...
...
Next Story

Indian woman shares how failing NEET led her to Ivy League degree, US biotech career: ‘Think outside the box’

An Indian woman revealed how she moved past her NEET setback to earn an Ivy League degree and work in biotech.

Published on: May 24, 2026, 16:47:52 IST
Advertisement

An Indian woman living in the US has opened up about rebuilding her life after failing NEET nearly a decade ago, saying that one exam result did not define her future. Pragya Gupta shared her story in an Instagram video, reflecting on how she once believed her chance at a good life was over after the setback.

An Indian woman revealed how she moved past her NEET setback to earn an Ivy League degree and work in biotech. (Instagram/pragya.gupta)
An Indian woman revealed how she moved past her NEET setback to earn an Ivy League degree and work in biotech. (Instagram/pragya.gupta)

(Also read: Delhi woman shares five Indian habits she refuses to drop even after moving to US)

In the video, Pragya said: “I failed NEET 10 years ago. Fast forward, I have an Ivy League degree, work in corporate biotech, and live in the US. Getting snatched and living right is what I do outside my biotech job. If you think a fulfilling life is not possible after failing NEET, then welcome to my life where a biotech baddie does it all.”

‘I just needed to think outside the box’

Sharing the clip on Instagram, Pragya wrote in the caption: “Failing NEET in 2016 made me believe my shot at a good life was over. Turns out I just needed to think outside the box. Undergraduate degree that actually made sense for me, coupled with Masters in the US, a career in Corporate biotech and never touching pipettes again. The version of me crying over that result could never have imagined that life would look like this in 10 years.”

Watch the clip here:

Internet reacts

The clip has drawn several reactions online, with many users praising her for sharing a reassuring message. One user wrote, “This is exactly what every student needs to hear after a bad result.” Another said, “Failing one exam does not mean failing in life.”

A third user commented, “This is so inspiring, especially for people who feel stuck after NEET.” Someone else added, “Your younger self would be so proud of you.” Another reaction read, “Thank you for showing that there are so many paths beyond one entrance exam.”

HT.com has reached out to the user for her comments, and the copy will be updated once her response is received.

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahipal Singh Chouhan

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. He primarily covers offbeat, trending and human-interest stories, with a focus on emerging social media trends, online conversations and real-world incidents that capture public attention. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal works on identifying and developing fast-moving digital stories, adding context and journalistic perspective to viral moments while maintaining accuracy, clarity and readability for online audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. Beyond journalism, he has a keen interest in history and sports and enjoys expanding his general knowledge.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Notifications

Get breaking alerts directly from the newsroom

Notifications are on!You'll be notified when news breaks