Tamil Nadu CM Vijay renews call for MBBS admissions based on Class 12 marks

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has renewed the state's demand for exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), calling for admissions to state quota seats in medical, dental, and AYUSH courses to be based entirely on Class 12 marks.

The demand was raised at the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers from across the country.

Addressing the meeting, Vijay reiterated Tamil Nadu's long-standing opposition to the centralized medical entrance examination.

"The State is opposed to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses, as its introduction has affected students from rural and socio-economically disadvantaged families," he said.

He further urged, "The Government of Tamil Nadu may be permitted to fill all seats under the State quota in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses based solely on Class 12 marks."

The chief minister also outlined Tamil Nadu's broader development agenda, saying the state's vision is built around four key focus areas.

"This vision is anchored on four pillars: Youth, the Poor, Women and Farmers, and Tamil Nadu's priorities are closely aligned with each of them," he stated.

Emphasizing investments in education and employment, Vijay said, "Empowering India's youth is India's greatest strength, and Tamil Nadu will continue to invest in education, skills, innovation, and employment to harness this demographic dividend."

He proposed the launch of a large-scale skilling initiative aimed at improving employment opportunities for young people across the state.

"I envisage a Youth Skill and Employment Mission under which five lakh youth annually will receive stipend-supported internships and industry-linked training," he said.

The chief minister added that Tamil Nadu was seeking the Centre's assistance "to establish emerging technology skill centers in every district and to train five lakh youth in Artificial Intelligence, deep technology, cybersecurity, cloud computing, EV technology, and semiconductor-related sectors."

Calling for greater support for innovation and entrepreneurship, Vijay said, "We seek the Government of India's support in creating world-class start-up incubators, a venture capital ecosystem for deep-tech enterprises, and enhanced funding for applied research."

Highlighting the state's economic performance, he said, "Despite global uncertainties, Tamil Nadu, India's second-largest economy, continues to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth."

He added, "The State is working to become a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2036, reflecting the strength of our diversified economy and the productivity of our workforce, and underscoring our commitment to a developed India by 2047."

On healthcare infrastructure, Vijay sought approval for another All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the state.

"I also request that a second AIIMS for Tamil Nadu be sanctioned for Coimbatore, for which the State Government will provide the required land," he said.

The chief minister also highlighted the role of women in the state's development, saying women-led initiatives continue to drive social and economic progress.

He highlighted that Self-Help Groups have become "powerful instruments of community development and socio-economic transformation."