DMK seeks complete removal of medical entrance test amid suicide concerns

During a Lok Sabha debate on July 28 in Chennai, DMK legislator Dayanidhi Maran urged the central government to scrap the National Eligibility‑cum‑Entrance Test (NEET) rather than merely reinforcing anti‑leak statutes. He argued that the test has become a catalyst for student distress, pointing to 107 recorded suicides linked to competitive exams nationwide, 93 of which involve NEET, and 26 in Tamil Nadu alone.

Maran highlighted that NEET disadvantages candidates from rural backgrounds, government schools and financially weaker sections, forcing them to seek expensive private tuition to remain competitive. He contended that this structural bias deprives meritorious students of rightful opportunities.

The government defended the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, stating that its purpose is to safeguard exam integrity through a Special Task Force, expedited investigations and a fast‑track court for leak‑related offenses.

The exchange underscored a deepening rift between the ruling coalition and the opposition over the future of medical admissions, with the DMK doubling down on its call for a total ban on NEET.