Gym owner, 47, writes NEET to coach daughter

Gym owner, 47, writes NEET to coach daughter

A Ragu Raman & A Prathap TNN

Chennai:13.09.2021

Parents choose different methods to help their children crack competitive exams, but K Mohan went a step ahead on Sunday. The 47-year-old gym owner from Vadapalani appeared for NEET at an Anna Nagar centre not because he wants to become a doctor, but because he wants to help his daughter turn one.

When he entered the examination centre, the police personnel and invigilation staff thought he was a parent, but allowed him in after double checking the hall ticket. “I was nervous thinking whether familiar questions would appear. When I entered, young students looked at me differently. But, I was focused on the exam," he told TOI.

Mohan, who is also customs consultant for those in the export-import business, has an MA and a law degree, but doesn’t practise. He completed his Class XII three decades ago and wanted to join medicine but couldn’t. “I got the interest when I was helping my sister’s daughter prepare last year. After learning that there is no age limit for professional courses, I decided to give it a try to help my daughter’s preparation and slogged for six months,” he said.

The physics questions were tough, but those in chemistry and biology were relatively easy, he said. “I am expecting more than 550 out of 720. As of now, I am not planning to join the medicine course.”

The other family members did not welcome the idea, but his daughter and son were supportive and helped in the preparations, said Mohan, adding that he used his niece’s coaching material.

According to the National Testing Agency’s information bulletin for NEET 2021, the upper age is 25 years as on the date of examination with a relaxation of five years for those in to the SC/ST/OBC-NC category and PwBD candidates.

However, the Supreme Court, hearing petitions challenging the age limit, provisionally allowed candidates who are above 25 years in its interim order and said it is subject to the final outcome of the case. So, the NTA provisionally allowed candidates above 25 years to appear.

AGE NO BAR: K Mohan at the entrance of his test centre on Sunday