When years of hard work and sacrifice suddenly collapse due to an exam cancellation, the emotional toll on students can be devastating. Former Miss World and Bollywood actor Manushi Chhillar recently opened up about the severe mental stress she endured when the 2015 All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), now known as NEET, was canceled following a paper leak. Speaking on actor Soha Ali Khan's digital podcast, Chhillar recalled how months of rigorous preparation were instantly undermined, leaving her and thousands of medical aspirants overwhelmed with distress.
More Than an Exam: The Hidden Cost of Paper Leaks
Chhillar emphasized that outsiders often dismiss the setback by casually suggesting that students simply retake the test. However, the reality on the ground is far more complex. Behind every entrance exam attempt lies an aspirant's mental well-being, their family's hard-earned savings, and years of personal sacrifices. Reflecting on her own journey toward becoming a doctor, Chhillar shared that she had to abandon every passion that brought her joy during her preparation phase.
Before the exam crisis, she was a trained Kuchipudi dancer and an avid painter. When the 2015 paper leak forced authorities to scrap the initial examination and announce a re-test, she had to set aside her artistic pursuits once again and submerge herself entirely in textbooks. She described that extra year of extended studying as feeling like a painful punishment.
The Dread of Facing 45 Additional Days of Prep
Describing the psychological impact of a re-examination, Chhillar explained how soul-crushing it is to believe the finish line has been crossed, only to be informed that another 45 days of intense studying are required. At that moment, students are left questioning whether they possess enough mental stamina to endure the grueling cycle all over again.
According to her, sitting for a retake is not merely about writing answers on a sheet of paper. It forces candidates to re-live the intense fear, panic, and anxiety they had just managed to overcome. Managing emotional stability during such uncertain times becomes an uphill battle.
Recognizing Privilege Amid Classmate Struggles
Chhillar acknowledged that her personal situation benefited from strong family backing, as both of her parents were doctors who provided proper guidance and emotional security. However, observing her peers at coaching centers gave her a clearer perspective on her own privilege.
She witnessed many fellow students whose families had taken high-interest loans to fund their coaching and living expenses. These students lived in cramped rooms, dedicating every waking hour to their studies. When a paper leak invalidates their effort, it does not just break the candidate's spirit, it shatters the financial and emotional foundation of an entire household.
Daily Physical Exercise as a Mental Safeguard
To protect her mental health during the intense preparation period, Chhillar's parents instituted a non-negotiable daily routine. Regardless of the workload, she was required to spend one hour every day playing basketball or working out at the gym. She credited this mandatory hour of physical exercise with saving her from severe burnout and depression during the exam crisis.
Medical School Burnout and Transition to Acting
Even after successfully securing admission to medical college, the lingering fatigue from the entrance exam took a toll. Chhillar noted that students arrive at medical school thoroughly exhausted, having depleted their energy reserves during the entrance phase. She humorously remarked that the happiest days in medical college are only the first and the last day. This profound mental exhaustion and burnout ultimately prompted her to re-evaluate her aspirations, guiding her toward beauty pageants and eventually a career in acting.
