NEET cancellation is not a personal failure, says Dr Samir Parikh to students and parents
The cancellation of NEET UG 2026 over alleged paper leak claims has left lakhs of students anxious and emotionally exhausted. Mental health experts say students must not blame themselves for a situation beyond their control.smaric
The cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 examination has triggered shock, stress, and uncertainty among lakhs of medical aspirants across India.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) officially cancelled the exam held on May 3 after allegations of a paper leak surfaced in Rajasthan. According to reports, investigators found that a ‘guess paper’ allegedly matched over 100 questions from the actual exam and was reportedly sold through Telegram groups for lakhs of rupees.
Soon after the announcement, social media were flooded with emotional reactions from students who had spent months and in many cases, years preparing for one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations. For many aspirants, especially repeat candidates, the cancellation has brought feelings of disappointment, helplessness, anger, and anxiety over the uncertainty of the re-exam.
Mental health experts warn that such high-pressure academic disruptions can deeply affect students’ emotional well-being. They say students often internalise such situations as personal setbacks, even when the issue is completely outside their control.
Renowned psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh said it is important for students to understand that the cancellation is not an individual failure.
“I think what one needs to understand is that every student needs to also understand this is not about an individual, which means it's not that I went through something which others didn't,” he said.
According to Dr Parikh, students should remember that the decision to cancel the exam was taken to maintain fairness and credibility in the system.
“They would much rather be taking an exam where they know that it has been treated fairly, and on their merit and efforts, they were able to crack it,” he explained. “Later on, they would not want to feel that, despite their hard work, things did not work out because of unfair practices.”
‘BACK YOUR SKILL SET’
The psychiatrist also urged students to trust their preparation instead of doubting themselves after the cancellation.
“If I have studied hard, I have worked hard, and I have been able to do well once when the exam was there, that means I have to back my skill set and do this again,” Dr Parikh said.
Experts say one of the biggest psychological impacts after such announcements is self-doubt. Students begin questioning whether they can maintain the same momentum and focus for the next exam date.
This pressure becomes even more intense for repeat aspirants who may already be dealing with academic burnout and emotional fatigue.
Mental health professionals advise students to avoid excessive doom-scrolling, rumours, and panic discussions online, as these can increase anxiety levels. Instead, students should focus on maintaining routines, sleeping properly, revising calmly, and taking regular breaks.
PARENTS PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE
Experts also highlighted the role parents play during such stressful situations. According to psychiatrists, students often absorb the emotional reactions of their families. If parents panic, repeatedly discuss uncertainty, or constantly talk about lost time and money, students may feel even more pressured.
Dr Parikh said parents must reassure their children instead of adding to their anxiety.
“Parents need to back the young adults, back them, that we believe in you. This is one of those things that is outside our control,” he said.
He added that situations like these also teach students an important life lesson, understanding the difference between what is and is not in one’s control.
ALSO READ: NEET UG 2026 Cancelled Live
WHEN STUDENTS SHOULD SEEK HELP
Mental health experts say temporary stress after such a major announcement is normal. However, if students experience constant panic, crying spells, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, hopelessness, or severe anxiety, they should speak to someone immediately.
“At the same time, those who really struggle and are not able to deal with the pressure should talk to family, friends, and not hesitate to talk to an expert,” Dr Parikh said.
With fresh NEET UG 2026 exam dates expected soon, experts believe emotional support, reassurance, and stability at home will be just as important as academic preparation in helping students cope with the uncertainty.
The cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 examination has triggered shock, stress, and uncertainty among lakhs of medical aspirants across India.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) officially cancelled the exam held on May 3 after allegations of a paper leak surfaced in Rajasthan. According to reports, investigators found that a ‘guess paper’ allegedly matched over 100 questions from the actual exam and was reportedly sold through Telegram groups for lakhs of rupees.
Soon after the announcement, social media were flooded with emotional reactions from students who had spent months and in many cases, years preparing for one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations. For many aspirants, especially repeat candidates, the cancellation has brought feelings of disappointment, helplessness, anger, and anxiety over the uncertainty of the re-exam.
Mental health experts warn that such high-pressure academic disruptions can deeply affect students’ emotional well-being. They say students often internalise such situations as personal setbacks, even when the issue is completely outside their control.
Renowned psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh said it is important for students to understand that the cancellation is not an individual failure.
“I think what one needs to understand is that every student needs to also understand this is not about an individual, which means it's not that I went through something which others didn't,” he said.
According to Dr Parikh, students should remember that the decision to cancel the exam was taken to maintain fairness and credibility in the system.
“They would much rather be taking an exam where they know that it has been treated fairly, and on their merit and efforts, they were able to crack it,” he explained. “Later on, they would not want to feel that, despite their hard work, things did not work out because of unfair practices.”
‘BACK YOUR SKILL SET’
The psychiatrist also urged students to trust their preparation instead of doubting themselves after the cancellation.
“If I have studied hard, I have worked hard, and I have been able to do well once when the exam was there, that means I have to back my skill set and do this again,” Dr Parikh said.
Experts say one of the biggest psychological impacts after such announcements is self-doubt. Students begin questioning whether they can maintain the same momentum and focus for the next exam date.
This pressure becomes even more intense for repeat aspirants who may already be dealing with academic burnout and emotional fatigue.
Mental health professionals advise students to avoid excessive doom-scrolling, rumours, and panic discussions online, as these can increase anxiety levels. Instead, students should focus on maintaining routines, sleeping properly, revising calmly, and taking regular breaks.
PARENTS PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE
Experts also highlighted the role parents play during such stressful situations. According to psychiatrists, students often absorb the emotional reactions of their families. If parents panic, repeatedly discuss uncertainty, or constantly talk about lost time and money, students may feel even more pressured.
Dr Parikh said parents must reassure their children instead of adding to their anxiety.
“Parents need to back the young adults, back them, that we believe in you. This is one of those things that is outside our control,” he said.
He added that situations like these also teach students an important life lesson, understanding the difference between what is and is not in one’s control.
ALSO READ: NEET UG 2026 Cancelled Live
WHEN STUDENTS SHOULD SEEK HELP
Mental health experts say temporary stress after such a major announcement is normal. However, if students experience constant panic, crying spells, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, hopelessness, or severe anxiety, they should speak to someone immediately.
“At the same time, those who really struggle and are not able to deal with the pressure should talk to family, friends, and not hesitate to talk to an expert,” Dr Parikh said.
With fresh NEET UG 2026 exam dates expected soon, experts believe emotional support, reassurance, and stability at home will be just as important as academic preparation in helping students cope with the uncertainty.
