Manushi Chhillar Reflects on NEET 2015 Re-Exam After Paper Leak: ‘It Was Tough’

Actor and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar has recalled the emotional toll of retaking the NEET 2015 examination.

After the paper leak, describing the experience as “incredibly difficult” and one of the toughest phases of her life. Her remarks come amid renewed debate over exam integrity following nationwide protests against paper leaks that eventually led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Speaking on actor Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, Chhillar said preparing for NEET demanded complete dedication, and having to extend that preparation after the exam was cancelled tested her resilience. “There are two aspects to this. One is my personal experience, and the other is understanding the reality that most students in the country face,” she said.

Although her parents had gone through the same journey years earlier and prepared her for the rigours of the exam, Chhillar said the process still required immense sacrifices. “It was still incredibly difficult because I had to sacrifice everything that brought me joy. I was a Kuchipudi dancer, I loved painting, and I had to put all of that aside for a year to focus entirely on my entrance exam,” she said.

The actor said the re-examination after the paper leak forced candidates to stay in preparation mode for an additional 45 days, leaving many mentally exhausted. “You start wondering how much more you have left to give,” she said, adding that despite the setback, she recognised the privilege of having a strong support system.

Chhillar noted that many aspirants she met came from far more challenging backgrounds, with families taking loans to fund coaching classes, students relocating to unfamiliar cities and living in cramped paying-guest accommodations, all while chasing a single opportunity through the entrance exam.

She also credited her parents with ensuring she spent at least an hour each day exercising, whether by playing basketball or going to the gym, saying the routine became a vital outlet that helped protect her mental health during the intense preparation period.

“I had that support system. Many of my peers didn’t have that luxury,” she said.

Chhillar, who was crowned Miss World 2017 before entering films, pursued medical studies before moving into the entertainment industry. She was most recently seen in Tehran, the John Abraham-starrer directed by Arun Gopalan.