Senior Citizens Clear NEET, Apply for MBBS in Tamil Nadu, Stirring Policy Debate

In an extraordinary development that has drawn both attention and debate, three senior citizens aged 68, 67, and 60 have successfully cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and submitted applications for MBBS seats in Tamil Nadu. The move has prompted serious deliberation among officials overseeing medical admissions, especially in the context of age limits, eligibility norms, and the intent behind reservation policies.

According to sources, two of the applicants are practicing lawyers. All three have applied under the government school quota, which is reserved for students who studied in government schools from Class 6 to 12. Their applications have raised fresh questions about how far inclusivity in medical education can—or should—extend.

This unique scenario has emerged following a 2022 decision by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to eliminate the upper age limit for NEET candidates. The reform aimed to make medical education more accessible to individuals from all age groups, encouraging a more diverse set of aspirants to consider careers in medicine.

Since the policy change, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a gradual increase in applications from older candidates. A senior official from the state selection committee noted that this year alone, at least 25 candidates aged above 35 have applied for MBBS and BDS programs. However, the inclusion of applicants in their late 60s marks an unprecedented development.

“This year has seen the highest number of middle-aged and older applicants since 2017,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “While the policy encourages inclusivity, it also presents a new set of ethical, logistical, and practical challenges.”

The state’s medical admissions committee is now tasked with evaluating these applications while considering not only legal eligibility but also the physical and emotional demands of the medical profession—especially when starting a medical career at an advanced age.

As this situation unfolds, it raises a broader discussion about the goals of medical education, the evolving profile of candidates, and how best to balance inclusivity with long-term feasibility in healthcare training.