Against All Odds: NEET Aspirant Faces Exam After Road Accident

When a heavy truck collided with his motorcycle just a week before the NEET exam, 19‑year‑old Rohan Patel (name changed for privacy) was rushed to a nearby hospital with a fractured femur and multiple bruises. The doctors warned that any strain could jeopardize his recovery, yet the young man, who has been dreaming of a medical seat since Class 10, insisted he would still write the test.

“I know I’m hurting, but I’ve worked too hard to give up now,” Rohan told his mother, who was tearful but supportive. He spent days in a plaster cast, attending physiotherapy sessions while reviewing biology notes on his phone.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) learned of his situation through a petition filed by his school. Understanding the unique circumstances, the agency arranged a separate examination hall at the Bengaluru test centre, equipped with a wheelchair‑accessible desk, a reclining chair, and a dedicated medical team on standby.

“Our priority is to ensure a fair chance for every candidate, especially those facing genuine health challenges,” said NTA official Sunita Sharma. “We coordinated with the hospital, set up a quiet room away from the main hall, and placed a qualified physiotherapist to monitor the student throughout the session.”

On the morning of the exam, Rohan entered the specially prepared room, his leg still in a cast. A nurse checked his vitals, adjusted the lighting, and handed him the answer booklet. With a determined smile, he began answering the questions, occasionally pausing to stretch under the watchful eye of the medical staff.

After the test, Rohan’s father expressed gratitude toward the NTA. “They gave my son the chance he deserved. It shows that the system can be compassionate,” he said.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about accommodations for students with disabilities in high‑stakes exams across India. Advocacy groups argue that more proactive policies are needed, not just reactive measures.

Regardless of the outcome, Rohan’s story stands as a testament to perseverance and the importance of institutional support in helping aspiring doctors overcome unexpected hurdles.