A Candid Expression of Struggle
A heartfelt note by a 21-year-old NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) aspirant has struck a deep chord with thousands online, capturing the emotional and mental struggles faced by many young Indians competing for medical college seats.
After failing the NEET exam twice, the student—known as @underskore69 on Reddit—shared how repeated setbacks had diminished his motivation and mental well-being, even as he continued his education with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. “I started crying after writing the last line,” he admitted in his now-viral post, underscoring the emotional toll the journey has taken.
Burnout and Pressure
The note lays bare the sharp decline in his enthusiasm for NEET preparation:
“Preparing for NEET again, but I don’t have that interest or spark now… Maybe it is because of repeated failures. Failure in cracking NEET, in getting my dream profession, and failure in earning respect. Day by day, living in this home is getting harder for me. For my parents, I’m just a failure and an unemployed person.”
His words reflect not only personal disappointment but also the social and familial pressures that often weigh heavily on NEET aspirants across the country.
Online Community Offers Support
The raw honesty of the message prompted an outpouring of empathy and encouragement from social media users. Commenters reminded the student that “you’re too young at 21 to call yourself a failure,” urging him to take time for self-care, focus on his college coursework, and not to lose hope.
Others emphasized the importance of resilience:
“Everybody fails. Let it teach you, not break you. Start again, analyse mistakes. Fix it. Learn. Grow. Succeed. Best of luck.”
Another comment encouraged a shift in perspective: “Get out of the home… do the course you love, spread that love to others too. Stop hating, start loving and doing what you love. Just do it. No more crying. Live life. This is it.”
Many Share Similar Experiences
The original post also became a space for others with parallel experiences to share their feelings. One respondent, echoing the original poster’s sentiments, wrote:
“Me too failed NEET twice and now doing B pharmacy… No social life, no good friends, nothing… I literally have no interest in my current course. It’s crazy to know how one single exam can shatter our lives to such an extent. I’m just tired of everything…”
Such stories reveal that the mental health impact and the sense of being “stuck” is far from rare for NEET aspirants.
Disclaimer
This article discusses sensitive topics related to mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a helpline. The experiences described represent individual perspectives and are not intended as professional advice or a commentary on any particular exam or educational pathway.