A 24-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh, India, shocked the public after amputating his own left foot in a desperate attempt to qualify for medical school under a disability quota.
The man, identified as Suraj Bhaskar, reportedly dreamed of becoming a doctor to make his family proud. However, after failing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) twice, he took the extreme step of cutting off his left foot himself.
Reports said Bhaskar severed most of his foot, leaving only part of the sole and heel intact. His actions have sparked widespread debate and concern across India, with many questioning the intense pressure surrounding medical school admissions and the lengths some candidates feel forced to go.
Authorities and medical professionals have expressed alarm over the incident, describing it as a tragic example of the psychological toll caused by repeated academic failure and societal expectations.
The case has since drawn national attention, reigniting discussions on mental health support for students and the highly competitive nature of India’s medical education system.
