New Delhi: Several NEET-UG aspirants preparing to reappear for the medical entrance examination have reported increased anxiety, disrupted routines and a growing loss of confidence following the cancellation of the earlier test amid allegations of a paper leak.

The NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3 for admissions to medical courses, was cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 12, prompting widespread uncertainty among students. A re-examination is scheduled for June 21, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to probe the alleged irregularities.

Students who had spent months, and in some cases years, preparing for the exam said the sudden cancellation forced them back into an intense preparation cycle, affecting both their mental well-being and daily routines.

Ridhima Bansal, who appeared for both Class 12 board exams and NEET this year, said the decision left her emotionally exhausted and struggling to resume studies.

"I was expecting a good score that would have helped me secure a seat in a medical college. I came out of the NEET exam feeling happy and confident that I would get into a medical college. Then suddenly, the news came that the exam has been cancelled," she said.

"When I reopened my books, I was not feeling like studying," she added, describing sleep disruption, irregular routines and loss of appetite.

"The trust is over because when the news came, NTA was saying it was just a few questions. But even if a few questions were out, that is also a paper leak. Why should even a few questions get out," she said. "I don't trust the system now," she added.

Another aspirant, Vaibhavi (17), said she experienced panic and loss of focus after receiving notification of the re-exam.

"I was disheartened about the exam being cancelled. I was on a family vacation when I got the notification that the exam is being cancelled and they are going to re-conduct the exam. So I panicked thinking what is going to happen now," she said.

"I don't feel like studying anymore. It's like more of a joke. You should read as much as you want, but it's not going to be good enough," she added, noting that the break in preparation had disrupted her study rhythm.

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Another candidate, Madhuri Sudhir Shelar, said the cancellation was particularly difficult after two years of preparation.

"It hurt a lot because I had been preparing for two years. After studying so hard for so long, hearing this news was extremely painful. It felt very bad," she said.

She added that she had initially believed she had performed well in the exam.

"The paper was easy. Biology was especially easy. When I came out of the examination centre, I felt really happy. I thought, 'This time I'll make it'," she said.

However, she said the subsequent uncertainty had significantly affected her confidence. "My confidence has definitely dropped. I don't feel like studying at all. Everything feels very different. But I'm still studying because my future depends on it," she said.

Psychologist Bhavna Barmi advised students to adopt structured coping strategies to manage anxiety ahead of the retest.

"The examination is around the corner, so they can start using good grounding techniques such as mindfulness, which will help them manage their anxiety," she said.

She also recommended maintaining small, consistent study routines to reduce overwhelm, adding, "A setback doesn't define their entire journey. It's just a curve on the road, and they should see it like that."

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Meanwhile, Delhi Parents Association president Aprajita Gautam said the episode had deepened distrust in the examination system, particularly amid wider concerns about competitive exams.

"When children are on social media and see one issue after another, they begin to feel that the system is deteriorating," she said, adding that repeated controversies had created uncertainty among students and parents.

"A child who knows he or she has done well will naturally worry whether they will be able to perform at the same level again," she added, highlighting the psychological toll of re-examinations.

She further said accountability and transparency were essential to restoring confidence in the system, noting that students and parents would only regain trust once action against those responsible was made clear.

"The child who would normally be enjoying the summer break after the examination is back at home studying again. It is easy for adults to say, 'Just take the exam again', but for students, the psychological impact is much deeper," she said.

(With inputs from PTI)