From concrete roofing worker to NEET second-rank holder: Malappuram native's incredible achievement against all odds

MALAPPURAM: While returning home after his day’s work in concrete roofing, Irshad used to dream about the day when he could walk in the hallways of a bustling hospital carrying a stethoscope. Today, Dr Irshad Ali (29)—son of Abdul Azeez Karippayi Thekkedath and Khairunnisa from Kalikavu—stands at a shining milestone of that very dream. Two years after completing his BAMS, he secured the second rank in the reserved category in the recent NEET examination and gained admission to the MBBS program at Kozhikode Government Medical College. Classes are set to begin on the 20th of this month.

Abdul Azeez runs a small roadside eatery in Kalikavu. While the family shared a collective desire for one of their own to become a doctor, their financial situation posed a significant challenge. It was the encouragement of a local doctor friend that inspired Irshad to take the entrance exam. In his second attempt, in 2016, he secured admission to the BAMS course at Shornur Ayurveda Medical College. Due to the COVID-19 crisis and exam delays, he finally completed his course and internship in 2024. Although he had obtained a bank loan for his education, Irshad took up a job at a construction company to cover hostel fees and other expenses. Spare time was not for leisure, as Irshad engaged in concrete work to save money.

Although he practised at a clinic after completing his BAMS, a desire to treat more patients and advance academically led him to pursue Allopathy. To cover his educational expenses, he ran a small business with his younger brothers, supplying Mulakku Bajji (hot chilli fritter) to stalls and cafes in the evenings. He prepared for the NEET exam by joining a batch that met two or three days a week at a private coaching centre in Kozhikode. Irfan and Islah (both engineering students) and Ifsan (a fourth-grade student) are his brothers.

"No job should be looked down upon. On the day the main concrete casting takes place, in addition to the wages, we get biryani and an extra 100 rupees. That is a day of great happiness," Said Irshad.

Irshad with his family in front of Kozhikode Medical College