Concerns have been raised by students and teachers over Question No. 63 of Set 45 in the NEET UG 2025 examination, with allegations that the question contains two correct answers — a violation of the exam’s guidelines, which specify that only one option should be marked on the OMR sheet.The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2025, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 4, saw participation from over 23 lakh candidates across the country. Students argue that such ambiguity can lead to an unfair loss of marks in an already high-stakes exam.”I left the question blank because I wasn’t sure which one to mark. If both options are correct, we shouldn’t be penalised,” said a student from Delhi, who wished to remain anonymous.A professor from Delhi University has written to the NTA, urging the agency to declare the question null and void. “Such a confusing question does not meet the standards of an objective-type format and should not have been included in a critical exam like NEET,” the professor wrote in an email, adding, “We request you to nullify this question in the interest of fairness.”Educators have echoed these concerns, warning that even a single flawed question can have a significant impact on candidates’ rankings and admissions.
As the examination date approaches, many students invest countless hours in preparation, often foregoing social activities and personal time. This obsessive dedication can exacerbate the mental health challenges associated with the examination. Recognizing the need for improved mental health awareness and support systems is increasingly vital in addressing the challenges faced by NEET aspirants.
The Incident: A Detailed Account of the Tragic Event
On the day the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) answer key was released, an 18-year-old aspirant from a small town experienced a profound emotional upheaval. This young woman had dedicated months, if not years, to preparing for this pivotal examination, which is a critical gateway for aspiring medical students in India. As she reviewed her results against the official answer key, her initial hope quickly transformed into devastation when she realized that her answers did not meet her expectations.
The timeline of events that unfolded after the answer key release on that fateful day is marked by escalating anxiety and despair. Friends reported that she had been feeling increasingly anxious about her performance in the exam, which had already caused her significant stress. After discovering discrepancies between her self-assessment and the answer key, her emotional state deteriorated sharply. Despite attempts by friends and family to provide reassurance and support, she reportedly withdrew into herself, amplifying a sense of hopelessness.
In the hours that followed, family members noticed her distress and attempted to engage her in conversation, sensing the weight of her disappointment. However, their efforts were met with silence, leaving them feeling helpless. Later that evening, tragedy struck. In a moment of despair, she took her own life, leaving her family and friends in shock and mourning. The news quickly spread through the community, igniting conversations about the immense pressure placed on students in such competitive situations. Her tragic loss highlights the deep emotional toll that academic pressures can exert, particularly on young aspirants who frequently feel overwhelmed by expectations in high-stakes examinations like NEET.
The impact of this heartbreaking event catalyzed an outpouring of grief within her community. Friends and family members gathered to express their sorrow, reflecting on the dreams that will never come to fruition. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support systems in the face of academic stress.
Understanding the Mental Health Aspects of Exam Pressure
The relentless pursuit of academic excellence in high-stakes examinations such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) can have severe mental health consequences. The pressure to perform well and secure a spot in competitive programs results in considerable anxiety, depression, and in some tragic instances, suicidal ideation. Many students find themselves trapped in a cycle of stress and high expectations, diminishing their overall quality of life.
Statistics indicate that mental health issues among students have reached alarming rates. Research shows that approximately 30% of students experience significant anxiety levels, and 20% are reported to have depressive symptoms during exam season. This surge in mental health challenges is often exacerbated by societal pressures, familial expectations, and a lack of adequate coping mechanisms. The intense environment surrounding exams can lead students to feel isolated, further compounding their emotional distress.
Experts emphasize the necessity for educational institutions to recognize these psychological challenges and implement supportive measures. Awareness campaigns aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues can play a crucial role in encouraging students to seek help. Providing access to counseling services and promoting open discussions about mental health can significantly alleviate the overwhelming burden many students face.
Moreover, family involvement is essential. Parents and guardians must create an atmosphere of support while allowing students to pursue their academic goals without excessive pressure. This includes fostering healthy dialog regarding expectations and coping strategies. It is crucial for students to understand that their worth is not measured solely by their academic performance but also by their mental well-being and personal growth.
In conclusion, the mental health implications of exam pressure are profound, necessitating urgent awareness and intervention. As the case of the NEET aspirant tragically illustrates, the consequences of ignoring these issues can be severe. By fostering supportive environments, society can help mitigate the mental health crises that many students encounter during their academic journeys.
“In an exam as competitive as NEET, every mark counts. A single ambiguous question can shift ranks and affect admission outcomes. It’s essential that such issues are addressed transparently,” said a faculty member at a Delhi-based NEET coaching institute, requesting anonymity.As of now, the NTA has not issued any official response regarding the matter.New Delhi: Concerns have been raised by students and teachers over Question No. 63 of Set 45 in the NEET UG 2025 examination, with allegations that the question contains two correct answers — a violation of the exam’s guidelines, which specify that only one option should be marked on the OMR sheet.The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2025, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 4, saw participation from over 23 lakh candidates across the country. Students argue that such ambiguity can lead to an unfair loss of marks in an already high-stakes exam.”I left the question blank because I wasn’t sure which one to mark. If both options are correct, we shouldn’t be penalised,” said a student from Delhi, who wished to remain anonymous.A professor from Delhi University has written to the NTA, urging the agency to declare the question null and void. “Such a confusing question does not meet the standards of an objective-type format and should not have been included in a critical exam like NEET,” the professor wrote in an email, adding, “We request you to nullify this question in the interest of fairness.”Educators have echoed these concerns, warning that even a single flawed question can have a significant impact on candidates’ rankings and admissions. “In an exam as competitive as NEET, every mark counts. A single ambiguous question can shift ranks and affect admission outcomes. It’s essential that such issues are addressed transparently,” said a faculty member at a Delhi-based NEET coaching institute, requesting anonymity.
