TN CM Vijay proposes Class 12 marks based MBBS admissions, reiterates NEET opposition at NITI Aayog meeting
In the Eleventh Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay reiterated the State’s opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical and dental admissions, stating that the system has affected students from rural and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.He said the State has sought permission to fill State quota seats in MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses based solely on Class XII marks, replacing NEET scores, as part of its position on equitable access to medical education.NEET opposition raised at NITI Aayog meetingVijay said the State’s opposition to NEET is based on its impact on students from rural and socio-economically weaker backgrounds, who face barriers under a single national entrance examination framework.He made the statement during the Eleventh Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, where discussions included education access and medical admission processes across States.The State reiterated that NEET has altered admission dynamics in medical and dental education, with concerns raised over students from rural districts and socio-economically weaker sections in securing undergraduate medical seats.State seeks Class XII marks for State quota admissionsThe State Government has sought permission to fill all State quota seats in MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses using Class XII marks as the sole criterion, replacing NEET scores for these seats.Officials noted that the request is aimed at aligning admission criteria with school-level performance assessment, particularly for MBBS, BDS and AYUSH programmes under the State administrative framework.Concerns on access to medical education for rural studentsThe proposal was presented as part of the State’s position that admissions should reflect school-level academic performance, particularly for students from rural and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds affected by competitive entrance examinations.The matter was placed before the Governing Council as part of broader discussions on medical education access, State policy flexibility and the framework governing undergraduate admissions across States and Union territories.Youth empowerment and economic roadmap outlinedHe said Tamil Nadu, India’s second largest economy, continues to show resilience despite global uncertainties and is working towards a 1.5 trillion dollar economy by 2036, driven by diversification and workforce productivity.He added that the development vision is anchored on Youth, the Poor, Women and Farmers, aligning State priorities with India’s broader development goals.Under a proposed Youth Skill and Employment Mission, five lakh youth annually will receive stipend-supported internships and industry-linked training. The State plans emerging technology skill centres in every district and aims to train youth in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Electric Vehicle technology and semiconductor sectors.It also seeks support for start-up incubators, venture capital ecosystems and applied research funding to strengthen innovation and employment outcomes.
