Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to exempt the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for the academic years 2026–27 and allow states to admit students based on their marks in the qualifying examination. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Stalin expressed 'deep concern and urgency over repeated failures, systemic vulnerabilities, and growing public distrust' surrounding the NEET.
Stalin's Concerns Over NEET
The Chief Minister highlighted that the NEET has been marred by repeated issues, including paper leaks, technical glitches, and allegations of malpractice. He argued that these problems have eroded public confidence in the examination system. Stalin emphasized that the current system places undue stress on students and favors those with access to expensive coaching, thereby disadvantaging rural and economically weaker students.
Proposal for State-Based Admissions
Stalin proposed that for the 2026–27 academic session, admissions to medical and dental colleges should be based on the marks obtained in the qualifying higher secondary examination. This, he said, would ensure a fair and transparent process while reducing the burden on students. He also urged the central government to consider long-term reforms to the medical entrance system, including giving states the autonomy to conduct their own entrance tests or use school-leaving exam scores.
Background of the Issue
The NEET has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu, where the state government has consistently opposed it. The state passed a bill in 2017 seeking exemption from NEET, but it was not approved by the central government. Recent incidents of question paper leaks in multiple states have reignited the debate over the reliability of the national-level exam. Stalin's letter comes amid growing demands from various state governments and student groups for a review of the NEET system.
The Prime Minister's Office has not yet responded to Stalin's request. However, the issue is expected to be discussed in the upcoming parliamentary session, with several opposition parties likely to raise the matter. Education experts have also weighed in, with some supporting the Chief Minister's call for state autonomy, while others caution against a fragmented admission system that could compromise merit.
