Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has strongly opposed the NEET system, calling for its elimination after NEET-UG 2026 was canceled due to allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities. Vijay emphasized the need for the Union Government to permit States to admit students to medical courses based on their Class 12 marks instead of a centralized national entrance exam.
Vijay highlighted the ongoing controversies surrounding NEET, stating that they have eroded the trust of students and parents nationwide. The recent cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, which saw over 22 lakh students appearing for the exam, has raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
The Chief Minister pointed out that previous instances of question paper leaks had led to investigations and reforms, yet the recurrence of such issues indicates persistent vulnerabilities in the system. Vijay reiterated Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEET, citing its adverse impact on students from rural areas, government schools, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Vijay, who has been a vocal critic of NEET, reiterated his stance that admissions to medical courses should be based on Class 12 marks rather than a single national-level test. He urged the Union Government to permanently abolish NEET and restore States’ authority to fill medical seats based on students’ performance in Class 12.
