'No Age Limit To Learning': At 71, NEET Candidate Wants 1% MBBS Reservation For Senior Citizens

Published 19 July 2026 · local

'No Age Limit To Learning': At 71, NEET Candidate Wants 1% MBBS Reservation For Senior Citizens Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 10:26 IST

'No Age Limit To Learning': At 71, NEET Candidate Wants 1% MBBS Reservation For Senior Citizens Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 10:26 IST Ashok Bahar's counsel Pankaj Dheer Singh Rana cited the Supreme Court's earlier decision removing the upper age limit for NEET-UG. Rapid Read Ashok Bahar filed a writ petition seeking a 1% reservation in MBBS admissions for eligible senior citizens. A 71-year-old NEET UG 2026 aspirant approached the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court seeking a separate reservation for senior citizens in medical education, arguing that older candidates should be given a fair opportunity to pursue medicine if they are eligible to appear for the entrance examination. Ashok Bahar filed a writ petition seeking a 1% reservation in MBBS admissions for eligible senior citizens. In his petition, Ashok Bahar questioned why senior citizens are excluded from special considerations when various categories of candidates receive reservations or benefits during admissions and competitive examinations.

His plea contends that if there is no upper age limit for appearing in the Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), senior citizens should also have a realistic pathway to securing admission in medical colleges. Ashok Bahar’s counsel Pankaj Dheer Singh Rana cited the Supreme Court’s earlier decision removing the upper age limit for NEET-UG. The petition argues that allowing senior citizens to take the examination without creating any admission framework for them defeats the purpose of such eligibility. Why Has Ashok Bahar Approached Court Ashok Bahar’s pursuit of a medical degree dates back to 1974, when he first appeared for a medical entrance examination. He was unable to clear the test at the time, but the ambition never faded. Nearly five decades later, he revived that dream. In 2023, Ashok Bahar attempted to appear for NEET but reportedly missed the examination after reaching the centre late due to travel-related difficulties. Undeterred, he appeared for NEET UG 2026 earlier this year.

According to Ashok Bahar, the dream was first inspired by his mother, Savitri Devi, who had hoped to see him become a doctor. Although she passed away in 1990, he says the aspiration remained with him. His wife, Dr Manju Bahar, later encouraged him to pursue the goal once again. He also comes from a family with nearly 20 doctors, several of whom are practising overseas. Beyond his unusual status as a septuagenarian NEET aspirant, Ashok Bahar has an extensive academic and professional background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Botany, Zoology and Chemistry from Lucknow University, along with a postgraduate diploma in computer applications, a law degree and an MBA. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will the court consider a reservation for senior citizens in MBBS? Ashok Bahar, a 71-year-old NEET aspirant, has approached the Allahabad High Court seeking a 1% reservation for senior citizens in MBBS admissions.