How to deal with parental pressure for NEET

Hello future doctors, we all know that preparing for a competitive exam is one of the most difficult phases of student life. Out of all the competitive exams, NEET has the most number of applicants. In 2024, more than 25 lakh students are appearing for NEET! The competition alone is so scary, the study is even more difficult and the peer pressure is impossible to deal with. In all these moments of doubt we turn to our parents for help. But what if our parents are not supportive, what if they are way too pressurising? How to manage this pressure along with study?

Understand their perspective

The first thing you should do is try to understand why they are pressuring you. They come from an entirely different time, they did not face so much pressure of competition during their era. They want a better future for you, they want you to have all the things that they did not have. I know that it does not feel like this most of the times, and they appear to be angry people who cannot be reasoned with. 

But just sit down and think about it. Think about all they have given up for you, all the effort they put in to educate you. If they tell you things like ‘Don’t waste my money’, before reacting, try to understand where it is coming from. Acknowledge their fear and then respond to them. You will see that your anger and frustration will go down a lot when you understand their point of view. As it was said in the series Kota Factory, ‘Parents have bad ways but never bad intentions’

Most important step: Communication

You need to be very honest about everything. It is very important for them to know what is going on inside your head. Tell them about all the effort you are putting in, tell them how much it is harming your mental health. Show them your progress and promise them that you are working very hard. Talk to them about the insane competition out there and how you are doing your best to get a good seat even in the midst of such a bad competition. An orientation about the syllabus and how much accuracy is expected put of you can also help them understand your situation better. 

Let them know that their unrealistic expectations are affecting you badle, try to discuss realistic goals with them. Maybe, when you tell them what you are going through, they will put less pressure on you to succeed with a very good score.

Educate them

Talk to them about the other options available, tell them that MBBS is not the only choice. There are a lot of other courses available, no degree is big or small. Nowadays, an Ayurveda doctor also earns as much as an allopathy doctor. You can have a very good lifestyle as a physiotherapist or even a veterinarian. 

Tell them that not getting into MBBS is not the end of your life and that you will find your place in the world someday, even if it is not as a doctor. 

The only thing you can do is talk to them as much as possible. 

Look for help

If the situation is not improving, then try to make other people talk to your parents. Ask your siblings to calm them down, and make them understand your condition. You can also talk to your class professors and explain your situation to them. Your professors can then arrange a meeting with your parents or just take them on a phone call. Anything that helps you better. 

Do not be afraid to reach out to your friend’s parents either. Chances are, your parents will feel ashamed and give up on the constant nagging comments. Do not feel afraid to reach out to anybody who can help, it can also be a relative like your grandparents. 

Ignore

If nothing at all is working, use this tool. Try to sit in a different room from your parents. Try to go to the public library during the day, or just sit in your coaching classes. Try to avoid any conversation with your parents. If they are tainting you, just nod and move on. Don’t get into a fight, don’t answer back. 

I know that this answer is a little disrespectful, but this is the only way to preserve your mental peace during your preparation. I know a lot of people who could not clear NEET just because their parents did not give them enough support and motivation. 

So to secure your future, look after your mental well being. In the end, overcoming parental pressure is about finding a balance between meeting expectations and maintaining your own health and happiness.

Ending thoughts

I really hope that your parents understand what you are trying to say, if not, I hope that you understand the need to ignore them at this point. All the emotions can be dealt with after the exam. I know most people will say that bottling up emotions during the NEET preparation phase is very bad, I do agree that you can cry it out once in a while. But honestly, if I talk about the reality, there is no time to deal with emotions during the NEET phase, especially in the last few days. 

Choose the easier alternative and focus on your studies instead of what your parents are saying.

All the best dear aspirant, I am rooting for you.