71-Year-Old Ashok Bahar's NEET Aspirations Dashed by Paper Leak Controversy
Who is Ashok Bahar? The 71-year-old who appeared for NEET to fulfil a promise to his mother, only for 2026 paper leak to change everything
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Ashok Bahar, a 71-year-old from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, attempted the NEET UG 2026 exam to fulfill a promise to his late mother. However, the exam was canceled due to a paper leak scandal, leaving Bahar and many other dedicated students disheartened.
- 01Ashok Bahar, 71, aimed to become a doctor to honor a promise to his mother.
- 02He previously held careers in marketing and government service before pursuing medicine.
- 03The NEET UG 2026 exam was canceled following a significant paper leak scandal.
- 04Bahar's story has resonated widely on social media, inspiring many.
- 05The cancellation disappointed countless students who prepared diligently for the exam.
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Ashok Bahar, a 71-year-old resident of Chandernagar in Alambagh, Uttar Pradesh, recently attempted the NEET UG 2026 examination, driven by a promise made to his mother to become a doctor. Despite his previous careers, including a role as marketing head at Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited and a position with the Ministry of External Affairs, Bahar pursued this dream later in life, hoping to specialize in hepatology. However, the examination was canceled due to a paper leak scandal, where an MBBS student allegedly shared a leaked 'guess paper' that matched many questions on the actual exam. This incident has not only impacted Bahar but has also left many students who prepared extensively for the exam feeling disheartened. Bahar's determination and journey have resonated with many on social media, highlighting the challenges faced by older aspirants in competitive education.
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The cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 exam affects not only Ashok Bahar but also many students across India who prepared for this crucial examination.
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