Dehradun: A dream of pursuing medicine once remained unfulfilled by a margin of just three marks. Then came marriage, motherhood and growing family responsibilities. Yet, she never let go of her dream. Nearly 18 years later, she picked up her books again, began preparing for NEET and successfully qualified the examination on her very first attempt, securing an MBBS seat at Dehradun Medical College under the Uttarakhand State Quota.

This is the inspiring story of Dr. Deepika Khanduja, who currently works as a Stroke Counsellor in the Department of Neurology at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Jolly Grant.
A Dream Lost by Three Marks, But Not the Determination
Dr. Deepika pursued her BDS from 2008 to 2013. At the time, she aspired to advance in the medical field and become a physician specialising in neurology. However, she fell short of qualifying for the medical entrance examination by just three marks.
She got married in 2016, and following the birth of her son, her family responsibilities increased. While many may have chosen to leave an unfinished dream behind at such a stage in life, Dr. Deepika chose otherwise.
She took the first step towards realising her dream by joining the Department of Neurology at HIMS Jolly Grant as a Stroke Counsellor under an ICMR project.
HIMS Provided the Guidance That Gave Her Dream a New Direction
While working in the Department of Neurology, senior neurologist Dr. Deepak Goel recognised her potential and eagerness to learn. Dr. Deepika recalls that Dr. Goyal consistently encouraged her to prepare again for the medical entrance examination and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. Her parents, family members and colleagues also supported and motivated her throughout the journey.
However, preparing for NEET again after a gap of nearly 18 years was far from easy. She describes the experience as being “like digging through a mountain.” Balancing studies with family and other responsibilities, she continued to work hard. Her perseverance eventually paid off. Dr. Deepika qualified NEET on her very first attempt and secured a good rank, earning an MBBS seat at Dehradun Medical College under the Uttarakhand State Quota.
“One Examination Does Not Decide Your Life”
Dr. Deepika’s achievement comes at a time when the recent NEET results and several unfortunate incidents linked to examination pressure have prompted society and parents to reflect deeply on the issue. Deepika says that feeling stressed about examinations is natural, but failure should never be considered a failure of life. Sometimes, reaching a goal takes time; the path may have to change, and at times, one may have to begin again.
Meditation and positive thinking became her strength
Dr. Deepika credits spiritual discipline and positive thinking as important factors in her success. Before examinations, she practised meditation and believes that along with studying, it is equally important to keep the mind calm and balanced.
She also attributes her success to the teachings and initiations of Brahmaleen Dr. Swami Rama, Founder of HIHT. She believes that maintaining mental balance during difficult circumstances and having faith in her goal gave her the strength to keep moving forward.
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President, Swami Rama Himalayan University, congratulated Dr. Deepika Khanduja on her remarkable achievement. He said that her success demonstrates that with strong determination, consistent hard work and the right guidance, even the most difficult goals can be achieved.
He further said that students should not consider examinations to be the final destination in life. Success or failure in any examination does not determine a person’s complete potential or future. Students should take care of their mental health and move forward with a positive outlook.