The integrity of India's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a crucial medical school entrance examination, has been repeatedly compromised by paper leaks, leading to widespread cancellations, retests, and a tragic toll on students. Families of aspirants have shared devastating accounts of how the prolonged uncertainty and pressure, exacerbated by leaked papers, contributed to the suicides of their children.

One such story is that of Pradeep Kumar, a 22-year-old who had been preparing for NEET for four years. After two attempts that showed steady improvement in his rank, his third attempt in May of this year was marred by a paper leak. The examination was subsequently scrapped and a retest ordered, meaning Pradeep would have to prepare for a fourth attempt. His sister, Babita Kumari, described his grueling schedule, which involved waking at 4:30 a.m. for coaching and studying until 9 p.m. Pradeep had intentionally avoided owning a mobile phone, deeming it a distraction. His only indulgence was a collection of inexpensive wristwatches.

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IMAGE2 Babita Kumari shows watches that Pradeep loved to wear.

After sitting the exam on May 3, Pradeep had expressed confidence in his selection. However, news of the paper leak surfaced shortly after, shattering the family's hopes. Pradeep stoically told his father they would have to prepare again. On the morning of May 15, his father sent him milk and curd, a routine he had maintained for four years. Pradeep called to confirm its arrival. He died by suicide later that day.

Another family shared the ordeal of Kahaan Patel, a 17-year-old who died by suicide ahead of a NEET exam retest. His father, Prashant Patel, a businessman, recounted the immense pressure his son faced.

IMAGE3 Prashant Patel shows a photo of his son Kahaan Patel.

IMAGE6 Kahaan Patel is pictured with a birthday cake.

IMAGE7 Prashant Patel speaks on the phone.

These incidents highlight the severe psychological strain on students appearing for highly competitive examinations in India, compounded by the systemic failures that allow for exam malpractice. The alleged nationwide irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam led to its cancellation and a re-examination, a decision that has caused further distress among aspirants and their families.