Actor Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub has used his social media platform to address the deteriorating mental health of NEET aspirants across India, urging students to seek counselling and talk to trusted people rather than suffer in silence. His appeal comes amid a wave of reported suicides linked to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.

What Ayyub Said

In a video posted to his official Instagram handle, the actor — known for films such as Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Raanjhanaa — spoke directly to struggling students. 'Hi, friends, it's a very strange situation. There are a lot of things happening in our country regarding NEET. What can I say about it? It's a good thing that everyone is talking about it. Secondly, many children have committed suicide because of NEET. It's a very disturbing thing,' he said in the video.

Ayyub continued: 'I would like to say to the students. Don't lose hope, friends. Nothing is the end of the world. There are a lot of things in life. It's important to stand up for your rights. If you feel anything is wrong, take counselling — it's not a bad thing. Talk to people. I can understand the pain, but as a friend, I would like to tell you: don't worry too much. Don't be afraid of counselling. Don't be afraid of NEET. Talk to people about it. If you feel it's too much — take care, friends.' The caption of the post read: 'PLEASE TAKE CARE SAATHIYON!! MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT!'

The Ghaziabad Incident

The actor's post follows a particularly distressing incident in Ghaziabad, where a 22-year-old NEET aspirant reportedly died by suicide at his home on Friday. Investigators reportedly found a 64-second video on his mobile phone, believed to have been recorded shortly before his death. In the clip, he panned around his study room and indicated he was 'thinking of doing something different today,' with the video ending on a disturbing visual.

A Pattern of Distress Among Aspirants

The Ghaziabad case is not isolated. Ever since the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy broke, multiple aspirants have reportedly died by suicide, according to reports. The controversy has triggered nationwide protests, legal challenges, and intense political debate over the integrity of India's medical entrance examination system.

This comes amid growing calls from mental health professionals and civil society for the government to establish dedicated psychological support helplines and on-ground counselling centres specifically for NEET aspirants. Notably, this is not the first time Bollywood figures have stepped in to fill a public communication vacuum on student mental health — a role that underscores the absence of adequate institutional outreach.

Why This Matters

The NEET-UG examination determines admission to undergraduate medical programmes across India, making it one of the highest-stakes tests in the country. With millions of aspirants competing for a limited number of seats, the pressure on students — and their families — is immense. Mental health advocates argue that systemic support, not just celebrity appeals, is needed to address the crisis sustainably.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the focus is likely to shift toward what structural safeguards the government will put in place — both to restore examination integrity and to protect the wellbeing of aspirants.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to iCall at 9152987821 or Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 1860-2662-345 (available 24x7).