New Delhi: As protests erupted across the country following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination over an alleged paper leak, one of the country’s top-performing candidates, Panshul Bansal, chose a different path. Instead of joining demonstrations, he stayed home, focused on his preparation, and ultimately secured All India Rank (AIR) 2 in the re-examination.
Bansal, who achieved a remarkable 99.9999 percentile and scored 715 marks in the NEET-UG 2026 re-test, said that although the cancellation initially left him disappointed, he quickly decided to view the situation as an opportunity to improve his performance.
Speaking to NDTV’s Shiv Aroor, Bansal explained that he believed his time would be better spent preparing for the examination rather than participating in protests.
“I thought, why should I go to the protest? Instead, I could be studying at home and improving my skills and improving my score,” Bansal told NDTV’s Shiv Aroor.
Protests Intensified After NEET-UG Paper Leak Allegations
Bansal’s remarks come amid widespread protests by students following allegations that the original NEET-UG 2026 question paper had been leaked.
The controversy led to the cancellation of the examination, prompting thousands of students to stage demonstrations across the country. Opposition parties also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The original NEET-UG examination for undergraduate medical admissions was conducted on May 3, but was cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a paper leak surfaced. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the matter.
A fresh examination was subsequently held on June 21 under enhanced security arrangements, and the results were announced on July 16.
From Disappointment to Determination
Reflecting on the cancellation of the original examination, Bansal admitted that he initially struggled to accept the decision.
“Initially, I had a feeling of despair and sadness. But after one or two hours, I looked at it from a positive perspective and got motivated and determined to do better this time,” he said.
The student from KR Mangalam World School in Greater Kailash, New Delhi, revealed that he had scored approximately 706 marks in the original examination before raising his score to 715 in the re-examination.
Stuck to the Same Study Routine
Despite being given several additional weeks to prepare, Bansal said he resisted the temptation to overhaul his study plan.
Instead, he remained disciplined and continued following the same daily routine that had helped him prepare for the original examination.
“I did not change anything in my schedule. I simply followed the same routine. I just felt that in the last one-and-a-half months I had to give everything I could and leave the rest to God,” Bansal told NDTV.
Initially, he questioned why the examination had been cancelled, especially since he believed his original score would have been sufficient to secure admission to a government medical college.
However, he consciously decided not to dwell on negative thoughts.
“I thought, why should I bring negativity into the picture? I should forget everything and focus on my main goal. Whatever happens will be for the good. Once the paper is over, the stress and anxiety will also end,” he said.
Declines to Comment on Ongoing Protests
While students across India continue to protest over the examination controversy, Bansal chose not to express an opinion on the demonstrations.
When asked about the ongoing protests, he simply responded:
“I would not comment on that.”
His focus, he suggested, remained entirely on making the most of the second opportunity and achieving his goal of securing a top rank in one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.