In a major political and educational setback for Tamil Nadu, President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the state's long-pending bill seeking exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions. The bill proposed that Class 12 examination marks be used as the criterion for admission into medical institutions within the state, bypassing the centralised NEET framework.

Chief Minister MK Stalin informed the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly of the decision on Friday, labelling it as a grave injustice and an insult to the state’s autonomy. The development comes amidst a broader confrontation between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the BJP-led Centre, especially over issues such as Hindi imposition and delimitation policies, with tensions building ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Background of the Anti-NEET Bill

The bill was first passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2021, and once again in 2022 after initial objections. It sought to reinstate a school-based admission system, arguing that NEET disproportionately disadvantages students from rural, economically weaker, and state-board backgrounds.

The government backed its argument with findings from a high-level committee headed by Justice AK Rajan, which stated that NEET skewed admissions in favour of urban students and those who could afford coaching classes. The report warned of the long-term damage to social justice and equitable access in medical education.

Centre’s Stand and Presidential Rejection

Despite being passed twice by the state legislature, the bill required Presidential assent to become law, as it sought to override a central law governing medical admissions. The Centre reportedly opposed the bill, stating that a uniform national-level test ensures meritocracy and standardisation across states.

On April 4, 2025, CM Stalin disclosed that the President had officially rejected the bill, following consultation with the Union Home Ministry and other stakeholders.

MK Stalin's Sharp Reaction

In a strongly worded address to the Assembly, Chief Minister Stalin described the rejection as a betrayal of Tamil Nadu's rights, stating:

“This is a black phase in federalism. Tamil Nadu has been insulted by the rejection of our people's will, endorsed not once but twice by their elected representatives.”

Stalin further accused the Centre of ignoring the socio-political realities of Tamil Nadu, and alleged that this decision was politically motivated, tied to the BJP’s broader agenda of centralisation and imposition of uniformity, particularly in language and education.

Wider Political Context: Tamil Nadu vs Centre

The anti-NEET bill rejection is the latest flashpoint in a series of disputes between Tamil Nadu and the Centre. The DMK government has been vocally opposed to the Centre’s alleged efforts to impose Hindi, promote uniform policies on education, and exert greater control over state matters.

In June 2024, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had also passed a unanimous resolution urging the Union Government to abolish NEET nationwide and allow states to devise their own admission processes. This resolution echoed growing public discontent, especially among students and parents, many of whom have cited mental health pressures, high costs of coaching, and suicides linked to NEET stress.

What the Bill Proposed

• Admission to undergraduate medical courses (MBBS, BDS) in Tamil Nadu would be based solely on Class 12 board exam marks.

• Introduced provisions for reservation, rural and government school student preference.

• Aimed to undo the dominance of private coaching and reduce dependency on external exams.

• Targeted to make medical education accessible and equitable, especially for first-generation learners and rural students.

Response from the Opposition and Educationists

While the DMK and its allies have condemned the President’s decision, BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu have welcomed it, stating that NEET ensures a level playing field and prevents corruption and seat-buying in medical admissions.

Some education experts argue that though NEET has its flaws, scrapping it without a well-planned alternative might not improve the situation. Others point out that a state-based merit system may favor local students, but needs strong safeguards and monitoring.

Students and Public Sentiment

The decision is expected to spark protests from student organisations, teachers, and social justice groups across the state. Many students, particularly from government schools and rural areas, have been campaigning for NEET exemption, saying the current system pushes them into expensive private coaching institutes, often outside their economic capacity.

In the past, Tamil Nadu has reported several tragic suicides linked to NEET-related stress, with activists and parents demanding urgent reforms in medical admissions.

The Legal and Political Way Ahead

While the rejection of the bill may appear to be the end of the road, legal experts suggest that Tamil Nadu may explore options like moving the Supreme Court or reintroducing a revised version of the bill after further deliberation.

Alternatively, the state may attempt to galvanise public and political support to build national consensus for a federal approach to medical education, especially ahead of the 2026 elections, where education policy is expected to become a major electoral issue.

Conclusion: A Test of Federalism

The rejection of Tamil Nadu’s anti-NEET bill is not merely an educational policy matter—it is increasingly being viewed as a symbol of the struggle between state autonomy and central authority.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has already positioned this issue as one of regional rights and democratic representation, setting the stage for larger federal debates in Indian politics.

As the state braces for possible protests and discussions around alternative approaches, one thing is clear: the NEET debate in Tamil Nadu is far from over, and may become a defining issue in the years to come.

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