T.K.S. Elangovan, a leader with the DMK, has called for the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in Tamil Nadu.
The demand highlights a long-standing conflict over medical education access in India. Critics argue that the standardized test creates a systemic barrier for students who cannot afford expensive private coaching, effectively favoring those with greater financial resources.
Elangovan said that medical admissions should instead be based on marks achieved in Class 12. He said that the current system harms students within Tamil Nadu by creating an uneven playing field. According to Elangovan, the reliance on coaching institutes gives an unfair advantage to wealthy students, a disparity that undermines the goal of equitable healthcare education.
This push for reform follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination [1]. The disruption of the testing cycle has renewed calls from regional leaders to move away from the entrance exam model entirely.
Elangovan said the shift to Class 12 marks would remove the financial burden associated with entrance exam preparation. He said that the current structure prioritizes test-taking strategies over comprehensive academic performance in the school system.
The DMK leader's position aligns with broader regional efforts in Tamil Nadu to challenge the central government's mandate on medical admissions. By advocating for the use of board exam results, the party seeks to restore a system that previously allowed state-level control over student selection.
“Medical admissions should instead be based on marks achieved in Class 12.”
The demand to replace NEET with Class 12 marks reflects a deeper tension between national standardization and regional autonomy in India. If the state successfully pivots to board-exam-based admissions, it could set a precedent for other states to challenge the centralized medical entry system, potentially shifting the power dynamic between the central government and state education boards.
