CHENNAI — Tamil Nadu's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday renewed its demand for the complete abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that the national medical entrance examination had failed to achieve its stated objectives and urging the federal government to restore greater authority over medical admissions to the states.
DMK president M.K. Stalin said NEET had not reduced the burden on students, curbed commercialisation or improved educational standards, contending instead that it had shifted academic pressure from schools to private coaching centres. In a statement posted on social media and an accompanying opinion article, Stalin described the examination's shortcomings as "structural, not merely procedural" and said recent controversies surrounding the test reinforced the party's long-standing opposition.
"The ongoing student protests should serve as a wake-up call," Stalin said, calling on the Union government to "trust the states" and abolish NEET. He argued that state governments should regain greater control over medical admissions, a position the DMK has consistently advocated.
The renewed demand comes amid nationwide political debate over the administration of NEET and allegations of irregularities that have prompted protests in several parts of India. Opposition parties have questioned the integrity of the examination process, while the Union government has defended the national entrance system and said measures are being taken to strengthen its conduct.
Tamil Nadu has been among the strongest opponents of NEET since its introduction, with successive state governments arguing that a single national entrance examination disadvantages students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds and increases dependence on private coaching institutions. The state assembly has previously passed legislation seeking exemption from NEET, although those efforts have not resulted in the state being excluded from the examination.
The DMK also reiterated its broader position that education should be returned to the State List under India's constitutional framework, arguing that states are better placed to manage admissions and educational policy. The party's 2026 election manifesto similarly pledged to continue pressing for the abolition of national-level entrance examinations, including NEET.
There was no immediate indication on Thursday that the Union government intended to reconsider NEET's status. The examination remains the mandatory entrance test for undergraduate medical admissions across India, while political debate over its future continues.
