Abolition Of Neet: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay tells Nilekani-led panel to scrap NEET, pushes Class 12 marks-based medical admissions
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 reiterated the state’s demand for the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) during a meeting with Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of the High Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms, at the Secretariat. The state government also pressed for scrapping NEET and similar entrance examinations for admission to higher education courses, maintaining that admissions should be based on students’ performance in Class 12 examinations.The meeting assumes importance as the Centre-appointed task force examines structural reforms in India’s public examination system, including the conduct of examinations, question paper security, institutional accountability and the use of technology. Tamil Nadu used the interaction to reiterate its opposition to a common medical entrance examination and put forward its case for a merit-based admission framework.According to a release cited by PTI, the state government reaffirmed its position on NEET and other similar examinations, arguing for admissions based on marks secured by students in their Class 12 examinations.
Tamil Nadu cites unanimous Assembly resolution against NEET
During the meeting, the Tamil Nadu government also referred to the State Legislative Assembly’s unanimous resolution against NEET, passed on August 11, 2026. The resolution reflects the state’s continued opposition to the national-level medical entrance examination and its demand for an alternative admission mechanism.The state government maintained that NEET and similar entrance tests should be scrapped and that students should be assessed on the basis of their performance in school examinations, particularly Class 12.The issue has remained a major point of contention between Tamil Nadu and the Centre, with the state repeatedly questioning the need for a common entrance examination for medical admissions. Its position centres on the argument that school examination performance should carry greater weight in determining admission to professional courses.
Nandan Nilekani-led task force examines examination reforms
The High Powered Task Force (HPTF) on Examination Reforms was constituted in August 2025 under the chairmanship of Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. It has been tasked with examining the existing examination framework and recommending comprehensive measures to strengthen the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, including those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).The task force is examining ways to strengthen institutional mechanisms, improve examination integrity, prevent security breaches and introduce appropriate technological interventions. Its broader mandate also covers examination infrastructure, accessibility, inclusion and student well-being.Among those who attended Wednesday’s meeting were IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti, former Union Education Secretary Anita Karwal and EkStep Foundation CEO Shankar Maruwada.The interaction provided the Tamil Nadu government an opportunity to place its concerns before the panel as it works on recommendations to reform the country’s examination system.
Nilekani pitches AI-generated question papers to prevent paper leaks
Separately, Nilekani has advocated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to address vulnerabilities in the examination process, particularly question paper leaks. In October, he proposed generating question papers on the day of the examination using AI and a large, secured question bank.Speaking at the Bloomberg Economic Forum, Nilekani argued that the circulation of a fixed question paper creates opportunities for malpractice and gives individuals an economic incentive to obtain and sell examination papers.He suggested maintaining a large repository of questions and using technology to generate the paper shortly before the examination. According to ANI, he said the approach could eliminate the commercial incentive associated with obtaining a particular question paper in advance.Nilekani also called for a transition towards a nationwide Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system, indicating that technology could play a larger role in improving examination security and administration.The task force’s recommendations are expected to address several aspects of examination management, from question paper preparation and delivery to infrastructure and institutional oversight. However, Tamil Nadu’s demand to abolish NEET raises a separate policy question about the structure of admissions to professional courses and the role of national-level entrance examinations.With the state reiterating its opposition before the examination reform panel, the debate over NEET, school-based merit and a common admission framework remains an important part of the wider discussion on India’s examination reforms.(With inputs from agencies)
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