From Engineer to NORCET Achiever: How Suman Neogi Cracked Rank 849 at 29
After leaving a stable engineering career at 29, Suman Neogi overcame failures in NORCET 8 and 9 to secure a prestigious rank of 849 in NORCET 10, proving that it's never too late to redefine your future.
For years, the misconception that nursing is a gender-specific profession and that career pivots after 25 are "too risky" has persisted. However, inspiring success stories like this are dismantling these outdated industry stereotypes.
This is the inspiring journey of Suman Neogi, who abandoned a stable engineering job to pursue his passion in healthcare, ultimately cracking the competitive NORCET 10 Mains with an impressive rank of 849.
Perhaps most remarkably, he achieved this milestone after turning 29 and facing multiple setbacks in earlier attempts.
From Engineering Job to an Uncertain Dream
Suman’s professional life did not begin in the nursing field. As a mechanical engineering diploma holder with four years of industrial experience, his career path appeared perfectly "settled" on paper, complete with a steady salary and job security.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic served as a profound catalyst for change.
He realized that his existing career trajectory did not align with his true aspirations for the future.
In 2021, he made the bold decision that most professionals fear: he resigned from his role, sacrificing a monthly salary of ₹22,000 without a guaranteed safety net.
That leap of faith marked the pivotal turning point in his life.
Starting Over: The Nursing Shift
After moving on from engineering, Suman explored various paramedical fields before finally discovering his calling in nursing, guided by the advice of mentors and family.
He successfully completed his B.Sc Nursing from Karnataka in 2025, stepping into a demanding new world of competitive exams and rigorous clinical training.
This transition was far more than a job change; it was a complete professional and personal reset.
The Reality: Failure Before Success
Suman’s road to success was far from an overnight transformation.
He encountered significant hurdles during NORCET 8 and 9, failing to qualify for the preliminary stages initially.
At such crossroads, many aspirants succumb to self-doubt and quit.
Instead of giving up, he chose to critically evaluate and refine his entire preparation strategy.
NORCET 10: The Breakthrough Moment
In his attempt at NORCET 10, all the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place.
By clearing both Prelims and Mains, he secured an impressive rank of 849, proving that persistence and consistency are the ultimate keys to success.
His Simple But Powerful Preparation Strategy
His success wasn't the result of a "shortcut" but a testament to his disciplined study habits.
1. Fixed Daily Routine
- Wake up around 6 AM
- Study consistently till 11 PM
- Follow a structured, distraction-free schedule
He eschewed complex, unrealistic study plans in favor of daily consistency.
2. Smart Use of Free Resources
A vital component of his exam preparation was the guidance provided by Nursing Result 91.
- Daily 5 PM YouTube classes
- Free mock tests
- Exam-focused question practice
Rather than overwhelming himself with multiple resources, he focused on a reliable, singular approach.
3. Learning From Every Failure
He systematically analyzed his mistakes after every attempt, ensuring continuous improvement.
He shifted his mindset from internalizing failure to identifying knowledge gaps.
This strategic shift in perspective made all the difference.
The Emotional Backbone: Family & Guidance
Behind his academic triumph lay unwavering, quiet support.
Although his family initially struggled to grasp the reasoning behind his career switch, they eventually backed his persistence.
Additionally, mentorship from a senior at AIIMS Kalyani proved instrumental in clarifying his exam strategy and career focus.
Breaking the Biggest Myth in Nursing Exams
Suman’s story stands as a powerful rebuttal to common societal myths:
- NORCET is NOT gender-specific
- Age 29+ is NOT a barrier
- Career change is possible even after years of work
- Consistency beats talent and timing
He didn't rely on a flawless path, but rather a consistently persistent one.
Final Takeaway
Suman Neogi’s journey represents far more than just passing a single examination.
It is a masterclass in resilience and adaptability.
- Starting over when life feels settled
- Failing, learning, and trying again
- Trusting discipline over doubt
- And proving that it’s never too late to change direction
Ultimately, success belongs not just to those who start early, but to those who refuse to stop.