Karnataka Urged to Demand Centre Scrap NEET, NTA
Civil society representatives in Karnataka are urging the state government to push for the abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Testing Agency (NTA). They argue these centralized systems undermine federalism, educational autonomy, and social justice.
Key takeaways
- Karnataka civil society representatives have urged the state government to call for the scrapping of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- They argue that the centralized NEET system undermines federalism, educational autonomy, and social justice, disproportionately benefiting urban and economically stronger students.
- The representatives propose a return to state-based admissions using Class 12 marks, supplemented by a normalization process, and point to Tamil Nadu's similar legislative actions.
A coalition of civil society representatives in Karnataka has called upon the state government to pass a resolution during the upcoming legislative session. They propose that this resolution should urge the Union government to abolish the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), advocating for the restoration of states' authority over medical admissions.
What Happened
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Minister, signatories highlighted that the federally mandated NEET system has significant negative impacts on federal principles, educational self-governance, social equity, and equal opportunities. They noted that while education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, Section 14 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which enforces a uniform NEET for medical admissions, has significantly reduced the states' capacity to select students for medical education.
The representatives contend that a single examination cannot achieve genuine equality in a nation characterized by diverse school curricula, linguistic differences, rural-urban divides, and varied socio-economic conditions. This system, they argue, disproportionately favors students from affluent urban backgrounds who can afford intensive coaching. The current NEET structure diminishes the value of consistent academic performance throughout school years, subordinating it to the outcome of one exam. Consequently, students from government schools, rural areas, Kannada-medium institutions, and disadvantaged communities face systemic disadvantages.
Furthermore, the letter referenced recent controversies surrounding alleged question paper leaks, examination irregularities, and doubts about score accuracy, suggesting these issues have eroded public trust in the centralized testing framework. The signatories proposed that Karnataka should base medical college admissions on marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in II PU or Class 12 examinations, in addition to constitutionally mandated reservations. They suggested that discrepancies in evaluation standards across different education boards could be managed through a transparent and scientifically sound normalization process.
This alternative approach, they believe, would strengthen school-based learning, decrease reliance on private coaching centers, alleviate financial pressures on families, and reduce student stress. The representatives also pointed to the Tamil Nadu Assembly's successful passage of a bill to regulate undergraduate medical admissions, suggesting Karnataka could pursue similar legislation, reserving it for Presidential assent under Article 254(2) of the Constitution.
The group urged the government to engage in consultations with students, parents, educators, medical professionals, social justice advocates, and political parties. They also recommended coordinating efforts with other states that share opposition to NEET.
Key Facts
- A group of civil society representatives from Karnataka has urged the state government to pass a resolution calling for the scrapping of NEET and the NTA.
- They argue the NEET system negatively impacts federalism, educational autonomy, social justice, and equal opportunity.
- Education is on the Concurrent List of the Constitution (Entry 25, Seventh Schedule).
- Section 14 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, mandates NEET for medical admissions.
- Representatives claim NEET benefits students from wealthier, urban backgrounds and disadvantages those from government schools, rural areas, and disadvantaged communities.
- Concerns were raised about alleged question paper leaks and examination irregularities undermining public confidence in the NTA.
- Proposed alternative: medical admissions based on Class 12 marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with reservations.
- They referenced Tamil Nadu's legislative action on undergraduate medical admissions.
- The letter was signed by notable figures including retired Supreme Court judge Gopal Gowda and educationist V.P. Niranjanaradhya.
Background
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was established to standardize medical admissions across India, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) responsible for conducting the examination. The move to a single, national entrance exam was intended to streamline the admission process but has faced criticism regarding its impact on state autonomy and its perceived bias towards certain student demographics.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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