachers and local residents said his achievement demonstrates how determination and consistent hard work can help students from ordinary backgrounds compete at the highest national level.
Speaking in an interview, Fahad credited faith, discipline and consistency for his success.
“The secret of success is consistency, hard work and trust in Allah,” he said.
Educationists in Maharashtra praised Fahad’s achievement, saying students like him inspire younger generations, especially those from minority and economically weaker communities.
A senior teacher from Dhule said, “Fahad’s success proves that talent exists everywhere. With dedication and family support, students can achieve remarkable success even in the toughest competitive environments.”
His achievement comes at a time when discussions around the NEET examination and medical admissions continue across the country. Amid those debates, Fahad’s story has been widely welcomed as a positive example of academic excellence and perseverance.
Residents in Dhule said the honour received by Fahad on a national platform has motivated many younger students to dream bigger and pursue higher education with confidence.
Several social and educational organisations have also congratulated Fahad and his family on the achievement.
Community members said his journey reflects the growing emphasis on education among Indian Muslim families and the determination of students who continue to excel despite financial and social challenges.
For many young students in Maharashtra and beyond, Fahad Kaleem’s success at AIIMS Delhi is now being seen as a powerful example of how perseverance, family support and commitment to education can open doors to the country’s finest institutions.
