MK Stalin Calls Protests ‘Wake-Up Call’, Demands NEET Abolition From Centre

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin on Thursday demanded the abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), saying the ongoing student protests over examination-related issues should serve as a “wake-up call” for the Union government. Stalin accused the Centre of failing to address long-standing concerns surrounding the medical entrance examination and urged it to trust state governments on education matters. In a post on X, Stalin said NEET had failed to achieve its three stated objectives of reducing students’ burden, preventing commercialisation of medical education and improving academic standards.

He argued that instead of easing pressure on students, the examination system had increased dependence on private coaching institutions. “The problem with NEET has always been structural, not merely procedural. Recent events have vindicated that concern,” Stalin said in his post. He claimed that NEET had shifted the centre of learning from schools to coaching centres, creating additional challenges for students who cannot afford expensive preparation programmes. Stalin’s remarks came amid ongoing protests by student groups over alleged irregularities in national-level entrance examinations.

Demonstrations in Delhi and other parts of the country have raised concerns over paper leaks, examination transparency and the impact of such issues on the future of young aspirants. The Tamil Nadu government and the DMK have consistently opposed NEET, arguing that a common national-level entrance test creates disadvantages for students from rural areas and state board backgrounds. The party has maintained that medical admissions should give greater consideration to school-level education and regional differences.

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Stalin said the protests reflect widespread concerns among students and should prompt the Union government to reconsider its approach. He urged the Centre to “trust the states” and take steps towards ending NEET, arguing that states should have a larger role in decisions related to education. The NEET examination has remained a politically sensitive issue, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where successive state governments have opposed the test. Supporters of NEET, however, argue that a common entrance examination ensures a uniform standard for medical admissions and promotes transparency in the selection process.

The Centre has defended the examination system and said measures are being taken to address concerns raised by students and stakeholders. The government has maintained that reforms are aimed at strengthening the credibility of competitive examinations and ensuring fairness. With protests continuing and political parties intensifying their criticism, the debate over NEET and examination reforms remains a major national issue. Stalin’s latest remarks add to calls from opposition leaders demanding changes in the current system, while the Centre faces pressure to balance transparency, merit-based admissions and concerns raised by students.

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