Engineer to Doctor: Aakriti Goel Cracks NEET at 30
NEW DELHI — In a society where career paths are often expected to follow a rigid, linear trajectory, the story of Aakriti Goel stands as a powerful counter-narrative. In 2021, at the age of 30, Goel made a decision that baffled many: she walked away from a thriving career in Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem, leaving behind a leadership role and a salary of nearly ₹30 lakh per annum, to prepare for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Her bold pivot paid off. Scoring an impressive 676 out of 720, she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 1118 in NEET-UG 2021. Today, the BITS Pilani graduate is navigating her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at North DMC Medical College in Delhi. But her journey is more than just a success story about cracking a notoriously difficult exam; it is a profound exploration of purpose, burnout, and the courage required to start over.
The Illusion of Success
Goel's initial career seemed picture-perfect. Graduating from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani in 2015 with a dual degree (MSc Economics and BE Electrical and Electronics Engineering), she actively chose to step off the conventional corporate ladder.
Opting out of campus placements, she sought unconventional roles within startups. "I am not a 9 to 5 person," she explained, a sentiment that drove her to take on high-stakes, multifaceted roles. She quickly rose to the top, working closely with founders and managing operations, content, and public relations.
However, the relentless pace of startup culture began to exact a heavy toll. Despite her impressive salary and authority, the work felt increasingly devoid of meaning. "At my job, a hefty salary, opportunity to lead a 100+ member team, spotlight—I had everything—yet nothing gave me pleasure," Goel wrote while reflecting on her career transition.
The Breaking Point
The tipping point arrived in early 2020. After nearly two years of dedicating over 14 hours a day to a health-tech startup, Goel suffered a physical breakdown. The extreme stress led to a severe hormonal imbalance, forcing her to quit her job just as the Covid-19 pandemic triggered global lockdowns.
During her subsequent recovery—a period filled with yoga, painting, and introspection—a critical question emerged: What next?
She could have easily returned to her high-paying career. Instead, she turned to Ikigai, a Japanese framework designed to help individuals find their life's purpose by identifying the intersection of what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for.
Finding the 'Ikigai'
The exercise brought a childhood dream to the surface. "I wanted to become a doctor as a child. I was good at biology in school," she recalled. When she had to choose between engineering and medicine as a teenager, she admitted feeling the "immense FOMO of not being a 'woman' engineer."
While she doesn't regret her engineering background, the decade she spent in the corporate world clarified her true calling. "After being an engineer for over 10 years, I now know how passionately I want to become a doctor."
Returning to academia after a decade was a monumental challenge. While her engineering background gave her an edge in Physics and Chemistry, Biology required starting from scratch. She dedicated 10 to 12 hours a day to studying, utilizing free online resources and eventually taking over 100 mock tests. Within just ten months, she achieved her goal.
Defying the Age Stereotype
Goel's story frequently sparks conversations about age. Assuming she completes her MBBS and subsequent specialization, she will likely be in her late thirties or early forties before becoming a fully practicing surgeon. For Goel, this timeline is irrelevant.
"Age should not be a bar to achieve anything in life," she stated firmly. "We tend to have more faith in the stereotypical belief that 'what's done is done' and that 'we cannot re-start our career again'. Or 'we are too old'. It is not true."
Furthermore, she views her unorthodox background as a distinct advantage. Her years of running corporate operations provide her with a unique, interdisciplinary perspective on healthcare infrastructure. "People often say Doctors and Engineers are miles apart and almost opposite. I will change that. I am a strong believer in having a 'beginner's mind' and never afraid to 'start from scratch'."
Aakriti Goel’s transition from a high-flying startup executive to a medical student is a remarkable testament to the power of self-awareness. It serves as a vital reminder that "success" is highly subjective and that external validation often masks internal burnout. In a culture obsessed with achieving milestones by a certain age, her willingness to hit the reset button at 30 is genuinely inspiring. Her journey proves that it is never too late to realign your life with your true purpose.
