NEET remains unfair to Tamil Nadu students, says CM Vijay; renew the opposition to the Assembly
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday again launched a strong attack on the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), telling the Assembly that the medical entrance exam continues to work against the interests of students in the state.Responding to the governor’s address, Vijay said that education policies should help students achieve their aspirations rather than creating hurdles that make it difficult to access professional courses.His remarks came at a time when NEET is again under the spotlight. A new exam was held on June 21 after the previous test was canceled amid allegations of irregularities and a paper leak, reigniting a debate that has long dominated Tamil Nadu’s education and political landscape.
Vijay reiterates the state’s stance on NEET
Tamil Nadu has been one of the most vocal critics of NEET ever since the exam became mandatory for admission to medical courses. Successive state governments have argued that a single national entrance test disadvantages students from state boards and favors those with access to specialist training.Reiterating this position, Vijay said that Tamil Nadu’s concerns have not yet been adequately addressed. Although he did not announce any new policy measures, his speech made it clear that the state government remains strongly opposed to the examination in its current form.The issue has gained renewed urgency following reports that two medical aspirants allegedly committed suicide within 24 hours of each other in Tamil Nadu. The incidents have reignited concerns about the intense pressure associated with high-stakes entrance exams.
The new test sees the participation of more than 1.42 lakh candidates
The latest round of NEET exams drew a massive response from students across Tamil Nadu. More than 1.42 lakh candidates appeared for the new test at 307 examination centers across the state.Many candidates who spoke after the exam said that the Physics and Chemistry sections were more difficult and time-consuming than those in the canceled test. Biology, however, was generally perceived as relatively easier.The feedback has added another layer to the ongoing debate about the exam’s structure, level of difficulty and impact on students.
Language should never be imposed, says the prime minister
Beyond NEET, Vijay also touched on another issue that has historically carried significant political and cultural weight in Tamil Nadu: language policy.“Language should not be imposed on students, and we should unite on matters pertaining to the welfare of Tamil Nadu,” he told the Assembly.The Chief Minister argued that students should be free to learn and grow without language compulsion. Stressing the need for political unity on issues affecting the future of the state, he said parties should work together whenever there are issues related to education, youth and social welfare.“If we come together on issues related to the welfare of Tamil Nadu, our state will become a leader in the country,” he said.
Education should not become a political battleground
Vijay maintained that educational and cultural issues should be viewed from the perspective of public welfare rather than political rivalry. He called for a collective effort to safeguard the interests of students and ensure that policy decisions are tailored to their needs.While the Chief Minister also briefly responded to criticism surrounding his political journey and defended the electoral performance of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the 2026 Assembly elections, it was his comments on NEET and language policy that drew the most attention.The statements have once again placed two of Tamil Nadu’s most enduring issues, medical admissions and language rights, at the center of public discussion, underscoring how deeply both continue to resonate across the state.
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