On 13th September, the ruling party DMK presented legislation to abolish the NEET exam. The state government believes the NEET exam is an unfair means for the students seeking admission to medical colleges. A week later, on 20th September, the government released a 165-page report against entrance tests for professional courses. This report was released by a 9 member committee headed by retired judge of High court Mr. A.K. Rajan. Many reasons backing the abolition of NEET were given, which we shall discuss in detail now. Also, they suggested that the entrance to these professional courses like medical and engineering should be based on the marks scored in class 12th. What are your views on this? Share on the comments section below.
The undergrad course at Anna University is merit-based. For a master’s degree in this university, UGC NET, GATE, etc. are required. For a master’s abroad, the student will require an IELTS score, Anna University transcript, etc. Now the government is looking to incorporate admission to medical college on a merit basis. The report presented by Rajan states NEET exams fuel social injustice. The exam does not provide an equal playground to the poor and Tamil medium students. It says the number of students clearing NEET after the 2nd or 3rd attempt has increased from 12.47% in 2016-17 to 71.42% in 2020-21. That means a student who has appeared for the NEET exam multiple times has a better chance of clearing the exam. The exam and its preparation require a lot of money and therefore poor students get behind in clearing these exams. Also, the exam pattern favors CBSE students and therefore Tamil medium students have a hard time cracking the exams. Is it so?
If you want to pursue your master’s degree in Medical courses abroad, you will require your transcript certificate of your graduation course. And it is interesting to know that Rajan reports say the students with whom you will be studying abroad have a different approach for their graduation entrance exams. In countries like the UK and the USA, the students get admission to medical courses based on their school performance. The exams see how consistent they were in their academics, and also evaluate their writing and analytical skills. Rajan added, just like TNAPEI Act abolished CET, it has the right to abolish NEET in the state as well.
But if admission starts on a merit basis, will it be unfair to those who have good analytical skills but poor memory. Because mostly the students having high memory score well on boards. The education system tests memory of students and not the capability. So, if the good students can’t make it to good colleges, will they have to compromise with education from average colleges? Will they collect their transcript certificate and fly abroad for better education? Will we have a shortage of good medical professionals? Or will we be getting doctors who are excellent in their academics? Do share your views. Should exams like NEET be scrapped?