Kota girl says govt scholarship schemes helped her clear NEET

"I am with my friends after my successful result in NEET. I had deserted them for two years for my studies," she told PTI on the phone this morning. Her maternal uncle has gifted her the phone for clearing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test on her second attempt with an All India Rank of 3,974.

She appeared cheerful, but said she does not yet use the phone extensively. Vishakha said she would use it and also create a social media account after getting admission in a reputed medical college.

The daughter of a welder father, Vishakha said Rajasthan government's scholarship programmes helped her in clearing the NEET to become a doctor, which would be a first in her family. Vishakha's mother is a graduate and housewife.

Her grandfather's pension, who worked as a driver at Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant, helps run the family.

Being in a city, known as the coaching hub of India, always appealed her. During the time she remained away from her friends, books became her companion.

"Study. Study. And study. This has been my passion since childhood," Vishakha said. "The journey to a decent career as a doctor has just begun with successful NEET result and all this has been made possible by government scholarships and support from Dadaji."

Studying in a private Hindi medium school, Vishakha obtained her first district merit in Class 10 in 2014 by securing 96.17 per cent marks. The triumph bagged her the state government's Priyadarshini award of Rs 75,000.

"The scholarship amount enabled me to get admission in a Kota coaching institute in 2016," Vishakha said.

The award honours girls who score the highest in their district in Class 10 and 12 exams of the Rajasthan board. The amount of the awards has since been increased to Rs 1 lakh.

In Class 12, Vishakha secured 84 per cent marks, prompting her to study Science (Biology) to become a doctor.

She, however, failed to secure admission in a reputed medical college on her first attempt but she did not give up. Her family stood by her despite severe economic pressure.

Her Dadaji, Narsingh Lal came forward with his savings and she decided to move to another coaching institute of Kota, where she received a 30-per cent concession in fee.

"I am heartily thankful to the state government scholarships and coaching institute for concession in fee that paved the way for the success for my daughter. She is now going to be the first doctor in our family," Vishakha's mother Bhanwar Kanwar said.

Vishakha wants to become a neurosurgeon after completing MBBS.

Naveen Maheshwari, director of Allen Career Institute, said the state government and coaching institutes in Kota are committed to support students to fight against adversities and succeed. "Every talented student should achieve their target".