3 senior citizens, aged 68, 67, and 60 crack NEET, seek MBBS seats in Tamil Nadu

The official further revealed that at least 25 candidates aged above 35 have applied for undergraduate medical and dental seats across Tamil Nadu this year. (Representational image: Grok)

In a development that has both surprised and sparked an unexpected debate within Tamil Nadu’s medical admissions process, three senior citizens – aged 68, 67, and 60 – have successfully cleared the highly competitive National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) this year and subsequently applied for MBBS admissions in the state. Notably, two of these remarkable individuals are practicing lawyers, Economic Times reported.

Their applications, submitted under a special government school quota, have sent ripples through the state selection committee. Officials are now grappling with a complex web of legal and procedural questions concerning age, eligibility, and the fundamental intent of existing reservation policies.

This unusual situation has arisen following a significant policy shift by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2022, which removed the upper age limit for NEET. This change was implemented to make medical education more inclusive, opening doors for candidates of all ages to pursue a career in medicine. While the amendment has led to a general increase in older applicants in recent years, the current scenario marks an unprecedented surge.

A senior official involved in the admissions process confirmed the trend and told the Economic Times, "This year, there are many graduates and professionals aspiring for a medical or dental seat. This is the highest number of middle-age and older applicants we have seen since 2017." The official further revealed that at least 25 candidates aged above 35 have applied for undergraduate medical and dental seats across Tamil Nadu this year, underscoring a broader shift in the demographic of medical aspirants.

The state selection committee now faces the intricate task of navigating these applications, balancing the spirit of inclusivity with the practical and ethical considerations that arise when individuals in their senior years seek to embark on a demanding medical career.