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Top NEET Performers’ Parents Challenge TVK Vijay’s Call For Abolition, Highlight Exam’s Value For Students

The Commune

The movement to abolish the NEET exam in Tamil Nadu had waned for some time as students and parents gradually accepted its benefits, especially its support for marginalized students and the additional 7.5% quota for government school students in Tamil Nadu. Initially, only the DMK used this issue for political gain. However, the call to abolish NEET was reignited recently by TVK chief Vijay during a program honoring toppers, which aligned with the DMK’s stance.

Critics, particularly parents, have condemned this political maneuvering, arguing that those advocating for NEET’s abolition are merely exploiting the issue for political gain, contrary to the widespread acceptance of the exam’s benefits among students and parents. Supporters of NEET argue that the exam remains necessary, a sentiment echoed by parents and students who participated in the 2024 NEET UG examination, where reports indicate improved performance among attendees.

On 3 July 2024, Vijay resonated (TVK) with the DMK, expressing opposition to the NEET medical examination. TVK chief Vijay said, “If you look at this NEET, it is a fact that the students in our Tamil Nadu, especially the rural areas, where the poor, the backward, the most backward, and the lower class, are all affected.” Therefore, the exam discriminates against state students and should be eliminated.

However, one of the parents of a top performer disagreed with TVK chief Vijay’s opinion on the same avenue. The parent speaking to the reporters stated that, “It’s true that the world is vast. First of all, life is not about only (passing) NEET, it is not about studying only that, there are many fields, you can get ahead in all fields, and whoever gives one hundred percent can get ahead. So, I think (they) should not create an illusion of NEET because there are a lot of things after that no one knows much about it.“

She further clarified that she does not agree with Vijay’s stance on NEET and expressed her support for continuing the exams. She emphasized that all students have adapted to the exam and are now participating in it. She questioned the need to demotivate students unnecessarily, especially after implementing a 7.5% reservation for government school students, noting that children easily adapt to change and should not be burdened with unnecessary pressure.

Previously, contrary to TVK Vijay’s stand, on the day of the NEET exam this year 2024, large crowds of parents were seen outside examination centers, causing heavy traffic congestion.

One parent Kavitha, hailing from Maittanpatty village in Madurai, spoke to a reporter and said, “This is our daughter’s second attempt. She didn’t succeed in her first attempt due to low marks. A girl from a village is eager to study and clear the exam. It is her second attempt, she studied in a government school. As far as I’m concerned, it’s good to have NEET because we’re poor and can’t afford to pay lakhs and join. NEET is common, if we pass, we’ll get the seat, otherwise we won’t. If there is no NEET, those of us who do not have ten lakhs, what do we do? We are farmers. Instead, we will arrange marriage for our daughter.” She took pride in her daughter’s resilience as she embarked on her second attempt, despite studying in Tamil medium. She was content with the fact that NEET allowed her daughter to take the exam in her preferred language. Additionally, she emphasized that NEET is advantageous for the economically disadvantaged, while only the affluent tend to oppose it.

Another student from Mannachanallur, Trichy, told to the reporters, “Last year I gave my first attempt, and this is my second attempt. After a year of self-study and coaching by myself, I’m writing this time. Botany and zoology were easy and like last year, Physics was a little tough, but chemistry was a bit better. What I am trying to say is that some are saying now that NEET should be exempted, (with hesitation). It is unnecessary because there is 7.5% reservation for government school students and because of that even the poor are becoming doctors, so NEET is very important.”

Afterward, she recommended that students focus on NCERT for their studies. She shared her own experience of attending a government school and highlighted the challenges her family faced in securing a private seat. With a score of 380 marks and the benefit of reservation, she emphasized how crucial it is for individuals to capitalize on reservation opportunities, as it could secure admission into government colleges.

Another student observed that the NEET exam has leveled the playing field for government school students aspiring to become doctors, and said, “Because of NEET, government school students could become doctors or else only private school (students) were becoming doctors because it was based on the marks, with the help of NEET many government schools students are entering medical colleges, this is a happy development.”

Contrary to claims that NEET is discriminatory and against social justice, numerous success stories from economically disadvantaged backgrounds refute such assertions. Each result day brings forth tales of perseverance and triumph from students hailing from underprivileged households, showcasing their resilience and determination. Two such instances from this year serve as compelling examples.

Subalakshmi, a student from Mayiladuthurai, soared in the NEET 2024 exam with an impressive score of 639 out of 720. Her achievement stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring students, as she emphasizes the importance of self-study over costly coaching centers. Despite facing financial constraints—her father works as a flower seller—Subalakshmi’s unwavering dedication led her to secure a seat in a government college. This success came after a previous attempt where she fell short and had to forego a private college due to exorbitant fees. Subalakshmi’s message resonates with many, affirming that NEET provides an equal opportunity for middle-class students like herself to pursue a career in medicine.

Similarly, Mamatha from Villupuran, whose parents work as an auto driver and a coolie, pursued her dream of becoming a doctor despite facing initial setbacks. With a one-year break dedicated to preparation, Mamatha’s persistence paid off as she achieved a score of 558 on her first attempt. Her journey is a testament to the notion that NEET, often perceived as daunting, is indeed conquerable. Hailing from a lower-middle-class background, Mamatha’s story inspires others to persevere, regardless of their economic status.

This year, Tamil Nadu witnessed a notable increase in its NEET pass percentage, reaching 58.4% compared to last year’s 54.4%. Moreover, the state surpassed the national average of 56.4%. Notably, a significant number of Tamil Nadu students secured positions within the top 100 ranks, with eight individuals from the state claiming the coveted All India Rank 1 in the NEET UG 2024 examination. This accomplishment reaffirms Tamil Nadu students’ exceptional academic prowess. In the previous year, Prabanjan J from Tamil Nadu emerged as a national joint topper, attaining a remarkable percentile of 99.99 alongside Bora Varun Chakravarthi from Andhra Pradesh.

In the current year, eight students—Syed Aarifin Yusuf M, Shailaja S, Aditya Kumar Panda, Sriram P, Rajaneesh P, Jayathi Poorvaja M, Rohith R, and Sabareesan S—from Tamil Nadu achieved a flawless 99.99 percentile, securing the topmost ranks. Notably, Syed Aarifin Yusuf M leads among male candidates, while Shailaja stands out as the top performer in the female category.

This year saw a notable rise in the number of NEET candidates, totaling 1,52,920—an increase of 8,404 from the previous year. Out of these, 89,426 candidates qualified in the NEET, marking an increase of 10,000 from the previous year. Additionally, 36,333 students took the exam in Tamil, showcasing the language’s popularity as a medium for examination.

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