Balancing Work and Study: How Sajad Mehraj Achieved NEET Success While Supporting His Family

Empowered by Education: Sajad Mehraj’s Journey from Challenges to Medical Aspirations

Sajad Mehraj, a 19-year-old resident of Qaziabad village in Kupwara District, has successfully qualified for the NEET UG 2024 examination while juggling his responsibilities at a local bread stall. His journey has been filled with challenges; however, the unwavering support from his elder sister has helped him navigate these difficult times. The siblings share a collective aspiration of becoming doctors to lift their families out of years of financial hardship. Afshana, his sister, is currently a second-year MBBS student at the Government Medical College in Srinagar, while Sajad is now poised to take the first step toward realizing his medical career.

Sajad has been involved in running a footwear and crockery stall since Class 4, but his father's deteriorating health worsened the family’s financial situation, compelling him to establish his naan stall while balancing his education. He worked for 7-8 hours a day at the bread stall, creatively utilizing his time by watching online coaching videos during the dough-making process while preparing 300 naans. In his second attempt at the NEET UG, he achieved an impressive score of 650 out of 720 marks and is set to pursue an MBBS degree at the Government Medical College in Handwara. This remarkable achievement highlights not only his determination but also the importance of familial support in overcoming obstacles.

Sajad expressed that his motivation to pursue the NEET examination stems from his personal experiences and challenges. Despite all the difficulties, he remained dedicated to his education. In addition to his success in NEET, he takes pride in having achieved an impressive score of 82 percent in his Class 12 examinations. His elder sister played a crucial role in helping him develop a strategy for the medical entrance examination.

During challenging financial times, relatives and neighbors suggested that Afshana discontinue her studies to save money, but the family persevered to ensure the younger generation could pursue their dreams. His father never undermined the importance of education and consistently supported their academic ambitions, even in the face of external pressure. This belief in education has inspired Sajad to pursue his dreams and expressed his determination to realize them.

He enrolled in Physics Wallah for NEET preparation, focusing on maximizing limited resources while gradually increasing his study hours. This approach was regarded as his "mool mantra" for success. During the exam, he experienced some nervousness; however, beginning with the easier questions was chosen as a strategy to boost his confidence. This method allowed him to build momentum and save ample time for more challenging questions later on. Setting a specific time limit for each question helped him avoid getting stuck and minimized unnecessary stress. The strategic approach was believed to optimize performance and enhance his chances of success in the NEET UG exam. Upon becoming a doctor, he aspires to work in rural areas that lack adequate medical facilities, aiming to create a positive impact on society.

Editor's Note:

Sajad Mehraj's inspiring journey from the challenging environment of Qaziabad village to qualifying for the NEET UG 2024 examination exemplifies resilience and determination. Balancing work responsibilities at a bread stall with his studies, his story underscores the importance of familial support in overcoming obstacles. His achievements, including a remarkable score in NEET and strong performance in his Class 12 examinations, highlight not only his hard work but also the collective effort of his family to prioritize education despite financial struggles. His innovative approach to studying, utilizing online resources while managing his daily responsibilities, showcases the adaptability and resourcefulness often required in the pursuit of academic success. 

Skoobuzz hopes that Sajad’s story serves as an inspiration to many young aspirants facing similar challenges. He had proved that perseverance supported by a strong family foundation, can lead to transformative achievements in education and beyond.