Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday once again mounted a strong attack on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), telling the Assembly that the medical entrance examination continues to work against the interests of students in the state.Replying to the Governor’s address, Vijay said education policies should help students realise their aspirations rather than create obstacles that make professional courses harder to access.His remarks came at a time when NEET is once again under the spotlight. A re-examination was held on June 21 after the earlier test was cancelled amid allegations of irregularities and a paper leak, reviving a debate that has long dominated Tamil Nadu’s education and political landscape.
Vijay reiterates state’s stand on NEET
Tamil Nadu has been among the most vocal critics of NEET since the examination became mandatory for admission to medical courses. Successive governments in the state have argued that a single national entrance test disadvantages students from state board backgrounds and favours those with access to specialised coaching.Reaffirming that position, Vijay said Tamil Nadu’s concerns have still not been adequately addressed. While he did not announce any fresh policy measures, his speech made it clear that the state government remains firmly opposed to the examination in its present form.The issue has gained renewed urgency following reports that two medical aspirants allegedly died by suicide within 24 hours of each other in Tamil Nadu. The incidents have once again raised concerns over the intense pressure associated with high-stakes entrance examinations.
Re-test sees participation of over 1.42 lakh candidates
The latest round of NEET examinations drew a massive response from students across Tamil Nadu. More than 1.42 lakh candidates appeared for the re-test at 307 examination centres across the state.Many candidates who spoke after the examination said the Physics and Chemistry sections were more difficult and time-consuming than those in the cancelled test. Biology, however, was generally perceived as relatively easier.The feedback has added another layer to the ongoing debate over the examination’s structure, difficulty level and impact on students.
Language should never be imposed, says Chief Minister
Beyond NEET, Vijay also touched upon 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 must unite on issues concerning Tamil Nadu’s welfare,” he said in the Assembly.The Chief Minister argued that students should be free to learn and grow without linguistic compulsion. Stressing the need for political unity on matters affecting the state’s future, he said parties should work together whenever issues relating to education, youth and social welfare are involved.“If we unite on matters concerning Tamil Nadu’s welfare, our state will become a leader in the country,” he said.
Education should not become a political battlefield
Vijay maintained that educational and cultural issues should be viewed through the lens 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 shaped by their needs.Though the Chief Minister also responded briefly 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 greatest attention.The remarks have once again placed two of Tamil Nadu’s most enduring issues, medical admissions and language rights, at the centre of public discussion, underscoring how deeply both continue to resonate across the state.
