Bought books by selling mother's jewellery, meet girl who cleared NEET without any coaching...

Ritika Pal, a determined young girl from Delhi, faced severe financial challenges that led her to sell her mother’s jewelry just to afford the necessary books for her NEET exam preparation. Remarkably, Ritika not only cleared the exam but excelled in it. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), known for its high level of difficulty, was conquered by Ritika, showcasing her resilience and determination. Despite the financial struggles at home and the heartbreaking loss of her grandmother, Ritika remained focused on her dream of becoming a cancer specialist. For her, passing NEET was a crucial step toward achieving her medical aspirations.

Growing up in a financially strained environment, Ritika Pal never let go of her dreams. The tragic passing of her grandmother fueled her ambition to specialize in cancer treatment, and passing the rigorous NEET exam became the gateway to her pursuit of a medical degree. The journey was far from easy, though. Ritika’s family was grappling with economic hardships, her father earning a modest income from his work at an embroidery factory, while her mother managed the household.

The family’s financial situation made it difficult to afford private NEET coaching in Delhi. Living in a small two-bedroom flat in Molarband, East Delhi, alongside four other family members, Ritika’s preparations for the NEET exam were further disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, Ritika relied on borrowing books and notes from classmates, but the lockdown left her struggling to access study materials. With coaching fees beyond their means and no smartphone for online classes, the challenge intensified.

However, Ritika wisely used the financial aid she received to purchase essential biology textbooks and supplemented her learning with YouTube videos and free online resources. Her dedication paid off when she achieved an outstanding 98 percent in her Class 12 exams and later scored 500 out of 720 in the NEET entrance exam. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 3032, Ritika realized her parents’ dream of seeing their daughter on the path to becoming a doctor.