How Many Drops Did You Take, and How Much Did You Score in Your Final NEET?

The journey of a NEET aspirant is often marked by challenges, intense preparation, emotional ups and downs, and sometimes, taking a “drop year.” If you’re wondering, “How many drops did toppers take, and what were their final NEET scores?”, you’re not alone. Thousands of students ask this, trying to evaluate whether dropping a year can really change their fate in NEET.

The short answer is: many NEET toppers took 1 or even 2 drop years, and yes, they succeeded. But behind that success lies strategy, discipline, emotional strength, and smart preparation.

Why Students Take Drops in NEET

Dropping a year for NEET means dedicating 12 more months to strengthen your concepts, especially in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Common reasons include:

• Lack of preparation during Class 11 and 12
• Poor time management or test-taking skills
• Incomplete syllabus coverage
• Weak foundational concepts
• Low scores in one subject (often Physics)

Taking a drop is not about failure—it’s about giving yourself another chance to improve and redeem your potential.

Real Stories: Scores After Taking a Drop

Here’s what we’ve seen from repeaters:

Attempt	NEET Score Before Drop	NEET Score After Drop
1st Drop	420 – 520	650 – 700+
2nd Drop	500 – 580	680 – 710

Physics and accuracy in mock tests were often the biggest game changers.

What Changes in a Drop Year That Drives Success?

• Focused Revision: No school distractions, all attention on NEET.
• Improved Test-Taking Skills: Regular GTs and test series refine speed and accuracy.
• Time for Foundation Repair: Especially for Physics and Organic Chemistry.
• Mindset Maturity: A year of self-discipline builds mental stamina.
• Better Mentorship: Joining the right coaching or self-study system helps guide efforts.

Pro Tips for Dropper-Year Success

• Set weekly goals and stick to a schedule.
• Track your NEET mock scores and analyze them deeply.
• Avoid repeating past mistakes—work on weak areas.
• Focus on NCERT for Biology and concept clarity for Physics.
• Don't isolate yourself. Stay in touch with mentors or join dropper-focused programs.
• Mental health matters. Practice mindfulness and take regular breaks.

Is taking a drop year worth it for NEET?

Yes, if you are genuinely committed to improving your score. Thousands of students have cleared NEET in their 2nd or 3rd attempt with much better ranks.

Can someone go from 400 to 650+ in a drop year?

Absolutely. With smart planning, daily discipline, and guided revision, many students have made this leap—especially by mastering Physics and improving mock performance.

How should I prepare differently in a drop year?

Focus on solving mock tests weekly, revising core NCERT chapters, and using error logs to avoid repeating mistakes. If possible, enroll in a course specifically designed for NEET droppers with a strong Physics focus.