Vijay demands complete abolition of NEET, backs student protests
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician Vijay has voiced strong opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), calling for the examination system to be abolished entirely while expressing support for students protesting in New Delhi.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, the 52-year-old leader reiterated that his party has consistently opposed NEET and believes the entrance exam has placed an unfair burden on students and their families across the country.
Vijay stated that his party’s position on the issue remains firm and uncompromising. According to him, the current examination system has caused significant stress for aspiring medical students, many of whom face intense pressure while preparing for the highly competitive test. He argued that the impact extends beyond students themselves, affecting parents and families who invest considerable time, effort and resources into the preparation process.
The actor-turned-politician also rejected what he described as political opportunism surrounding the issue. He said his party would not make unrealistic promises or use the NEET debate merely to gain electoral support, insisting that meaningful and lasting reforms are needed instead of temporary political statements.
Vijay further argued that the long-term solution lies in returning education to the State List, allowing individual state governments to exercise greater control over educational policies and admission procedures. He maintained that such a move would enable states to develop systems that better reflect local educational needs and priorities.
Acknowledging that constitutional or legal challenges could delay such a change, Vijay proposed an interim alternative. He suggested creating a Special Concurrent List that would provide state governments with expanded authority over education until broader constitutional reforms become possible.
Under this proposed arrangement, states would receive greater powers to regulate all aspects of education, including medical education and admissions. Vijay said empowering state governments in this manner would help address concerns surrounding NEET while ensuring that educational policies are better aligned with regional requirements.
His remarks come as discussions over the future of NEET continue to generate debate in several parts of India. Supporters of the examination argue that it establishes a uniform standard for admissions to medical colleges across the country. Critics, however, contend that it disadvantages students from different educational backgrounds and places excessive pressure on candidates preparing for a single nationwide examination.
The issue has remained particularly sensitive in Tamil Nadu, where opposition to NEET has been a significant political and public concern for several years. Various political parties and student groups in the state have repeatedly called for exemptions or the complete withdrawal of the examination system, arguing that it affects equal access to medical education.
By once again reaffirming his opposition to NEET and advocating greater autonomy for state governments in educational matters, Vijay has added his voice to the ongoing national debate over the future of medical admissions and the balance of powers between the Centre and the states.
