“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that count.”
— Winston Churchill”
HAROON RASHID BHAT
The announcement of NEET 2025 results brought an instant wave of celebration across social media platforms. Congratulatory posts flooded timelines, photographs with top scorers circulated like wildfire, and coaching institutions wasted no time in showcasing their “achievements” through full-page newspaper advertisements and Instagram reels. Yet, amidst the digital noise and virtual applause, a disturbing silence prevailed — the silence of those who didn’t “make it.”
For every student who topped the list, there are thousands whose dreams now lie in fragments. These are not failures, but young minds caught in a system that reduces intelligence and potential to a single score. Their names won’t be printed in newspapers. Their struggles, no matter how real or intense, won’t be acknowledged in our result-driven society. Behind every unsuccessful attempt is a story — of sleepless nights, of silent breakdowns, of hopeful eyes glued to textbooks, and of sacrifices that often go unnoticed. These students are more than their ranks. They are warriors who braved peer pressure, academic stress, and a highly competitive system that seldom leaves room for emotional or psychological well-being. Coaching institutes, with their glossy advertisements and aggressive marketing, have only added fuel to the fire. Instead of empowering students, many have turned this examination into a commercial venture — commodifying education and branding students as “products” of their training modules. The glamorization of NEET success stories puts undue pressure on others to follow the same trajectory, often at the cost of their individuality and mental health. Parents, too, unintentionally become part of this pressure ecosystem. With societal expectations looming large, many students are made to believe that NEET is not just an exam but a life-determining event. The result? Even a single setback becomes a source of shame, anxiety, and in extreme cases, depression or suicidal thoughts. It’s time to look beyond the ranks. It’s time to ask uncomfortable questions. How many students are emotionally prepared to deal with the results? What support systems exist for those who don’t qualify? Why are alternative career options still stigmatized? And most importantly, when will we stop measuring human potential by a numerical score? NEET is undeniably important for those aspiring to enter the medical profession. However, it should not be allowed to define a student’s worth. Education must be about nurturing minds, not breaking them. The spotlight must also shine on those who didn’t clear the exam — not with pity, but with empathy and understanding. To every student who didn’t see their name on the list this year: You are more than a result. Your journey matters. Your efforts are valid. This is not the end — perhaps it’s the beginning of something different, something even more meaningful. Let’s build a system that celebrates effort, values resilience, and recognizes the silent struggles behind every exam. Only then can we truly claim to be an educated society? To every student that NEET 2025 overlooked—you matter. Your pain is real. Your dreams are valid. Whether you walk into a medical college or take a different route, your life is not confined by a rank or a single day. We must pivot—from ranking success to resilient success. From performance pressure to people-centered support. From one-size-fits-all ambition to celebrating every unique journey. Let NEET 2025 mark not just another results day—but a turning point. A shift from glamour to care. From isolation to inclusion. From silent struggle to collective compassion.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist , can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com.