Mother-Daughter Duo Crack NEET in Tamil Nadu: A Story of Resilience, Inspiration, and Second Chances
In a heartwarming story of determination and dreams reignited, a 49-year-old physiotherapist from Tamil Nadu, Amuthavalli Manivannan, and her daughter, M Samyuktha, have both cleared the NEET UG 2025 examination. This proves that age and circumstances are no barrier when passion and perseverance lead the way. While Amuthavalli has secured a seat in a government medical college close to her native district, her daughter now awaits the start of her journey into medicine.
A Dream Rekindled After Three Decades
Amuthavalli’s story is one of unfulfilled ambition revived after thirty long years. Having once dreamed of becoming a doctor, she could not join an MBBS course after completing her education. Circumstances forced her to opt for a degree in physiotherapy instead.
But destiny gave her a second chance. As she watched her daughter, a determined NEET aspirant, study tirelessly for the highly competitive national entrance test, Amuthavalli felt her long-buried dream come alive.
“My ambition was rekindled after I saw my daughter prepare for NEET. She was my greatest inspiration. I borrowed her books and prepared for the exam,” said a jubilant Amuthavalli.
Despite the vast difference between the current NEET syllabus and what she had studied decades ago in school, she took on the challenge head-on. It wasn’t an easy journey, but she overcame every hurdle to sit for the exam alongside her daughter with perseverance and a strong will.
Samyuktha: The Daughter Who Inspired a Mother
While Amuthavalli’s success story is remarkable, her daughter Samyuktha’s dedication was pivotal in making it possible. A CBSE student, Samyuktha, enrolled in a coaching class to prepare for NEET and spent months studying meticulously for the test. The books and notes she poured over became her mother’s guiding light, too.
Samyuktha revealed that her unique method of recounting lessons aloud helped her retain information better. Interestingly, this technique also benefited her mother, as she would often repeat what she studied in front of her.
“I found it easy to memorise when I recount what I have studied to someone. My father, a lawyer by profession, was not interested in medicine. But since my mother comes from a medical background, she was very receptive,” said Samyuktha.
Samyuktha scored 450 marks in NEET, allowing her to compete under the general quota or the SC quota. This gives her the flexibility to aim for reputed colleges, potentially outside Tamil Nadu.
The Results: A Family’s Day of Joy
On July 30, 2025, Amuthavalli and Samyuktha walked together to the Tamil Nadu medical admissions counseling session. For Amuthavalli, this was a lifelong dream that was finally turning into reality. She appeared under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) category and opted for a government medical college in Virudhunagar, near her hometown of Tenkasi. Her hard work earned her 147 marks in NEET, securing her long-awaited MBBS seat.
For Samyuktha, the journey continues as she awaits her allotment. Although both mother and daughter qualified for MBBS, Samyuktha prefers not to study at the same college as her mother.
“I don’t want to study in the same college as my mother. I wish to compete in the general quota and study elsewhere, maybe outside the state,” said the young aspirant with a confident smile.
A Family Effort Behind Their Success
While this is a story of individual grit, it is equally about family support. Amuthavalli credits her husband as their strength pillar throughout this challenging journey.
“My husband was very supportive. He encouraged us to study for NEET,” she shared.
Family dynamics played a crucial role in balancing the preparations of two candidates simultaneously, with shared resources, time management, and emotional support all contributing to their success.
NEET Counselling and Reservation Categories
The Directorate of Medical Education and Research conducted the offline counselling session on July 30 for specific reservation categories, including:
- 7.5% reservation for government school students
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD)
- Children of ex-servicemen
- Eminent sports persons
This initiative ensures equal opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds to access medical education in Tamil Nadu.
A Story of Hope for Non-Traditional Candidates
Amuthavalli’s story is a powerful reminder that age and past circumstances need not define the future. Her journey proves that determination and a strong support system can make even the most ambitious dreams attainable.
In an era when competitive exams like NEET are often viewed as the domain of young aspirants, this mother-daughter duo’s success challenges stereotypes and inspires countless others to chase their goals fearlessly.
Their story also illuminates the evolving culture of education in India, where non-traditional learners, career changers, and lifelong aspirants are increasingly finding space in competitive academic landscapes.
Looking Ahead
While Amuthavalli prepares to embark on her long-awaited medical career, Samyuktha sets her sights on carving her path in the field. Together, they exemplify courage, hard work, and the power of shared aspirations within a family.
Their success story is not just about clearing an exam—it’s about believing that it’s never too late to follow your passion. It’s a message of hope to everyone who ever thought their dreams were out of reach: with determination, inspiration, and support, second chances can create first successes.
