Senior citizens crack NEET, leave Tamil Nadu medical authorities in a dilemma

Tamil Nadu’s medical admissions committee is facing an unexpected challenge after three senior citizens—aged 68, 67, and 60—cleared the NEET exam and applied for MBBS seats under the government school quota. Two of them are practicing lawyers, adding a unique twist to an already complex situation.

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The applicants' success has stirred a debate among education officials, as they confront legal, procedural, and ethical questions regarding age, eligibility, and the original intent of reservation policies. The twist follows the National Medical Commission’s 2022 decision to remove the upper age limit for NEET, a move meant to foster inclusivity in medical education.

Though older candidates have increasingly appeared for NEET since the policy change, this year’s applications from senior citizens mark a first. According to officials, at least 25 applicants aged above 35 have applied for MBBS and BDS courses in Tamil Nadu, highlighting a changing demographic among medical aspirants.

While the policy technically allows all age groups, authorities now find themselves questioning how to balance inclusivity with practical concerns—such as the physical and mental rigors of medical training, future service years, and the purpose of government quotas.

The state’s selection committee must now decide: Should opportunity have an age limit, or should ambition be allowed to thrive, no matter when it begins?