Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
As thousands of students prepared to sit for the NEET UG 2026 re-test on June 21, actor Zeeshan Ayyub had a simple message for them: do not lose hope.
His appeal comes during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of India’s largest medical entrance examination. The NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy led to the cancellation of the original exam, forcing lakhs of aspirants back into preparation mode after weeks of uncertainty, court battles and public debate.
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A MESSAGE TO STUDENTS
In a video shared on Instagram, Ayyub addressed students struggling with the emotional toll of the controversy.
“NEET ke chakkar mein kai baccho ne suicide kiya, woh jyada disturbing cheez hai. Main students se bolna chahunga ki himmat mat haro. Nothing is end of the world. Kuch khatam nahi ho jayega. Zindagi mein bohot kuch hain.“
(“Many students have died by suicide because of the NEET situation, and that is the most disturbing part. I want to tell students not to lose courage. Nothing is the end of the world. Nothing will be over because of this. There is much more to life.”)
The actor also encouraged students to stand up for their rights while remembering that an examination does not define an entire life.
His comments come amid reports that at least 11 NEET aspirants died by suicide during the weeks between the cancellation of the exam and the scheduled re-test, bringing renewed attention to the mental health pressures surrounding high-stakes competitive examinations.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Ayyub also spoke about the importance of seeking support during difficult times.
“Counselling se na darey, please logon se iske baare mein baat karein. Dosto khayal rakhieyen,” he said.
(“Do not be afraid of counselling. Please talk to people about what you are going through. Friends, take care of yourselves.”)
The message resonated with many students online, particularly as social media platforms have been flooded with discussions around exam stress, uncertainty over rankings and concerns about fairness in the admission process.
WHY THE MESSAGE MATTERS
The NEET UG 2026 controversy has affected more than just exam schedules. It has disrupted study plans, extended months of preparation and left many students dealing with fresh anxiety after believing their exam journey was over.
For many aspirants, the re-test represents another chance. For others, it has meant revisiting weeks of stress they hoped to leave behind.
As students once again walk into examination halls, Ayyub’s message serves as a reminder that while exams are important, they are not the measure of a person’s worth. In a season dominated by ranks, cut-offs and court hearings, that may be a message many young people need to hear.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
