ALLEN Online has released the fourth episode of its podcast series ‘Rise to the Top’, featuring Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) in a candid conversation with students who turned their second attempts into success stories. The episode will stream on the ALLEN Online YouTube channel at 7 pm today.

According to a press release, the series is designed to bring together accomplished students and inspiring role models, focusing on real conversations around ambition, discipline and the mindset required to succeed in highly competitive environments. This episode specifically explores the emotional and mental demands of preparing for a second attempt.

The discussion features Hemant Sharma from Bhiwani, Haryana, and Veeram Shah from Mumbai, both of whom significantly improved their ranks in their second attempts. Hemant moved from an AIR of 29,284 to 2,095 in NEET and is now pursuing MBBS at AIIMS Raebareli, while Veeram improved from AIR 8,068 to 2,600 in JEE Advanced and is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur.

Sharing his experience, Hemant spoke about rebuilding after a disappointing result that continued to weigh on him, choosing to focus only on his weak areas rather than starting from scratch. Veeram, on the other hand, described how he reworked his preparation strategy entirely, including his daily routine, and dealt with the fear of missing out as peers moved ahead in college life. He eventually chose to step away from social media, relying instead on a close support system to stay focused.

During the interaction, Mahendra Singh Dhoni reflected on his own setbacks and approach to second chances, emphasising the importance of pushing beyond limits. “If life is giving you a second chance, then utilise it. You see your shortcomings, you go towards that reason, and you try to rectify it. Hard work counts only when you are fully exhausted… how much hard work you did after that, that defines you,” he said.

The conversation also delved into handling criticism and external pressure, with Dhoni explaining how he viewed feedback not as judgement but as useful information. This perspective, he suggested, can help students stop comparing themselves with others and instead measure progress against their own past performance.

With ‘Rise to the Top’, ALLEN Online aims to create a platform that goes beyond academic guidance, offering students insights into the mindset required to navigate pressure and stay focused on long-term goals.