Jay Kishore Pradhan: a 64-year-old retired banker cracks NEET

Jay Kishore Pradhan, a 64-year-old retired banker from Odisha, has defied age stereotypes by successfully passing the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET), one of India’s most challenging entrance exams.

After retiring from the State Bank of India (SBI), where he served as a deputy manager for 40 years, Pradhan pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. His remarkable achievement has inspired many and serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow one’s passion. Pradhan’s journey to cracking NEET was motivated by his twin daughters, who were also preparing for the medical entrance exam. Seeing their dedication reignited his aspirations, which had been put on hold after he failed to qualify for medical school in his youth. Encouraged by a 2019 Supreme Court ruling that removed the upper age limit for NEET candidates, Pradhan took on the challenge again.

He enrolled in an online coaching program to navigate the rigorous NEET syllabus, balancing his studies with family responsibilities. Reviving his study habits after years of professional life was difficult, but his determination remained strong. 2020 Pradhan’s hard work paid off as he successfully qualified for NEET and secured admission to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Sambalpur, Odisha. Pradhan’s story has captivated the internet, with many netizens hailing him as an “inspiration” for both young and old. His achievement proves that age is no barrier to learning and that perseverance can help achieve even the most ambitious goals. As one user commented, “You are a great inspiration to aimless youth. Hats off, sir.”