NEET is one of the worst things that could possibly happen in the lives of millions of Indian students

NEET is one of the worst things that could possibly happen in the lives of millions of Indian students. It is often seen as a final judgement of their worth, intelligence, and future. NEET UG 2026 had about 22,79,000 participants, making it one of the largest entrance exams in the world. Even these numbers don’t capture the stories of students who have worked for months, or even years, preparing for this exam by attending coaching classes, taking mock tests, trying to score better than their friends, and answering the same question thousands of times: “How much did you score?” The pressure of these repetitive efforts can result in serious mental health challenges.

When Exam Pressure Exceeds the Threshold

There is healthy stress before an important exam. However, damage starts to occur with constant stress. It begins to take a toll on a person’s appetite, sleep, focus, relationships, and, most importantly, their everyday functioning.

One large study found that about 75.5 percent of 200 students preparing for NEET UG had already experienced exam stress and anxiety. It also found that the majority of students had not sought professional mental health support or counselling.

This stress can cause students to study for 12 hours and still achieve very low scores. It can make a person stop eating, trigger panic attacks after poor mock test results, avoid social interaction because everyone seems to be doing better, and create constant anxious thoughts about disappointing their parents.

Anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and depressive symptoms can all worsen under persistent academic pressure. Research on Indian medical students also shows a significant burden of depression, anxiety, and stress. This further highlights the need to integrate mental health support with academic performance.

But there is a crucial point here: stress does not mean you have anxiety or depression. Only a qualified mental health professional can make that determination.

Many students refuse to admit they are struggling because they fear being called weak, lazy, or incompetent.

A considerable part of the pressure also comes from parents who constantly discuss marks and ranks. Coaching centres reinforce this pressure through constant comparisons. Students begin believing that not getting into medical school means they have failed in life.

It is not. NEET is just a single exam. It is not a measurement of your life or your worth.

Granted, the government has started initiatives such as the National Tele Mental Health Programme and TeleMANAS, which provide 24/7 mental health support and connect people to counselling and further help. The government has also included counselling, life skills, and suicide prevention as part of its mental health programmes.

The goal should be to make mental health support a regular part of competitive exam preparation instead of something students are forced to seek only after reaching a crisis.

What Students Can Do Right Now

First, separate your preparation from your identity. A bad mock test provides information about your preparation. It should not be interpreted as a reflection of who you are.

Build personalised study blocks with planned sleep, nutritious meals, and short breaks. Do not compare yourself with others. If anxiety is affecting your sleep, concentration, or daily activities, speak to someone you trust.

If you feel persistent hopelessness, overwhelming stress, or feel unable to cope, consult a mental health professional. Indian students can also contact:

0532-2466761
0532-2466769
0532-2467504

Most importantly, talk. Ask, “How are you coping?” instead of “How much did you score?”

Teachers should pay attention to students and their behaviour rather than only their scores. Students should know that seeking counselling is not giving up on their goals.

The aim is to help students protect their mental health while pursuing their dreams. A career in medicine begins with caring for human health, and that care should include the student sitting on the other side of the examination desk.

Related Articles:

Inside the Human Body: A Powerful Breakdown of Bones, Muscles, Blood, and Cells