Ranchi: With just a day left for the NEET-UG re-examination, aspirants are shifting focus from academics to mental preparedness, with coaching institutes and counsellors stressing the importance of staying calm and confident ahead of the test.
The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET-UG), originally held on May 3, is being reconducted on Sunday following allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities. In Ranchi, the exam will be conducted at 21 centres under enhanced security and revised verification protocols.
Coaching institutes say the final days are no longer about intensive revision but about managing stress and maintaining confidence. Prabhat Ranjan, a faculty member at a coaching institute in Ranchi, said, “At this stage, students already know what they have studied. We are asking them not to open new topics, but to revise short notes, take one final mock test if required and, most importantly, trust their preparation. A calm mind performs far better than a stressed one.”
Counsellors say uncertainty surrounding the exam has heightened anxiety among aspirants. Neha Sinha, a counsellor, said, “The fear of repeating the exam has emotionally drained many aspirants. We are encouraging them to maintain a proper sleep schedule, avoid social media rumours and focus only on what they can control on exam day.”
Parents, too, are trying to ease pressure at home. Shiksha Mehta, mother of an aspirant, said, “Our only advice to our child is to stay relaxed. Marks are important, but not at the cost of mental health. We are ensuring there are no distractions at home and encouraging proper rest before the exam.”
For many students, the re-examination feels like reliving months of preparation. Poonam Kumari, a Class XII student of Oxford Public School appearing for NEET for the first time, said the cancellation initially left her anxious. “Initially, I was very panicked because I thought I had to restart everything. But my teachers kept reminding us that this is another opportunity to improve. Now I am focusing on staying calm rather than studying till late at night,” she said.
Shivanshi Sharma, a DPS student, said the challenge is now more psychological than academic. “This time, I feel there is more pressure because everyone expects us to perform even better after getting another opportunity. Instead of comparing myself with others, I am focusing on avoiding silly mistakes and managing my time inside the examination hall,” she said.
