Bengaluru/Mangaluru: While candidates and colleges celebrate top ranks in the CET 2025 results announced Saturday, many toppers across streams are now turning their attention to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), hoping to secure top scores and admission to premier medical colleges.For instance, Akshay M Hegde, from Alva’s PU College, Moodbidri, Dakshina Kannada, secured first rank in BSc (Agriculture) and ranked within the top 34 in other streams. He said, “Though I secured top ranks in several CET streams, my focus is solely on NEET. I’m expecting a good rank in NEET, and my dream is to join one of the top medical colleges in the country. For now, I don’t plan to opt for any CET seats.”For Harishraj DV, a student of Narayana E Techno School, Yelahanka, CET was merely a ‘practice exam’. “My preparation was focused entirely on NEET-UG, and I’m not interested in taking up CET seats. I treated CET as a practice exam before NEET,” said Harishraj, who secured first rank in nursing and veterinary, third rank in BPharma and DPharma, and sixth in agriculture.Saphal S Shetty, of Expert PU College, Valachil, Mangaluru, secured top rank in various CET streams, including third in BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences) and veterinary, and eighth in BPharma and DPharma. However, his focus remains firmly on medicine. “My ultimate goal is to become a doctor. My parents are in the medical field and I want to follow in their footsteps.”Similarly, Nuthan Krishna Bhairavesh D, of Excellent PU College, Moodbidri, who also scored above 99th percentile in JEE, has his eyes set on medical education. “I’m confident of getting a good NEET-UG rank. I aspire to study at All India Institute Of Medical Sciences, Delhi,” he said. He secured fourth rank in BNYS, fifth in BPharma and DPharma, and sixth in veterinary and nursing.Having appeared for both NEET-UG and JEE alongside CET, most students have their preferences clear. Narendra L Nayak, chairman of Expert Group of Institutions, pointed out that the courses offered through CET are limited. “All those bright students who dream about medical education will never take any subject other than their passion. Entrance tests like CET, which happen a few weeks before NEET, help them mentally prepare for the medical entrance test, giving real-time experience,” he said.Mohammed Sadakath, principal of Alva’s PU College, said, “Over the years, I’ve observed that most students who top CET rarely opt for those seats. Their first priority is always medicine, and they remain committed to that path.”