Chennai, May 13: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay has urged the central government to abolish the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and allow states to admit medical students based on their Class 12 marks. This request follows the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 due to a paper leak incident. He stated that recurring issues like this reveal structural flaws that disproportionately affect students from rural areas, government schools, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The National Testing Agency conducted NEET-UG 2026 on May 3 across 5,432 centers nationwide, including 31 centers in Tamil Nadu. Over 2.2 million students participated in the exam, with approximately 140,000 candidates from Tamil Nadu alone.
Following allegations of the question paper leak, the exam was canceled, prompting law enforcement agencies to initiate an investigation. The case has now been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Vijay noted that similar controversies arose in 2024 when allegations of paper leaks led to FIRs in several states and actions under the Supreme Court’s supervision. In response to that incident, the central government formed a high-level committee chaired by former ISRO chief Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, which proposed 95 recommendations for reforms.
However, Vijay emphasized that another major mishap within two years indicates that the system remains vulnerable. Reiterating Tamil Nadu’s long-standing opposition to NEET, the Chief Minister stated that the exam disproportionately impacts students from rural areas, government schools, Tamil medium institutions, and economically weaker backgrounds.
He argued that the system favors students who can afford expensive coaching centers and benefit from urban education.
Before becoming Chief Minister, Vijay campaigned against NEET during the assembly elections and pledged to continue advocating for an exemption from this exam in Tamil Nadu.
He has consistently reiterated that admissions to medical courses should be based on Class 12 marks rather than a centralized competitive exam. On Wednesday, he reiterated his appeal to the central government to permanently abolish NEET and restore the authority for states to fill MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH seats based on Class 12 performance under the state quota.
–
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment