Twin daughters inspire 64-year-old father to crack NEET exam

A 64-year-old retired State Bank of India employee managed to crack one of the hardest entrance examinations in India, the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Jay Kishore Pradhan of Odisha has shattered the stereotype that learning at an older age is challenging. Mr Pradhan, a retired deputy manager of the SBI, has inspired many by demonstrating that retirement can mark the start of a new chapter in life. After working 40 years at the SBI, Mr Pradhan decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, opting for a new challenge over a leisurely post-retirement life.

Mr Pradhan, like most aspirants, enrolled in an online coaching programme for NEET to get systematic guidance and understand the complex curriculum for the entrance examination. However, it was not an easy task; Mr Pradhan had to revive his study skills and balance his family life.

Futile attempt in youth  

He appeared for the medical entrance examination once after passing his intermediate exams. However, he could not qualify at that time. But during his second innings of life, when he saw his twin daughters studying for the entrance exam, it reignited his aspiration of becoming a doctor.

Mr Pradhan's plan to reignite his goal was favoured by the Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling, which removed the upper age limit.

With unwavering focus and determination to achieve his long-held ambition, he qualified for the NEET examination. His rank helped him secure admission into the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Odisha's Sambalpur.

"You are a great inspiration to aimless youth. Hats off sir," a social media user commented. "Congrats. Inspiration for young," another added.

(By arrangement with livemint.com)