The journey to becoming a doctor in India is filled with financial and competitive challenges, particularly underscored by the ongoing controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Aspiring doctors face significant hurdles, from securing a medical seat to managing the high costs of education. Despite nearing the WHO’s recommended doctor-to-population ratio, the path remains difficult. Annually, over 15 lakh students compete for about 83,000 NEET seats, with fewer than half available in government colleges.

Various quotas further restrict opportunities for many deserving candidates. The financial burden is especially heavy, with private medical college fees reaching up to Rs one crore, making it an unrealistic option for many middle-class families. The recent NEET controversy has highlighted serious flaws in the management of national examinations, impacting…