Archive · 24 Jul 2026
DMK Demands Medical Admissions Based on Class 12 Marks
The DMK, a political party in Tamil Nadu, is strongly against the NEET exam, which is used for medical college admissions in India.
They believe that medical seats should be given based on the marks students get in their Class 12 board exams.
The DMK spokesperson, T K S Elangovan, said that NEET is unfair because students who do well in school exams are not getting medical seats, while those who can afford expensive coaching centers are.
He also talked about a student named Anitha who scored high marks but was denied a seat and took her life.
Additionally, Elangovan criticized Karnataka's position on the Cauvery water dispute, saying that Karnataka should not stop water flow to Tamil Nadu and other lower riparian areas.
He warned that projects like the Mekedatu dam could cut off water supplies to these areas.
DMK demands medical admissions be based on Class 12 board marks instead of NEET.
NEET is criticized for favoring students who can afford expensive coaching centers.
Anitha, a high-scoring student, took her life after being denied a medical seat under NEET.
Approximately nine lakh candidates cleared NEET this year, but only 91,000 seats are available.
DMK criticizes Karnataka's position on the Cauvery water dispute, emphasizing riparian rights.
- Who
- DMK spokesperson T K S Elangovan
- What
- Demanded medical admissions be based on Class 12 board marks and criticized Karnataka's position on the Cauvery water dispute
- When
- Friday, July 24
- Where
- Chennai
- Why
- To highlight the structural inequality of the NEET exam and the impact on students, as well as to emphasize established riparian rights governing shared water resources
DMK's Stance on NEET
NEET Examination System
Basis for Medical Admissions
DMK's Stance on NEET
Medical admissions should be based strictly on Class 12 board marks to ensure fairness and meritocracy.
NEET Examination System
NEET ensures a standardized and fair examination process for medical admissions.
Impact on Students
DMK's Stance on NEET
NEET has killed the students' education in the school system, as consistent high scorers in school exams are denied medical seats.
NEET Examination System
NEET provides an equal opportunity for all students across the country to compete for medical seats.
Role of Coaching Centers
DMK's Stance on NEET
Students who pay huge sums to commercial coaching centers gain admission, highlighting structural inequality.
NEET Examination System
Coaching centers help students prepare for the competitive NEET exam, leveling the playing field.
- NEET
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical admissions
- Anitha
- A student from Ariyalur district who scored high in school finals but took her life after being denied a medical seat under NEET
- NEET Candidates
- Approximately nine lakh candidates cleared NEET this year
- Total Medical Seats
- Roughly 91,000 seats available
- Government College Seats
- Around 46,000 seats strictly follow merit ranks
- Private Institution Seats
- Remaining 43,000 seats often prioritize financial capacity over merit
- Cauvery Water Dispute
- Dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over water allocation
- Mekedatu Dam
- A proposed dam by Karnataka that could cut off water supplies to lower riparian areas
