PANJIM, July 19 -- SHASHWAT GUPTA RAY[email protected]

Margao-based youngster Saloni Utagi is relieved and overjoyed at the same time after emerging as Goa State topper in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026 in the shadow of a widespread paper leak scandal, leading to the unprecedented cancellation of the May 3 test and a subsequent country-wide re-examination.

Saloni has emerged as the Goa state topper in the NEET-UG 2026, by securing an impressive 99.84 percentile and an All India Rank (AIR) of 3033. She was among only 13 female candidates across the country to be declared a state or Union Territory top-per, marking a significant achievement for Goa.

Reacting to her result, Saloni said: "The announcement of a re...