Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions in the state. The resolution received support from the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, PMK, DMDK, Left parties and several smaller parties, while the BJP’s lone MLA opposed the move and later walked out of the House.
The resolution was introduced by Tamil Nadu Health Minister K. Arunraj, who argued that NEET is inconsistent with the principles of social justice, equality and state rights.
According to the state government, the existing NEET-based admission system places students from rural areas, economically weaker families and Tamil-medium schools at a disadvantage. The government has also raised concerns over the growing dependence on expensive private coaching institutions.
Government Seeks Alternative to NEET
The Tamil Nadu government has proposed that admissions to undergraduate medical courses should instead be determined on the basis of Class 12 examination marks.
The government maintains that students already undergo 12 years of school education and should not face disproportionate pressure from a single national entrance examination. It has argued that greater emphasis on school performance could provide a more equitable opportunity for students, particularly those who cannot afford costly coaching.
The resolution seeks amendments to the relevant central laws to discontinue the uniform NEET system for undergraduate medical admissions in Tamil Nadu.
BJP MLA Opposes Resolution
The BJP’s lone MLA, M. Bhojarajan, strongly opposed the resolution, arguing that NEET has created opportunities for students across Tamil Nadu.
Bhojarajan said the examination provides students with hope for a better future and cited the example of Pollachi, where he said 10 students from the same school cleared NEET.
He questioned why the state government was seeking to abolish NEET instead of strengthening support systems for students preparing for the examination.
BJP Calls for Government-Funded NEET Coaching
Bhojarajan urged the state government to introduce a special government-funded coaching programme for NEET aspirants, particularly students from economically weaker backgrounds.
He argued that students should not have to depend on wealthy individuals or expensive private coaching centres to prepare for the examination.
According to him, providing accessible and organised coaching through government programmes would help create a more level playing field while allowing students to continue benefiting from the common entrance examination.
After expressing his opposition, Bhojarajan announced that he would not participate in the voting and walked out of the Assembly.
AIADMK and DMK Support Anti-NEET Resolution
The resolution received backing from the AIADMK, which has consistently maintained its opposition to NEET in Tamil Nadu.
AIADMK MLA O.S. Manian reiterated the party’s position, stating that the party remains committed to its anti-NEET policy.
DMK MLA Muthuraja also confirmed the ruling party’s support for the resolution.
With the DMK and AIADMK joining hands on the issue, the Assembly debate highlighted the broad political support in Tamil Nadu for seeking greater control over medical admissions in the state.
Tamil Nadu’s Long-Standing Opposition to NEET
The latest resolution is part of Tamil Nadu’s long-running political and legal campaign against NEET.
The state Assembly had earlier unanimously passed the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021, seeking an exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET for undergraduate medical admissions.
The state government has repeatedly argued that the examination disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly those without access to private coaching.
The latest resolution once again places Tamil Nadu’s demand for a NEET exemption at the centre of the political debate over medical education and admission policies in India.
