Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Retain Class XII Marks-Based BVSc Admissions, Opposes NEET

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure that admissions to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) course continue to be based on Class XII marks or admission criteria determined by individual State governments, instead of the proposed NEET-based system.

In a letter dated August 6, the Chief Minister objected to the Veterinary Council of India's proposal to introduce a Common Entrance Examination or, alternatively, use the NEET (UG)-2026 merit list for BVSc & AH admissions from the 2026-27 academic year onwards. He said the move would have serious implications for Tamil Nadu's long-standing admission policy.

Vijay argued that Tamil Nadu's admission system, based on Higher Secondary examination marks, has ensured equitable access to professional education for students from rural areas, government schools, economically weaker sections and socially disadvantaged communities.

He said the State had abolished the Common Entrance Examination for professional courses in 2007-08 and had consistently opposed centralised entrance tests such as NEET, contending that they favour students with access to coaching and greater financial resources.

The Chief Minister also cited past concerns over the conduct of NEET, including alleged irregularities and the 2024 question paper leak that led to a CBI investigation, saying it would be inappropriate to extend the examination to veterinary admissions.

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Maintaining that veterinary education is closely linked to the agricultural and rural economy of each State, Mr. Vijay said State governments should retain the authority to frame admission policies suited to their socio-economic conditions while upholding academic standards. He requested the Prime Minister to direct the Veterinary Council of India to review its decision and allow admissions to continue on the basis of Higher Secondary marks or criteria prescribed by the respective States.