Let’s be real – the NEET journey isn’t just an exam, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve seen too many bright students lose their spark after multiple attempts. The question isn’t just “Can I clear NEET in 6 tries?” but “Should I?”
The Raw Truth About Multiple Attempts
We all know that one friend who cleared NEET on their fourth or fifth try. Their success stories give us hope. But what nobody talks about are the hundreds who keep trying year after year, watching their friends move ahead in life while they’re stuck in the same coaching center, studying the same chapters.
The numbers don’t lie:
- First attempt success rate: About 1 in 5
- By the 6th attempt? Less than 5% make it
Why? Because:
- Your brain gets tired of the same material
- Each year, the exam changes slightly but significantly
- That creeping doubt – “Am I just not good enough?” – becomes louder
The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About
1. The Mental Toll
Imagine:
- Waking up at 5 AM every day… for six years straight
- Watching batchmates become interns while you’re still solving the same physics problems
- Family functions where relatives ask “Beta, kab clear karoge?” with that pitying look
The anxiety builds. Many repeaters tell me they’ve developed:
- Insomnia from stress
- Panic attacks before tests
- A constant feeling of being “stuck”
2. The Financial Black Hole
Let’s break down the real costs:
- Coaching fees: ₹1-2 lakhs per year × 6 years = ₹6-12 lakhs
- Books/Test series: Another ₹1-2 lakhs
- Opportunity cost: What you could’ve earned working instead
That’s enough money to:
✔️ Get a full degree abroad
✔️ Start a small business
✔️ Buy a decent car
When Persistence Becomes Stubbornness
I’ll never forget Riya’s story – a bright student who:
- Scored 510 in her 3rd attempt (close to cutoff)
- By her 6th try, was down to 480
- Finally switched to BSc Nursing, now works at AIIMS
Her words hit hard: “I wish someone had told me sooner that there are other ways to wear a white coat.”
Your Real Options (No Sugarcoating)
If You’re Set on Medicine:
- Foreign MBBS (Ukraine/Russia/Philippines)
- Cheaper than Indian private colleges
- Easier admission (no NEET required for some)
- But: Language barriers, recognition issues
- Ayush Courses (BAMS/BHMS)
- Growing demand for alternative medicine
- But: Different from allopathy
If You’re Open to Healthcare Alternatives:
- BSc Nursing: ₹5-8 LPA starting salary abroad
- Physiotherapy: ₹4-6 LPA in metro cities
- Medical Imaging: High demand in diagnostic centers
The Decision Only You Can Make
Ask yourself honestly:
- Are my scores improving each year? (Not just hoping, but actual progress)
- Can my family handle 1-2 more years financially/emotionally?
- Do I have a backup plan if this doesn’t work?
If you answered “no” to any – it might be time to pivot.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Been There
I’ve coached NEET aspirants for 12 years. The happiest success stories aren’t always the ones who cleared NEET – they’re the ones who found their true calling, whether through:
- Discovering a passion for medical research
- Excelling in allied health fields
- Realizing business was their true talent
Your worth isn’t defined by an exam code. The courage to choose yourself? That’s real success.
What’s your story? I read every comment below.
