In a landmark decision, the Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the central government to exempt the state from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and instead base medical admissions on marks from the Plus Two exams. Chief Minister M K Stalin led the resolution, criticizing NEET for its bias against rural and economically disadvantaged students. The resolution calls for amending the National Medical Commission Act to eliminate NEET, citing widespread irregularities and opposition across various states.

Despite opposition from the BJP, which staged a walkout, and the absence of the principal opposition AIADMK, the resolution received support, including from BJP ally PMK. The DMK has consistently opposed NEET since its mandatory introduction in 2017, launching a large-scale campaign to scrap the test. Stalin emphasized that Tamil Nadu's stance reflects a national sentiment, advocating for NEET's abolition to ensure fair access to medical education and uphold states' rights.

Critics within the assembly, such as BJP leader Nainar Nagendran, defended NEET, arguing its merits and necessity. However, proponents of the resolution argue that abolishing NEET is essential to widen access to medical education for rural and underprivileged students, thereby enhancing rural healthcare services.

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