A 71-year-old man from Lucknow has moved the Allahabad High Court, seeking a separate quota for senior citizens in MBBS admissions. Ashok Bahar, who appeared for NEET UG 2026, has filed a writ petition requesting a 1% reservation for eligible senior citizens. The Lucknow bench is scheduled to hear the matter on 21st July.
Petition questions the lack of special provision
In his plea, Bahar has argued that several categories already receive reservation or special consideration in medical admissions, but senior citizens are left out. He says that if there is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET-UG, older aspirants should also have a better chance of getting admission.
His counsel, Pankaj Dheer Singh Rana, has referred to the Supreme Court’s earlier decision to remove the upper age limit for NEET-UG. The petition says the government should introduce a policy that supports senior citizens who qualify for the exam.
Medical dream began in 1974
Bahar’s journey to becoming a doctor began over five decades ago. He first appeared for a medical entrance examination in 1974 but could not clear it. He tried once again in 2023, but failed to take the test after reaching the examination centre late due to the long distance. This year, in May, he appeared for NEET UG 2026, keeping his dream alive.
He says the dream came from his mother, Savitri Devi, who wanted him to become a doctor. Even after she died in 1990, he never gave up on that goal. His wife, Dr Manju Bahar, later motivated him to take another shot. Bahar also belongs to a family with nearly 20 doctors, many of whom are practising outside India.
Experienced professional with multiple degrees
Ashok Bahar has a BSc in Botany, Zoology and Chemistry from Lucknow University. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in computer applications, an MBA and a law degree.
During his career, he served as the marketing head for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand at Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited. After opting for voluntary retirement, he worked as a consultant with the Ministry of External Affairs. He is now practising as a lawyer in the High Court.
Bahar believes that people should be free to continue their education at any stage of life. Through his petition, he has urged the government to make special provisions for senior citizens who wish to complete dreams they could not achieve earlier. The High Court’s upcoming hearing is expected to decide the next course in his unique legal and academic journey.
