Mangaluru: Karnataka higher education minister MC Sudhakar on Friday reiterated the state government's persistent demand to the Union government to discontinue the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). He cited widespread student distress, the rapid proliferation of coaching centres, and recurring controversies surrounding the examination as key reasons.
State's Long-Standing Objection to NEET
Speaking in Mangaluru on the sidelines of an event, Sudhakar stated that Karnataka had objected to NEET “long back,” particularly after an earlier paper leak. He noted that the state assembly had passed a resolution seeking a return to the previous system where states conducted their own entrance examinations, such as the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET). The minister emphasized that the state has continued to reiterate its demand through multiple channels, including the medical education department.
Impact of Irregularities in a Single National Exam
Referring to allegations of irregularities in the latest NEET, Sudhakar highlighted that the impact of problems in a single national examination is far wider than in state-level tests. He pointed out that over 22 lakh students appear for NEET across the country, and any disruption or malpractice affects candidates nationwide. “If anything happens in an individual state, it affects only the students of those states, not the entire nation. Now the entire nation is suffering,” he said, drawing attention to the mental stress among students and the financial hardship for families when candidates lose one or more years attempting the exam.
Coaching Centres and Malpractice
Sudhakar also linked the “mushrooming” of coaching centres to unhealthy competition. He alleged that monetary incentives push some to “stoop down to any level” to secure better results, contributing to malpractice. He argued that ensuring a fully transparent and “issueless” examination becomes difficult when such elements operate around high-stakes testing.
Call for National Debate and Supreme Court Review
The minister urged the Union government and the ministry of education to hold a national debate on NEET and consider approaching the Supreme Court to seek changes in what he described as the larger interest of students. He said the Centre should not treat the issue as one of prestige and should acknowledge the administrative and credibility challenges involved in conducting the exam.
Reducing Weightage of NEET Scores
Sudhakar also called for reducing the exclusive weight given to NEET scores and suggested returning to a system that factors in class XII performance, including a 50% component from board marks. He argued that an overemphasis on NEET shifts attention away from foundational schooling and encourages exam-centric preparation.
Uniform Academic Calendar for State Universities
On undergraduate education under state universities, Sudhakar said Karnataka has initiated steps toward a uniform academic calendar. He explained that the exercise began in 2023 and a five-year calendar has been released, outlining timelines for affiliations, the start of the academic year, and completion of examinations, with a permissible variation of 5 to 15 days to account for delays such as evaluation. The move aims to prevent students from being disadvantaged when applying for postgraduate programmes elsewhere due to delayed results.
Funding Constraints for New Universities
Addressing concerns about newly established universities facing funding constraints, Sudhakar criticised the manner in which some institutions were created, calling certain models “not a workable thing.” When asked whether the government plans to shut them down, he said a subcommittee has prepared recommendations and a report is being submitted to the cabinet, which will decide the next course of action.
