A 71-year-old man from Lucknow has moved the Allahabad High Court, seeking a separate 1% reservation for senior citizens in MBBS admissions through NEET-UG.
Ashok Bahar, who appeared for NEET-UG 2026, has filed a writ petition before the Lucknow bench, arguing that while several categories receive reservation or special consideration in medical admissions, senior citizens have been excluded. The matter is scheduled to be heard on July 21.
No upper age limit, but no special provision
In his petition, Bahar contended that the absence of an upper age limit for appearing in NEET-UG should be accompanied by a policy that supports older candidates seeking admission to medical colleges.
His counsel, Pankaj Dheer Singh Rana, cited the Supreme Court’s earlier decision removing the upper age limit for NEET-UG and urged the government to introduce a 1% quota for eligible senior citizen aspirants.
A medical dream spanning five decades
Bahar’s aspiration to become a doctor dates back to 1974, when he first appeared for a medical entrance examination but was unsuccessful.
He attempted the examination again in 2023 but could not take the test after reaching the examination centre late due to the long travel distance. In May this year, he finally appeared for NEET-UG 2026, continuing a dream he says was inspired by his mother, Savitri Devi, who wanted him to become a doctor.
According to Bahar, he remained committed to that goal even after his mother’s death in 1990. He credits his wife, Dr. Manju Bahar, with encouraging him to pursue the dream again. He also belongs to a family of nearly 20 doctors, many of whom practise abroad.
Career across medicine, law and public service
Bahar holds a BSc in Botany, Zoology and Chemistry from Lucknow University, along with a postgraduate diploma in computer applications, an MBA and a law degree.
He previously served as the marketing head for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand at Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited. After taking voluntary retirement, he worked as a consultant with the Ministry of External Affairs and is currently practising as an advocate at the Allahabad High Court.
Through his petition, Bahar has urged the government to recognise the educational aspirations of senior citizens and create a policy that enables them to pursue higher education later in life.
