In a crucial turn of events, the President of India rejected Tamil Nadu's bill for exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), marking a major moment in the fight for educational equity. The bill, passed unanimously by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, was a clear reflection of the state's position: NEET, in its present form, has perpetuated systemic inequalities in medical education.
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The rejection raises fundamental questions about the balance of power in India's federal system and whether NEET is truly fulfilling its intended purpose or merely reinforcing privilege under the guise of merit.
The primary issue with NEET lies in its alignment with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus, which leaves students from the Tamil Nadu State Board (TNSBSE) at a significant disadvantage. Before NEET's introduction, more than 70% of Tamil Nadu's medical students came from the State Board. Today, that number has plummeted to under 47%, while students from CBSE schools now occupy 27% of the medical seats, a drastic rise from less than 1% in the pre-NEET era. This gap isn't due to any lack of quality in State Board education but rather the mismatch between the two curricula. State Board students are expected to compete on terms designed for a different system, effectively starting the race with a handicap.
NEET has also institutionalized the costly coaching culture, where aspirants often spend anywhere between ₹1 to ₹5 lakh annually for preparation. This has further marginalized students from rural, low-income, and first-generation learner backgrounds, as they struggle to afford coaching classes. In 2020–21, the proportion of science students in Tamil Nadu government schools dropped from 43% to 35%, signaling a loss of hope among these students. To address this, the state introduced a 7.5% horizontal reservation for government school students in medical admissions. All 622 seats under this quota were filled in 2024, proving that it isn't the lack of talent but rather the lack of opportunity that's the issue.
Medical education is not solely about academic performance. It’s about empathy, public service, and a long-term commitment to society—qualities that standardized tests like NEET cannot measure. Tamil Nadu’s earlier system, based on Class 12 marks, produced countless first-generation doctors who went on to serve in rural areas and strengthen the public health infrastructure. NEET, however, threatens to replace this pipeline with urban-focused professionals who may lack the same commitment to public service.
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The stress surrounding NEET has led to a tragic rise in suicides among aspirants in Tamil Nadu. These are not isolated incidents but part of a larger crisis of mental health. The pressure from a single, high-stakes exam has caused anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness among many students. This is in stark contrast to the inclusive, humane educational culture Tamil Nadu has long championed.
The rejection of Tamil Nadu’s NEET exemption bills, despite overwhelming state support, underscores the erosion of state autonomy in education. Education is listed under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, but states must be allowed to account for their unique social and educational contexts. Tamil Nadu’s model, focused on social justice, cannot be replaced by a one-size-fits-all central template without undermining the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Proponents of NEET often argue that it ensures the quality of medical professionals. However, this claim is misleading. Once students are admitted, they are all subject to the same academic standards, examinations, and clinical training, regardless of how they were admitted. The focus, therefore, should not be on how students are selected but on how the education system supports them throughout their training.
Many students admitted through reservations—whether from SC, ST, or MBC communities—go on to become exemplary doctors, often serving in underserved areas where others won’t. The argument that NEET ensures quality overlooks the systemic privilege that wealthier, urban students enjoy.
The current form of NEET does not foster justice or excellence in education. It has deepened divisions while failing to tap into the full potential of India's diverse talent pool. Tamil Nadu's opposition to NEET is not about lowering academic standards but about challenging a flawed system that equates merit with financial resources. To truly empower India’s youth, the Centre must listen to the voices of students, educators, and civil society and rethink the medical admission process. Education should be a tool for equity, not a barrier to dreams.
"NEET has created new hierarchies while failing to nurture the diverse pool of talent our country possesses."
This quote encapsulates the essence of the problem: we need a system that values all forms of merit, not just those measured by test scores.
