A retired banker in India, Jay Kishore Pradhan, fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor by passing the NEET exam and enrolling in medical school at 64.
In a world where retirement often means the end of professional ambitions, Jay Kishore Pradhan stands out as a remarkable exception. At the age of 64, he has embarked on an inspiring journey to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor. After a successful career as a deputy manager at the State Bank of India (SBI), Jay Kishore Pradhan recently passed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and has enrolled in the MBBS programme at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Odisha. His journey is not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s passions.
A career in medicine
Jay Kishore Pradhan’s decision to pursue a career in medicine at this stage in his life is truly inspiring. After all, in a world that often glorifies youth and associates it with energy and innovation, it can be easy to overlook the fact that experience and wisdom can be powerful assets in any field. His choice challenges the notion that age should limit one’s ambitions. It serves as a reminder that the desire to learn and grow can flourish at any stage of life.
Inspiration
Reportedly, Pradhan's motivation to pursue medicine was sparked by his twin daughters, who were preparing for their own medical entrance exams. His strong background in science subjects gave him the confidence to take on the NEET challenge.
He had long aspired to become a doctor, even before his retirement in 2016. Since childhood, he wanted to study medicine but was unable to realise this dream due to different circumstances. According to media reports, he attempted the MBBS entrance exam shortly after finishing high school in the 1970s but was unsuccessful. This lingering sense of unfulfilled potential motivated him to take action when the opportunity finally arose.
NEET preparation
A major turning point came in 2019 when the Supreme Court of India removed the upper age limit for medical entrance exams. This allowed Pradhan to chase his long-held dream without worrying about his age. With encouragement from his family, he enrolled in an online coaching programme that guided him through the tough NEET syllabus.
While preparing for NEET, he faced numerous challenges including managing household responsibilities and studying for one of India’s toughest exams. Nevertheless, his hard work and determination paid off. In 2020, after months of commitment, Pradhan successfully passed NEET and gained a place at VIMSAR’s MBBS programme. His success demonstrates that age should never prevent anyone from pursuing their dreams.
Making a change
Pradhan wants to do more than just fulfil his own dreams; he hopes to make a positive impact on society through his medical career. At VIMSAR, he plans to learn as much as he can and hopes to practice medicine privately after his studies. His desire to help others has been a guiding force throughout his journey.
Achieving success
Jay Kishore Pradhan’s journey inspires people of all ages to pursue their passions without hesitation. Pradhan’s life proves that dreams are timeless and that with determination, anyone can achieve their goals.
Ultimately, Pradhan's journey is a powerful testament to the idea that age is merely a number, and with dedication and perseverance, anyone can strive towards their goals, no matter how far-fetched they may seem.
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