In the Eleventh Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay reiterated the state's strong opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical and dental admissions. He stated that the single national entrance examination system has adversely affected students from rural and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, creating barriers to equitable access to medical education.
NEET opposition raised at NITI Aayog meeting
Vijay emphasized that the state's stance against NEET is grounded in its disproportionate impact on students from weaker sections, who often lack access to coaching and resources required to compete in a centralized exam. He made these remarks during the Eleventh Governing Council Meeting, where discussions encompassed education access and state-specific admission processes across India.
The Chief Minister highlighted that NEET has fundamentally altered admission dynamics in medical and dental education, with students from rural districts and socio-economically weaker backgrounds facing heightened challenges in securing undergraduate medical seats. The state government reiterated its demand for flexibility in admission criteria to address these disparities.
State seeks Class XII marks for state quota admissions
The Tamil Nadu government has formally sought permission to fill all state quota seats in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses based solely on Class XII marks, replacing NEET scores for these seats. Officials noted that this request aims to align admission criteria with school-level performance assessment, which they argue is a fairer measure for students from diverse backgrounds.
The proposal was presented as part of the state's broader position that admissions should reflect academic performance at the school level, particularly for students from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds who are disproportionately affected by competitive entrance examinations. The matter was placed before the Governing Council as part of discussions on medical education access, state policy flexibility, and the framework governing undergraduate admissions across states and union territories.
Concerns on access to medical education for rural students
The state government argued that NEET has exacerbated inequalities in medical admissions, with rural students often unable to afford expensive coaching classes. By using Class XII marks as the sole criterion, the state believes it can ensure a more level playing field for all students, regardless of their economic background.
Officials emphasized that the proposal is not just about admission criteria but about ensuring that talented students from rural areas have a fair chance to pursue medical education. The issue was raised as part of broader discussions on how states can tailor admission policies to local needs while maintaining national standards.
Youth empowerment and economic roadmap outlined
Beyond the NEET issue, Chief Minister Vijay outlined Tamil Nadu's economic vision, noting that the state is India's second-largest economy and continues to show resilience despite global uncertainties. He set a target of achieving a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036, driven by diversification and workforce productivity.
The development vision, he said, is anchored on four key groups: Youth, the Poor, Women, and Farmers, aligning state priorities with India's broader development goals. Under a proposed Youth Skill and Employment Mission, the state plans to provide stipend-supported internships and industry-linked training to five lakh youth annually.
Additionally, Tamil Nadu aims to establish emerging technology skill centers in every district, training youth in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Electric Vehicle technology, and semiconductor sectors. The state also seeks support for start-up incubators, venture capital ecosystems, and applied research funding to strengthen innovation and employment outcomes.
The Chief Minister's remarks at the NITI Aayog meeting underscored Tamil Nadu's commitment to inclusive growth and equitable access to education, while also charting a path for economic transformation through youth empowerment and technological advancement.
