Ashok Bahar, a 71-year-old aspiring candidate for NEET UG 2026, has approached the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, seeking the introduction of a special reservation for senior citizens in medical education. He has submitted a writ petition requesting a 1 per cent reservation for eligible individuals in MBBS admissions. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on July 21.

Arguments Presented by Ashok Bahar

In his petition, Bahar raises the question of why senior citizens do not receive special consideration in medical admissions when various other groups are already granted benefits or reservations. He argues that with no upper age limit for appearing in the NEET exam, it is essential that senior citizens also be afforded a fair opportunity to secure a medical seat. His lawyer, Pankaj Dheer Singh Rana, highlighted the Supreme Court’s previous ruling that removed the upper age limit for NEET-UG, further supporting Bahar’s claims.

The petition stresses that if senior citizens are permitted to legally participate in the medical entrance examination, there should likewise exist a policy framework that bolsters their chances of admission into medical programmes. This line of reasoning sets a precedent for what Bahar believes should be a more inclusive educational landscape.

Aspirations Rooted in a Long-standing Dream

Bahar’s ambition to become a doctor is deeply embedded in his family history and personal desire. He first attempted to clear a medical entrance exam in 1974 but faced failure. In 2023, he made another attempt; however, he missed the examination due to late arrival at the centre caused by its distance. Displaying resilience, Bahar reappeared for NEET UG 2026 in May of this year, determined to achieve a goal that was first nurtured by his late mother, Savitri Devi, who had hoped he would pursue a medical career.

Tragically, Savitri Devi passed away in 1990, but her dream remained alive within him. With encouragement from his wife, Dr Manju Bahar, he continues to pursue this aspiration. Furthermore, Bahar comes from a family with a notable legacy in the medical profession, including around 20 doctors, many of whom practise abroad.

Noteworthy Academic and Professional Background

Ashok Bahar’s academic and career achievements are distinguished. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Lucknow University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in computer applications, a law degree, and an MBA. Professionally, he served as the marketing head for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand at Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited. Following his voluntary retirement, he worked as a consultant with the Ministry of External Affairs and also practises as a lawyer at the High Court.

Bahar asserts that education should know no age limits, advocating for public policies that cater to senior citizens wishing to fulfil their long-held dreams later in life. As his request reaches the High Court, the outcome will be closely monitored by those with similar aspirations and interests in educational reform concerning age-related reservations.

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