Lucknow: On May 3, Animesh Pandey, a NEET-UG aspirant, walked out of the examination hall brimming with confidence. Now, he is once again grappling with anxiety as the examination is set to be held again on Sunday following its cancellation due to a paper leak.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed. Last time, the exam went too well to believe. I was relaxed after the examination, but after hearing about the cancellation, I went into depression. Now, a few days before the exam, I am again feeling the tension. I am just hoping everything goes normally this time,” he said.
The NEET-UG examination was cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) due to widespread allegations of a paper leak and examination irregularities. The re-test scheduled for Sunday has left aspirants nervous and anxious.
Students Voice Concerns Over Mental Health
Sneha Verma said that discussions around student suicides have deeply disturbed her mindset, making it harder to remain mentally stable during her preparation.
“Reading about suicides committed by students makes me anxious. Those students were one of us and could not handle the pressure and heartbreak. It makes everything feel heavier before the exam,” she said. While some students who did not perform well in the previous, cancelled attempt see the re-examination as a fresh opportunity, they admit that the pressure remains unchanged.
Students also spoke about how rumours circulating on social media are adding to the confusion, with repeated discussions about another possible paper leak acting as a distraction and increasing anxiety during the final days before the examination.
Mixed Reactions to the Re-examination
“It is a blessing in disguise for me. Last time, the exam did not go well, so I got another opportunity to take it. But the pressure this time is still very real,” said NEET aspirant Rahul Kumar Singh.
Another aspirant, Navya Singh, said that reading rumours on social media platforms about another possible leak is increasing her anxiety. She added that even when students try to ignore such content, it still affects their focus and preparation.
Another aspirant, Kartik Yadav, said, “I had to start revising the entire syllabus all over again. The paper went great last time but was unfortunately cancelled due to the leak, and now everything feels like repetition under pressure.”
Coping Strategies Amidst Stress
Revealing his strategy, Ayush Tiwari said that he is focusing on short revision cycles, avoiding unnecessary discussions, keeping his phone away during study hours, staying calm by following a fixed routine and limiting his use of social media to manage stress.
“I am trying to stay focused, but the stress is still affecting my preparation and mindset,” said NEET aspirant Rashika Radha Sharma.
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About the Author
Anjanaya Singh
Associated with TOI for the past two years. A Media & Communication graduate from Manipal Institute of Communication, he primarily covers the education beat and also crafts special stories on civic and cultural affairs. He captures the city’s pulse with clarity and impact. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports.
