Manushi Chhillar recounts sacrifices after 2015 NEET paper leak

Former Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar described how the 2015 leak of the NEET medical entrance exam forced her to restart her preparation. She said she gave up her Kuchipudi dance training and painting hobby and extended her study period by another 45 days, saying, "I had to sacrifice everything that brought me joy."

Chhillar highlighted the broader pressure on Indian medical aspirants, noting that many families borrowed money for coaching, relocated to new cities, and faced months of intense study. She credited her doctor parents for protecting her mental health by insisting on daily exercise, such as basketball or gym sessions, which helped her stay connected outside the exam bubble. The interview, conducted on Soha Ali Khan's YouTube talk show, underscored the emotional toll of the leak and the privilege some students have compared with peers who lack similar support.