Karnataka Plans to Scrap NEET Exam for Medical Admissions Amidst Controversy; New State Entrance Test Proposed

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Karnataka government introduces in-state medical entrance test for NEET UG and PG admission highlighting that NEET prrparation fees is not affordable for most of poor and rural students.

New Delhi: The Karnataka Government decided to launch its own entrance test instead of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions in the state. On July 22, 2024, the cabinet approved a proposal to remove NEET as the eligibility criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses.

New Entrance Test for Medical Courses

The NEET UG exam is conducted for MBBS and BDS course admissions, while NEET PG is for MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses nationwide. However, Karnataka proposes to introduce its own entrance test for medical course admissions if the bill passes during the ongoing session. The authorities argue that NEET disadvantages state-board students, as they are conducted unfairly in their home state.

Statement from Deputy Chief Minister

D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, emphasized the need for a state-specific entrance exam, saying, “The NEET exam must be scrapped immediately and union government must allow states to conduct their own exams. Karnataka has built colleges but the NEET exam is benefitting North Indian students and depriving our own students. We all have to unitedly fight against this.”

Tamil Nadu Introduces State-based Medical Admission

Karnataka followed Tamil Nadu, which proposed not considering NEET in June 2024 and introducing a state-based medical admission system based on Class 12 scores. Tamil Nadu officials argued that NEET preparation is unaffordable for many poor and rural students. Karnataka government’s decision comes after the NEET paper leak controversy and the cabinet approves the proposal to eliminate NEET and set up a new state entrance exam.

In addition to the NEET decision, the Karnataka cabinet proposed establishing the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to take over financial control from the current Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). They also plan to present a resolution against the "one nation, one election" policy to be laid before the assembly session on Tuesday or Wednesday.

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