Age no limit: 71-year-old, who attempts NEET after retirement makes Internet emotional - 'Your mum is cheering...'

Age is often seen as a barrier when people think about chasing ambitious goals, but a 71-year-old resident of Lucknow is proving that determination can outlast time itself. Ashok Bahar has recently captured widespread attention after appearing for the NEET examination with the hope of finally becoming a doctor — a dream he has carried in his heart for decades.

For Bahar, the aspiration to enter the medical profession was not simply about personal success. It was closely tied to an emotional commitment he had made to his mother, who had always wished to see him follow in his father’s footsteps. His father was regarded as a respected physician in Lucknow, and the family strongly identified with the field of medicine.

Even though Bahar could not secure admission to a medical college during his younger years, he never completely abandoned his ambition. The idea of studying medicine remained alive through every phase of his life. Over the years, he stayed connected to the healthcare sector in different ways and continued nurturing his curiosity about medical science.


In an interview with NDTV, Bahar explained that his mother had always envisioned him becoming a doctor like his father. That emotional connection continued to inspire him long after her passing, motivating him to keep pursuing the goal despite repeated setbacks.

Support from his family also played a major role in reviving his dream. His wife, Dr. Manju Bahar, is an experienced gynecologist who previously served as Chief Consultant under the National Health Mission. According to Bahar, she consistently motivated him to attempt the medical entrance examination again later in life. Living alongside someone deeply involved in healthcare also helped him gain practical knowledge and maintain his interest in medicine.

Bahar comes from a family where medicine has long been a dominant profession. Nearly 20 members of his extended family are doctors, with some practising overseas. Inspired by this background, he now hopes to specialise in hepatology, a branch of medicine dealing with liver-related illnesses. He believes conditions such as fatty liver disease are increasing rapidly and deserve far greater public awareness.

Before returning to the examination hall, Bahar built an accomplished professional career. Reports suggest he worked as the Marketing Head for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand at Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited before later becoming a consultant with the Ministry of External Affairs following voluntary retirement.

As his story spread online, social media users flooded platforms with admiration, calling his persistence deeply motivating and praising his refusal to give up on a lifelong ambition.“This got me. Your mum is cheering you on from heaven, Ashok, keep going!!" a user wrote. Another commented, “Wish him all the best."