TelevisionK founder Vijay has once again ignited the debate on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) by demanding that it be abandoned in Tamil Nadu.
NEET is one of the most heated political and educational debates in Tamil Nadu and there are various parties who claim that NEET is unfair to boys and girls from rural and government schools.
Vijay also recently stated his opposition to NEET in Tamil Nadu and the inequality and financial pressure it creates for medical students in a public forum. His stance is consistent with the DMK and other regional parties that have continuously opposed the centralized entrance examination.
NEET was introduced nationwide to ensure a uniform admission process for undergraduate medical and dental courses. Supporters say that it promotes transparency, merit-based admissions and stops irregular private medical college admissions.
But critics say students from urban areas and those who can afford expensive coaching classes have a huge advantage over students from the Tamil Nadu State Board syllabus.
Tamil Nadu has always argued that admissions based on class 12 board examination marks were more equitable. The state government has passed several Bills seeking exemption from NEET but these proposals have not become law due to constitutional and legal hurdles.
Why Vijay Opposes NEET
Vijay argues that
NEET favours students who can afford expensive coaching institutes. Rural and economically weaker students have more disadvantages. The examination increases stress for students. In Tamil Nadu, the earlier system of school marks was more inclusive.
His words have resonated with students, parents and educators who say the current system does not provide equal opportunities in education as well.
நீட் தேர்வு குளறுபடிகளை எதிர்த்து டெல்லியில் நடைபெற்ற இளைஞர்கள் போராட்டத்திற்கு ஆதரவாகக் களமிறங்கிய மக்களவை எதிர்க்கட்சித் தலைவர் திரு. ராகுல்காந்தி அவர்கள் உள்ளிட்ட தலைவர்கள் பலர் கைது செய்யப்பட்டது, ஜனநாயகத்திற்கு எதிரானது. ஒன்றிய அரசின் இச்செயல்பாடுகள் கண்டிக்கத்தக்கவை.…
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) July 22, 2026
Will Tamil Nadu really scrap NEET
In reality, scrapping NEET only for Tamil Nadu is legally difficult.
NEET has been recognized by the Supreme Court as the common entrance examination for medical admissions in India. Since medical education is under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, both the Centre and states have legislative powers, but central law usually prevails where conflicts arise.
For Tamil Nadu to be exempt, Parliament would probably need to change the existing laws or legislation to give the state a special exemption.
The Tamil Nadu government's previous attempts to win the Presidential assent to exemption Bills were unsuccessful.
Even so, while political leaders can continue asking for the removal of NEET, any actual exemption would require significant legal and constitutional changes involving both the Union Government and the President.
The Political Significance
As Tamil Nadu gears up for another election cycle, NEET remains a very emotive political issue. Vijay's vocal opposition will be more likely to attract students and parents and young people who feel the examination provides a gap in opportunities.
Whether NEET is abolished in Tamil Nadu or not, the debate will keep the state’s political debate going, underlining larger questions about educational equity, access and federalism in India’s educational system.
