‘Didn’t Want Papa Ka Paisa’: How This Goa Doctor Chose Struggle Over Rs 1 Crore Private College Seat
'Didn't Want Papa Ka Paisa': How This Goa Doctor Chose Struggle Over Rs 1 Crore Private College Seat
Dr Anshul Sadhale’s journey from NEET setback to AIR 7000 proves determination beats shortcuts, sparks debate on medical education costs
Getting admission into a medical college in India through the NEET exam is nothing short of a battle for thousands of students each year. The competition is intense and the pressure is constant. When ranks don’t turn out well, many students often turn to private medical colleges, but those seats come at an exorbitant fee that sometimes touches or even crosses Rs 1 crore. Recently, a doctor from Goa shared his journey on X (formerly Twitter), where he recalled how he chose not to take that route despite the option being available.
Dr Anshul Sadhale’s story has struck a chord with many, drawing varied reactions from people who appreciate his determination and others who shared their own struggles with medical education costs.
In his post, Dr Anshul Sadhale looked back at June 2019 when his NEET result didn’t go as planned. He wrote, “It’s June 2019. I have secured a rank of 1 lakh plus in my first NEET attempt. My dad comes to my room and says, ‘We have saved this much amount of money so you don’t have to struggle.’ I knew it was a lie. We couldn’t afford this without a loan.”
That moment made him realize the financial reality his family faced. They couldn’t afford the enormous cost of a private medical seat which could easily cross Rs 1 crore. Dr Sadhale admitted that moment made him feel like a “total loser.”
The pressure at that point was immense. His father had done his best to educate him and his sister. But Dr Sadhale didn’t want to take a private seat and just walk on the red carpet, as he put it.
Instead of giving in, Dr Sadhale made a bold decision. “I took a year off, this was a drop year.”
He described that drop year as a turning point in his life. “That year changed me as a total person. I went through lonely times, hardships, was confined to my room and Covid hit. But despite all that, I was convinced that I want to build something of my own,” he wrote.
That year was not easy. It tested his mental strength, patience, and commitment. The Covid pandemic added another layer of difficulty, forcing students everywhere to adapt to online learning and isolation. Yet through all of it, Dr Sadhale stayed focused on his goal.
The following year, his determination paid off when he scored 633 out of 720 in NEET and secured an all-India rank of around 7,000. He later got admission in Goa Medical College. The photo he shared on X showed his name displayed on the Aakash Institute board, highlighting his achievement with 633 marks in NEET.
Looking back now, Dr Sadhale says he is proud of his decision to wait and work for it instead of taking an easier route.
“Imagine if I had just taken the private college seat. I would have never been able to build something of myself. No real confidence, just papa ka paisa and would have lived under those terms,” he wrote. He believes that working hard for his seat helped him develop resilience and confidence, something that later pushed him to start his own coaching business.
He also pointed out the harsh truth of medical education costs in India, writing, “If you are going to spend Rs 1 crore plus on a simple MBBS seat, which today is not even worth a few lakhs, then you’re making a terrible financial decision, at least for a middle-class Indian family.”
His words highlight a growing concern. The cost of private medical education has skyrocketed in recent years, putting immense financial pressure on families. Many take heavy loans that burden them for years. The investment often doesn’t match the returns, especially in the early years of a doctor’s career when salaries are modest.
Mixed reactions online
Dr Sadhale’s story drew varied reactions in the comment section. One user praised him, saying, “The struggle was so real.”
However, another section of users shared a slightly different perspective while still appreciating his journey. One person commented, “Really respect this, sir. I took a drop too, missed government by a small margin, but that NEET day wasn’t mine. Ended up in a private college and honestly, it doesn’t matter. I’m confident, grateful to my parents and proud. Money’s temporary, growth isn’t. Massive respect.”
This comment reflects the reality that not every path needs to be the same. Some students do end up in private colleges and still succeed, working hard despite the financial burden. The key difference is the individual’s attitude and determination.
Another user highlighted that whether a student earns a seat through a scholarship or joins a private college, both paths demand grit. They mentioned that those who secure a seat on merit have already proven their dedication before admission, while those in self-funded seats continue to face challenges and pressure every day.
Dr Sadhale’s story raises important questions about the medical education system in India. Is it fair that talented students are forced to either compromise their dreams or burden their families with massive debt? Should medical seats be so expensive that only the wealthy can afford them without stress?
For thousands of NEET aspirants facing similar struggles today, Dr Sadhale’s story offers both inspiration and a reality check. Success is possible without shortcuts, but it demands sacrifice, patience, and unwavering focus.
