In a heartwarming display of courage and determination, 72-year-old Pothula Venkatalakshmi from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, broke age-related stereotypes by appearing for the NEET 2025 exam, becoming an inspiring symbol of lifelong learning.
On Sunday, as thousands of young medical aspirants arrived at the Government Women’s Polytechnic College in Kakinada, few could have imagined that one of the candidates would be a septuagenarian grandmother—confident, composed, and ready to take on one of India’s toughest entrance exams.
Wearing a simple salwar kameez and carrying only her admit card, Venkatalakshmi quietly walked into the exam hall. Many assumed she was accompanying a student. Instead, she calmly took her seat as a test-taker, challenging societal expectations and reaffirming that age is never a barrier to education.
NEET Opens Doors for All Ages
Her appearance at NEET was made possible after the National Medical Commission (NMC) abolished the upper age limit for the exam in 2022. Since then, candidates of any age have been free to pursue a career in medicine if they meet the academic criteria.
A Beacon of Determination
Venkatalakshmi’s decision to sit for NEET has struck a chord with people across the country. Social media users and education advocates alike have lauded her for her courage, calling her a role model for anyone who has ever doubted themselves due to age.
Her story serves as a timely reminder that ambition doesn’t retire—and dreams can be pursued at any stage in life.
